Job Summary
The Maintenance Technician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of packaging equipment and facility systems within a sweet potato processing and packaging operation. This position ensures maximum equipment uptime by maintaining conveyor systems, electric motors, chain-driven equipment, sorting and packaging machinery, and Hagan camera inspection systems. The technician plays a critical role in supporting production efficiency, product quality, and workplace safety.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on conveyor systems, motors, gearboxes, bearings, chains, sprockets, belts, and packaging equipment.
- Troubleshoot and repair electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
- Maintain and service chain-driven conveyor systems used in sweet potato grading, sorting, and packaging operations.
- Diagnose equipment failures and implement timely repairs to minimize production downtime.
- Inspect, adjust, lubricate, and replace worn mechanical components.
- Support operation and maintenance of Hagan camera systems used for product inspection, grading, and quality control.
- Troubleshoot sensors, cameras, photo eyes, encoders, and automated controls associated with production equipment.
- Read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and equipment manuals.
- Assist with installation, start-up, and modification of production equipment and facility improvements.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, and preventive maintenance schedules.
- Ensure all maintenance activities comply with food safety, safety, and company standards.
- Work closely with production personnel to identify and resolve equipment performance issues.
- Maintain a clean and organized maintenance shop and work area.
- Participate in after-hours and weekend maintenance activities as required.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Technical training in industrial maintenance, electrical systems, mechatronics, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of 2 years of industrial maintenance experience preferred.
- Experience with conveyor systems, electric motors, chain drives, and automated packaging equipment.
- Familiarity with camera inspection systems, sensors, and quality control equipment preferred.
- Basic electrical troubleshooting skills, including motors, controls, relays, VFDs, and sensors.
- Ability to use hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, and diagnostic instruments.
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Physical Requirements
- Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces for extended periods.
- Ability to work around moving machinery and in a warehouse or processing environment.
- Must be able to work in varying temperatures and conditions common to an agricultural packaging facility.
Preferred Skills
- Knowledge of PLCs and automated control systems.
- Welding and fabrication experience.
- Experience in agricultural, food processing, or packaging environments.
- Understanding of OSHA safety requirements and food safety standards.
Work Schedule
- Full-time position.
- Overtime, weekends, and emergency call-ins may be required based on production needs.
Key Performance Expectations
- Maintain high equipment uptime and reliability.
- Complete preventive maintenance tasks on schedule.
- Reduce unplanned downtime through effective troubleshooting and repairs.
- Follow all safety and food quality requirements.
- Support efficient sweet potato packaging operations while maintaining product quality standards.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
