Maintenance Lead, Maintenance Technician ​/ Mechanic

Company Details

Darling Ingredients repurposes and recycles materials from the animal agriculture and food industries—transforming them into essential ingredients that feed animals, fertilize crops, fuel planes, and nourish people. We are the number one publicly traded company of our kind, operating a global family of brands and businesses across more than 260 facilities in over 15 countries. Our scale enables us to make entire industries less wasteful and more sustainable, helping move the world toward a more circular economy.

Full‑time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, including 401(k), health, dental and vision insurance, and paid time off.

Job Summary

The Maintenance Lead performs and supervises plant maintenance of rendering process equipment and ensures that equipment and buildings remain sanitary and in good repair with a direct report to the Plant Manager.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair process machinery and hydraulic equipment.
• Change electrical breakers and starters; operate voltage, amp, and ohm meters.
• Follow the preventative maintenance schedule on all plant equipment.
• Provide direction and leadership for the maintenance crew and daily activities.
• Train Level 1 and Level 2 maintenance personnel.
• Ensure all company safety procedures and safe operating standards are followed in accordance with OSHA.
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and conduct regular safety inspections.
• Manage daily inventory of supplies and parts, ensuring timely ordering of replacements.
• Attend scheduled safety meetings and may serve on the Safety Committee.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience supervising plant personnel in an industrial setting, or a combination of supervisory experience and related education.
• Proficient basic welding and fabrication skills.
• Demonstrated maintenance proficiency with industrial equipment and/or relevant vocational training.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Knowledge of industrial electrical, mechanical, and welding procedures.
• Prior rendering experience.
• Advanced welding experience or skills.
• Vocational school training.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Team player who works well with others.
• Detail‑oriented and well organized.
• Good math skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Frequent exposure to high noise levels, strong odors, and varying temperatures.

• Must handle bio‑hazardous conditions and potentially toxic or caustic chemicals with appropriate safety measures.

• Exposure to electrical hazards and risk of electric shock.

• Operate potentially dangerous equipment and use heights or ladders.

• Travel to off‑site locations may be required.

Physical demands include:

• Ability to sit, walk, use hands, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as needed.

• Ability to climb or balance on ladders.

• Regular lifting up to 50 pounds, occasionally up to 100 pounds.

Vision requirements:
No special vision requirements; standard vision is sufficient.

EEO Statement

Darling Ingredients is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military service, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local law. For more information, see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.