Maintenance Mechanic (Dry Ingredient / Packaging Equipment )

Position Summary

Vanns Spices is seeking an experienced Maintenance Mechanic to support production reliability in a dry ingredient and powder packaging environment.

This role is responsible for hands-on mechanical troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, equipment changeover support, and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing unplanned downtime.

The ideal candidate understands the mechanical demands of powder handling and high-speed packaging equipment and can independently diagnose and resolve issues to improve uptime, efficiency, and overall equipment reliability.

This is a floor-based, production-support role with direct impact on operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Troubleshooting & Repair

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on:
  • Volumetric bottle filling systems
  • Ribbon blenders
  • Labeling equipment
  • Capping systems
  • Sifter applicators
  • Conveyors and material handling systems
• Diagnose and repair mechanical failures involving:
  • Bearings, gearboxes, chains, sprockets, belts, and drive systems
  • Power transmission components
  • Conveyor timing and alignment
  • Mechanical feed systems and product flow challenges
• Support equipment startups and troubleshoot during production runs.

Changeover & Production Support

• Assist with mechanical aspects of line changeovers.
• Ensure equipment is properly set up, aligned, and functioning before production restart.
• Work collaboratively with Production to reduce changeover time and variability.
• Identify recurring mechanical adjustments that impact schedule attainment.

Preventive Maintenance & Facilities Support

• Execute scheduled preventive maintenance on production and facility equipment.
• Support facility PMs related to air systems, dust collection, and mechanical infrastructure.
• Maintain accurate documentation of work performed (RedZone or maintenance tracking system).
• Assist in maintaining spare parts inventory and mechanical readiness.

Downtime Reduction & Improvement

• Participate in root cause analysis for recurring mechanical failures.
• Support mechanical reliability projects aimed at reducing unplanned downtime.
• Recommend equipment modifications or adjustments to improve efficiency.
• Partner with Production and Leadership on uptime improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• 3–5 years of industrial maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting experience with packaging or processing equipment.
• Experience in powder or dry ingredient production environments strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with bottle filling, capping, labeling, blending, or conveyor systems.
• Demonstrated ability to support changeovers and improve mechanical reliability.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong safety and GMP awareness.

Experience in environments focused on OEE or uptime improvement is a plus.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Technical certification or formal training in mechanical or industrial maintenance is preferred.
• Experience in food manufacturing, packaging, or spice and herb processing environments strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with GMP, SQF, HACCP, or other food safety standards preferred.
• Experience working in dusty or food-grade production environments is a plus.

Work Expectations

• Floor-based role in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• May require early shifts, extended hours, or occasional weekend support as needed.
• Exposure to food-grade dust and spice odors.

Salary : $35 - $38