Light Industrial Maintenance Technician (1st Shift)

What are we looking for in our Maintenance Technician (1st Shift)?

Maintenance Technician
Pay range: 70,000.00 - 86,000.00 yearly
Location: Oak Creek, WI

Summary:
The Maintenance Technician will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of a new state-of-the-art baking facility. This individual will focus on maintaining and repairing equipment to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime. The ideal candidate will have expertise in mechanical, electrical, and automated systems and will actively contribute to the facility’s goals of operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Perform predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance tasks to ensure the reliability and efficiency of high-speed packaging and production equipment.
  • Troubleshoot and repair electrical, mechanical, and robotic systems to minimize downtime.
  • Execute maintenance activities in compliance with OSHA, SQF, and company safety standards.
  • Utilize CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) to log work orders, track maintenance schedules, and complete assignments efficiently.
  • Support root cause failure analyses (RCFA) to address recurring equipment issues and implement solutions. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as equipment uptime/downtime, response times, MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures), MTTR (Mean Time to Repair), and PM completion.

• Day-to-Day Essential Work:

  • Diagnose and resolve issues with equipment and systems, including safety circuits, conveyor belt systems, vacuum conveyor systems, closed-loop refrigeration systems, heated sealers, motors, gearboxes, VFDs, and PLC-controlled systems.
  • Conduct regular equipment inspections to ensure compliance with safety, quality, and operational standards.
  • Document maintenance activities, including repairs, adjustments, and downtime, in the CMMS system for accurate record-keeping and analysis.
  • Ensure proper lubrication, alignment, and adjustment of mechanical systems.
  • Support production teams during equipment setup, changeovers, and adjustments to minimize downtime and ensure smooth transitions.
  • Collaborate with team members and cross-functional departments to maintain seamless production operations.
  • Regularly clean and lubricate machinery to prevent wear and tear and extend equipment life.
  • Ensure all tools and spare parts are organized and properly maintained to facilitate efficient maintenance operations.
  • Assist in maintaining critical spares inventory by monitoring usage and reporting shortages.
  • Participate in daily meetings and huddles to communicate equipment status, planned maintenance activities, and improvement suggestions.
  • Test safety systems and controls to verify compliance with regulatory standards and company policies.
  • Assist with audits and inspections by providing detailed reports on equipment maintenance and performance.

• Occasional Work:

  • Participate in Kaizen events to identify and implement opportunities for process and equipment improvement, driving efficiency and cost savings.
  • Conduct 5 Whys analyses and other problem-solving methodologies to determine the root cause of recurring equipment issues and implement corrective actions.
  • Support the commissioning and testing of new equipment, ensuring it meets performance and safety standards.
  • Participate in cross-functional projects aimed at improving overall plant performance, including energy efficiency and waste reduction initiatives.
  • Develop and document maintenance-related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent execution of tasks.
  • Assist with training programs for new hires or team members to share expertise in troubleshooting and maintaining equipment.

• Value-Added Work:

  • Actively contribute to a "Zero Loss Mindset" by identifying and eliminating potential sources of equipment inefficiencies.
  • Support cross-departmental collaboration by working closely with operations, quality, sanitation, and distribution teams to maintain a safe and efficient production process.
  • Participate in team initiatives to enhance Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) practices, including Autonomous Maintenance and Planned Maintenance activities.
  • Mentor and guide less experienced team members, fostering knowledge sharing and building technical expertise across the team.
  • Provide suggestions for continuous improvement in maintenance practices and equipment reliability to drive operational excellence.
  • Document and share lessons learned from maintenance activities to enhance team performance and prevent recurrence of issues.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Technical Expertise:

  • Experience with electrical, mechanical, and automated systems, particularly in high-speed packaging environments. Knowledge of TPM, RCM, RCFA, and PMO is essential.

• Mechanical Systems:

  • In-depth knowledge of mechanical components, including gears, shafts, bearings, and pneumatic systems.
  • Skilled in using tools such as calipers, micrometers, and dial indicators for troubleshooting.
  • Hands-on experience in repairing pumps, compressors, and other rotating equipment.

• Electrical Systems:

  • Proficient in troubleshooting AC/DC motors, motor controls, and power distribution systems.
  • Familiarity with PLC diagnostics and basic ladder logic programming (Siemens, Allen Bradley).
  • Ability to diagnose and repair faults in motor starters, circuit breakers, and transformers.

• Automation Systems:

  • Basic understanding of robotic systems, including industrial robotic arms and motion controls.
  • Knowledge of variable frequency drives (VFDs) and their configuration.

• Preventive Maintenance:

  • Troubleshooting and Diagnostics: Skilled at diagnosing mechanical failures in pumps, compressors, motors, and other rotating equipment. Ability to use tools like calipers, micrometers, and dial indicators for mechanical troubleshooting.
  • Repair and Replacement: Hands-on experience with disassembly and reassembly of mechanical components, including motors, gearboxes, and hydraulic systems. Experience with alignment of shafts and other rotating equipment.

Education & Experience:

• Minimum of 2+ years of hands-on maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in high-speed food production or packaging.
• Proven expertise in troubleshooting and repairing electrical, mechanical, and automated systems, including robotic and PLC-controlled equipment.
• Familiarity with Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) practices and other reliability-centered maintenance methodologies.
• Experience with CMMS software for work order management, preventive maintenance scheduling, and tracking maintenance performance metrics.
• Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams) and implement solutions to recurring issues.
• High school diploma or GED required; technical certification or associate degree in industrial maintenance, electrical engineering, mechatronics, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Advanced technical training or certifications (e.g., PLC programming, robotics, electrical systems, vibration analysis, or lubrication) are a plus.
• Ongoing commitment to professional development, with a willingness to complete training on new technologies and industry advancements.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and computer-based applications.
• Strong proficiency in mathematical concepts and applications.
• Proficiency in English both in written and oral communication.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Considered a Plus:

• Bilingual English & Spanish is a plus.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Engagement with employees in the plant is required but some work will be in an office environment.
• 9-hour shifts, some weekend shifts.
• Required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 10lbs, frequently lift and/or move up to 25lbs, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50lbs.
• Exposure to potential hazards owing to the nature and variety of work, including compressed air lines, grinding, cutting, and welding equipment.
• Exposure to heat, cold, confined spaces, noise, greases, oils, and dust.

To provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions here, will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. our company does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, arrest record, conviction record, disability, religion, veteran status, or any other protected characteristics as specified by local, state, provincial, or federal law.

Rate/Salary: 70,000.00 - 86,000.00 yearly