Maintenance Technician

Company Overview

Primal Pet Group is a leader in premium raw nutrition for dogs and cats, producing high-quality raw foods, treats, chews, and supplements made with carefully selected ingredients. Founded on the belief that pets thrive on diets inspired by nature, our mission is to improve the health, happiness, and well-being of pets through safe, nutritious, and biologically appropriate foods.

We are seeking dependable, motivated, and team-oriented individuals who share our passion for pets and excellence in manufacturing to join our growing team in Abilene, Texas. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where safety, quality, and continuous improvement are valued, we'd love to hear from you.

Position Summary

The Maintenance Mechanic is responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining production and packaging equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations. This position performs preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and related systems while supporting production goals and minimizing equipment downtime.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience, skills, and technical capabilities
• Night shift and weekend differential pay available
• Company-provided tools and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Opportunities for training, development, and career growth

Schedule

• Monday–Friday, 5-day workweek
• 8-hour shifts
• Must be willing to work overtime, including extended daily hours and occasional weekend shifts, based on business needs
• Flexibility to work various shifts as required

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspect, troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and production equipment failures.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance activities to maximize equipment reliability and operational efficiency.
• Respond promptly to production requests for routine, corrective, and emergency maintenance support.
• Plan, prioritize, and manage multiple repair and maintenance assignments to ensure timely completion.
• Maintain and repair production and packaging equipment using approved procedures, safety standards, and best maintenance practices.
• Identify and implement practical repair solutions to minimize equipment downtime while maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Initiate and coordinate replacement parts requests and assist with inventory control as needed.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance activities, including inspections, cleaning, lubrication, adjustments, alignments, and component replacement.
• Read and interpret work orders, technical manuals, equipment drawings, schematics, and maintenance documentation.
• Assist with equipment installations, modifications, upgrades, and continuous improvement projects.
• Safely operate welding equipment, grinders, saws, sanders, power tools, and hand tools.
• Support maintenance housekeeping standards by maintaining clean, organized, and safe work areas.
• Follow all company safety policies, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), food safety, GMP, and PPE requirements.
• Communicate equipment status, maintenance activities, and operational concerns effectively across shifts and departments.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and maintenance teams to support plant performance goals.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and complete required documentation.
• Maintain regular, punctual, and dependable attendance.

Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of maintenance mechanic experience in a manufacturing, food production, packaging, or industrial environment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems.
• Ability to safely use diagnostic and testing equipment, including multimeters, digital tachometers, and digital thermometers.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance programs and equipment reliability practices.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced production environment.
• PLC troubleshooting and basic automation experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with stainless steel welding, machining, lathes, and milling equipment is a plus.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing equipment and food safety requirements preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work in industrial environments for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures and manufacturing conditions.
• Ability to safely perform maintenance work at heights and in confined spaces when required.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
• Frequent exposure to moving mechanical equipment, noise, vibration, and temperature fluctuations.
• Regular use of personal protective equipment and adherence to all safety, food safety, and quality standards.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and productive workplace.

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