The Maintenance Technician is responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining food processing and packaging equipment to support safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations. This role performs mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and basic electrical maintenance on production equipment and supports plant utility systems including refrigeration and steam as assigned. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Mechanical Maintenance & Equipment Repair 

• Troubleshoot and repair food processing equipment including stuffers, grinders, mixers, vacuum pumps, packaging equipment, conveyors, ovens, and multivac systems. 

• Perform preventative maintenance tasks including lubrication, chain and belt replacement, filter changes, and equipment inspection. 

• Install and replace mechanical components including belts, chains, valves, gears, bearings, and filters. 

• Rebuild and repair valves, pumps, gearboxes, and other mechanical assemblies. 

• Diagnose and repair pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical equipment failures. 

• Perform repairs related to machine guarding, mechanical wear, plumbing, and equipment breakdowns. 

• Weld and fabricate machine components as needed to support equipment repairs. 

• Install and set up equipment including alignment and leveling of machinery. 

• Connect and maintain equipment utilities including air, water, and gas connections. 

Refrigeration & Utility System Support 

• Assist with monitoring and basic maintenance of ammonia refrigeration systems. 

• Maintain working knowledge of steam and boiler systems supporting plant operations. 

• Support troubleshooting of refrigeration or utility-related equipment issues when assigned. 

• Assist with inspections and preventative maintenance activities related to plant utility systems. 

Preventative Maintenance & Compliance 

• Complete assigned preventative maintenance tasks and equipment inspections according to maintenance schedules. 

• Document maintenance activities and accurately complete work orders and repair records. 

• Maintain equipment in safe working condition and compliant with safety standards. 

• Follow all Safety procedures including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO). 

• Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and all applicable food safety standards. 

• Follow all environmental and regulatory procedures including ISO 14001 requirements. 

• Communicate equipment issues or repair needs to maintenance leadership. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. 

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and 1+ years of related experience and/or training in an industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing environment; or 4 years’ direct experience in an industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing maintenance environment. 

• Vocational Diploma, Technical Diploma or associate’s degree from technical maintenance or vocational school, a plus. 

• Ability to function effectively in a team environment and interact productively with all levels of team personnel and outside contractors. 

• Ability to operate a forklift, genie lift or scissor lift.  

• Can understand and follow oral and written instructions. 

• Ability to read and interpret the following; equipment manuals, schematics, and maintenance documentation. 

• Ability to complete maintenance reports and work orders accurately. 

• Ability to receive and relate direction/information using various communication devices. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. 

• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area. 

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds 

• Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. 

• Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. 

EEO/AA Information 

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veteran status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law. 

IndSPR-M/E