The Maintenance Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and improving manufacturing equipment and facility systems to ensure safe, efficient, and uninterrupted production of equipment used in the dairy industry. This position supports production operations through preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, equipment installations, and continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Equipment Maintenance & Repair

• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on production machinery, welding equipment, CNC machines, laser cutters, press brakes, conveyors, and assembly equipment.
• Diagnose equipment failures and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Repair or replace defective components, including motors, bearings, drives, pumps, valves, sensors, and control systems.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, technical manuals, and wiring diagrams.

Facility Maintenance

• Maintain facility infrastructure including HVAC systems, compressed air systems, water systems, lighting, and building equipment.
• Conduct routine inspections of plant equipment and facilities to identify potential issues.
• Assist with facility upgrades, equipment moves, and new equipment installations.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all OSHA, company safety policies, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and machine guarding requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Participate in safety meetings and incident investigations as required.
• Ensure maintenance activities support food-grade manufacturing and quality requirements.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, performance, and maintenance processes.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action efforts.
• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist in developing and updating preventive maintenance procedures.

Documentation

• Complete maintenance work orders accurately and on time using the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Document repairs, parts usage, equipment history, and downtime events.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and inventory transactions.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical degree, apprenticeship, or certification in Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Electrical Systems, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot industrial equipment using diagnostic tools and test equipment.
• Strong understanding of preventive maintenance principles.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
• Basic computer skills and experience using CMMS software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in metal fabrication or industrial equipment manufacturing.
• Experience with CNC machinery, robotics, PLC troubleshooting, and automated systems.
• Welding and fabrication experience.
• Forklift, aerial lift, or rigging experience.
• Certifications in industrial maintenance, electrical systems, or related trades.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of safety regulations and maintenance best practices.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, climb, kneel, and reach throughout the shift.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and occasionally more with assistance.
• Work at heights, in confined spaces, and around moving machinery when required.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, or on-call schedules as needed.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing environment producing stainless-steel and other equipment used by dairy processors.
• Exposure to machinery, noise, welding operations, and varying temperatures.
• Requires adherence to safety, quality, and housekeeping standards.

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $30 - $36 per hour.  GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States. The pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary.  The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons.  You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

Please note: This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.

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