Maintenance Mechanic - Automation 1st Shift

Maintenance Mechanic - Automation 1st Shift

Title: Maintenance Mechanic - Automation

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Director of Manufacturing

Supervises: n/a

Travel: As needed (minimal)

Department: Maintenance Department

Job Purpose:

This role is primarily responsible for ensuring the continuous, reliable, and optimal operation of all plant equipment, facilities, and automation systems. The Mechanic will execute building and grounds maintenance and mechanical repair while applying expertise in PLC troubleshooting, control systems, and process optimization to maximize production line efficiency, reduce downtime, and maintain strict safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Troubleshoot and Repair:
  Perform hands‑on inspection, repair, installation, and maintenance of mechanical systems and general building facilities equipment (e.g., Metal detectors, Conveyor Belts, Baggers, Pumps, Mixers, Sealers, and Scales).
• Preventive Maintenance:
  Execute and contribute to the improvement of preventive maintenance programs for both mechanical systems and basic automation/control systems.
• System Diagnostics:
  Assist employees with diagnosing malfunctions in general machinery and equipment, performing root cause analysis and final fixes on industrial machinery.
• System Interpretation:
  Interpret instructions, specifications, and blueprints/schematics (both mechanical and electrical) for equipment installation, operation, and repairs.
• Facilities:
  Perform a range of mechanical duties, including working with gear reducers, conveyor belts, bearings, fluid power systems (hydraulic/pneumatic), and basic metalworking/fabrication.
• Compliance:
  Adhere to all safety, housekeeping, environmental rules, and food safety regulations.

• Electrical/Controls Troubleshooting:
  Troubleshoot, maintain, and install electrical controls for industrial machinery. This includes working with PLCs (reading/analyzing logic), VFDs, HMIs, motor control circuits, discrete I/O, and 3‑phase/single‑phase electrical distribution systems.
• System Optimization:
  Collaborate with the maintenance manager and engineering to identify and implement opportunities for process optimization and minor automation enhancements to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Control Support:
  Provide basic training and technical support to operators and production staff on the use and basic troubleshooting of automation and control systems.
• Documentation:
  Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, and basic modifications/upgrades to both mechanical and control systems.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 3‑5+ years of progressive experience in an Industrial Maintenance and/or Automation/Controls role, preferably in food production or manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of control systems, instrumentation, and automation equipment (e.g., PLCs, HMIs, VFDs).
• Expertise in PLC troubleshooting and maintenance (preferably Allen‑Bradley), with the ability to read and analyze logic.
• Thorough working knowledge of all electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic/pneumatic systems.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards and compliance requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret both mechanical and electrical/instrumentation schematics.
• Experience with Continuous Improvement methodologies (e.g., TPM, Lean) is a plus.
• Education &
  
  Skills:
  
  High School Degree Required;
  Associate degree or Electrical/Mechanical/PLC certification preferred.
• Analytical and mechanically inclined with excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills;
  Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Physical Demands:

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and frequently bend and move about the facility.
• Frequently required to lift to 55 pounds (anything over 55 lbs, team lift).
• Must be able to climb ladders and maneuver in small spaces.

Personal Protective Equipment: This position's performance requires exposure to the manufacturing and warehouse areas that may require personal protective equipment under certain conditions.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here represent those employee encounters while…