Equipment Maintenance Specialist

Location: Meriden, CT

Reports to: Sr Director of Operations

Role type: Full-time, hourly

Shift: Tuesday - Saturday

About Pop Up Bagels

Pop Up Bagels  is not just a bagel company—we’re a cultural movement. Our stores are small, our vibes are loud, and our energy is contagious. From signature neon and iconic bullhorns to our “Not Famous but Known” mirror, we’ve imagined not just how a bagel is created, but how it’s enjoyed:
Grip, Rip and Dip! With a cult-like following, massive social presence, and unparalleled collaborations with top companies, partners and Brand Ambassadors, Pop Up Bagels  is defining a new food lifestyle brand. We keep things simple, but we do them really, really well. And our customers agree.

About The Role

The Equipment Maintenance Specialist is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and optimizing bagel production and packaging equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and uninterrupted operations. This role plays a critical part in supporting continuous manufacturing processes by ensuring equipment reliability, minimizing downtime, and maintaining machinery in excellent working conditions.

The ideal candidate brings strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting expertise, experience working with high-speed production equipment, and a proactive mindset focused on preventive maintenance and operational excellence. This individual takes pride in maintaining equipment to like-new condition and contributes to a safe, clean, and high-performing production environment.

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic issues on bakery production and packaging equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance on production machinery to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Replace and repair mechanical components including bearings, sprockets, chains, motors, belts, gearboxes, and related assemblies.
• Troubleshoot and repair high-speed packaging equipment, including conveyors, sealing equipment, labeling machines, and automated production systems.
• Perform electrical troubleshooting on control systems, motors, sensors, PLC-controlled equipment, and high-voltage electrical systems as needed.
• Respond quickly and effectively to equipment breakdowns to minimize production downtime.
• Assist with equipment setup, changeovers, calibration, and adjustments to support production schedules.
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs, repair documentation, and preventative maintenance records.
• Perform general facility maintenance including basic plumbing, electrical, and structural repairs.
• Assist with refrigeration system maintenance and troubleshooting, as applicable.
• Follow all safety protocols, lockout/tagout procedures, and company safety standards.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized maintenance workspace.
• Identify and report safety risks, equipment concerns, or operational improvement opportunities.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to equipment performance and reliability.

• Minimum of 5 years of maintenance experience in a continuous manufacturing environment (food manufacturing preferred).
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting and repairing high-speed production and packaging equipment.
• Strong electrical troubleshooting experience, including motors, control systems, and high-voltage equipment.
• Experience replacing and repairing mechanical components including bearings, sprockets, chains, gearboxes, belts, and motors.
• Technical training, trade school certification, or associate degree in Industrial Maintenance, Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology, or related field. (preferred)
• Experience in food manufacturing, bakery manufacturing, or similar production environments. (preferred)
• Refrigeration system troubleshooting and maintenance experience. (preferred)
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and repair abilities.
• Knowledge of industrial maintenance best practices and preventive maintenance programs.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize maintenance tasks in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to respond effectively to urgent equipment issues and production…