The Maintenance Technician is responsible for troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and repair of food manufacturing and packaging equipment, supporting safe, compliant, and efficient plant operations. This role maintains mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and basic PLC controlled systems in a GMP environment, supports equipment installations and line changeovers, and partners with production and engineering to reduce downtime and improve reliability.
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RESPONSIBILITIES
• Perform all work in compliance with food safety, GMP, OSHA, and HACCP requirements, maintaining a clean, safe, and audit ready production environment.
• Execute preventive and corrective maintenance on food processing, blending, conveying, and packaging equipment, including fillers, conveyors, motors, pumps, and ancillary systems.
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical and controls-related issues, including AC/DC motors, VFDs, sensors, safety circuits, and basic PLC controlled equipment within skill level.
• Support PLC based systems by diagnosing faults, verifying I/O, interpreting ladder logic (read only), and working with engineers or integrators on automation issues.
• Assist with equipment installation, line modifications, and upgrades, including utilities such as electrical, compressed air, gas, and vacuum systems.
• Perform changeovers and startup support, ensuring equipment is properly set, tested, and released for food production.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, mechanical drawings, and OEM manuals to support effective troubleshooting.
• Participate in continuous improvement, reliability, and process improvement initiatives, including root cause analysis and downtime reduction efforts.
• Support food safety and safety teams, audits, and corrective actions related to maintenance activities.
• Operate forklifts, scissor lifts, ladders, and work safely at heights as required.
• Perform basic fabrication and repair using stick or TIG welding as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.
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QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent; technical or trade training preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment, with food or CPG manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Food Manufacturing Knowledge: Working knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, sanitation standards, and allergen awareness.
• Technical Skills:
o Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills
o Experience working around PLC controlled equipment, VFDs, sensors, and industrial automation systems
o Ability to safely diagnose issues and escalate programming changes to engineering or controls partners
• Maintenance Systems: Experience with PM programs and maintaining equipment to ensure uptime, food safety, and reliability.
• Communication: Ability to work cross functionally with production, quality, and engineering teams.
• Language: Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus, not required.
• Travel: None.
About Surestaff At Surestaff, we are dedicated to helping individuals unlock their career potential through meaningful job opportunities. As a leading staffing agency in the light industrial and manufacturing space, we pride ourselves on connecting talent with top employers across the Midwest and Southeast. We understand that finding the right job is about more than just a paycheck – it's about finding the opportunity that fits your skills, goals, and lifestyle. Here are the benefits you’ll enjoy when you partner with us:
- Access to a wide range of job opportunities
- Competitive pay
- Health and Wellness Programs (including EAP)
- Medical benefits including medical, vision, dental, and prescriptions
- Electronic weekly pay
- Employee Advocacy & Personalized Job Support
Surestaff also follows all applicable state and local laws regarding sick time, paid time off, and retirement savings programs. Surestaff is an equal opportunity employer. Notice Regarding the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Employment DecisionsIn accordance with state mandates, we are providing this notice to inform all applicants and employees that artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used at various stages of our employment processes. This may include recruitment, screening, hiring, promotion, or other employment?related evaluations.AI tools may assist in reviewing application materials, assessing qualifications, or supporting decision?making. These tools do not replace human judgment; rather, they are used to support consistent and efficient evaluation.Our commitment to speed-to-hire means we work efficiently to get you placed in the right role, fast. If you're ready to take control of your career, explore exciting opportunities, and gain experience that lasts, then Surestaff is the place for you. Let’s get started today!