Maintenance Technician

About POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

• Competitive BONUS opportunities - up to SIX bonuses per year (Quarterly Profit Sharing & Value Share)
• Paid time off and paid holidays - 40 hours of PTO available on Day 1, on top of a biweekly PTO accrual program!
• Comprehensive benefits package;
  Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• 401K with company match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
• Discounted home and auto insurance
• Multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• Family-first culture
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for the safe and efficient repair, preventative maintenance, and cleaning of all equipment associated with plant processes. Team members in this position will also perform maintenance tasks on all plant equipment and communicate any issues to the management team. Maintenance Technicians should be knowledgeable of process flow, computerized equipment, and aware of hazards associated with the process, while executing standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Coordinate work functions with fellow team members and other departments within POET.
• Maintain boiler and cooling tower systems including water testing and adjusting.
• Maintain all plant equipment including: centrifuges (decanters and corn oil), pumps, motors, gearboxes, minor electrical systems, PLCs, heat exchangers, compressors, grain handling equipment, and fans or blowers.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and perform Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) functions.
• Operate, maintain, and clean the water filtration equipment.
• Use DCS (Distributed Control System) as needed.
• Use Maximo to coordinate and order materials and document all maintenance tasks and spare part inventory.
• Work with management to solve problems and fix unsafe conditions, using plant process knowledge.
• Operate equipment such as telehandler, skid steers, tractors, ATVs, pay loaders, and forklifts.
• Perform welding, cutting, and fabrication on plant and structural equipment; handle concrete work including forms, pouring, and finishing.
• Maintain a clean facility and follow the sanitation schedule.
• Train new team members and foster safe behavior and environmental compliance.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; secondary education and/or certifications preferred.
• Documented successful performance as a Maintenance Technician I or equivalent work experience.
• Experience with fabrication, welding, cutting, repair of pumps, gearboxes, airlocks, fans/blowers, agitator assemblies, valves; boiler operations and water chemistry; material handling systems, preventive maintenance practices, and instrument/electrical work.
• Experience with concrete work, hydraulics, pneumatic and fluid processes, and ability to read schematic drawings helpful.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills; embrace change.
• Ability to understand technical and day‑to‑day operation of a bioprocessing facility.
• Basic Microsoft Office Suite skill; willing to learn new programs.

Work environment includes plant, laboratory, and office settings with exposure to noise, moving mechanical parts, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes. Must pass a drug screen and random drug/alcohol testing. Must wear PPE such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, and necessary personal protective equipment. Activities include operating heavy machinery and equipment, awkward postures, lifting up to specific weights, and working at extreme heights.

POET offers recognition of team member contributions, incentive‑based title progression, and encourages internal development. New titles and pay are determined based on qualifications. Leadership supports skill development, goal achievement, and value creation.

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.