Company Overview

Upchurch is a rapidly growing, full-service building engineering company providing mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services across the southeastern United States. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Horn Lake, MS, Upchurch has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, establishing a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and service excellence. We offer end-to-end solutions—from design and installation to ongoing maintenance and emergency support—helping clients maximize building performance, energy efficiency, and equipment lifespan.

Millwright – Food Processing Plant

Position Summary

Upchurch is seeking an experienced and dependable Millwright Laborer to support mechanical maintenance and repair operations within a food processing and manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing industrial machinery and mechanical equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience working with industrial equipment, strong mechanical troubleshooting skills, and the ability to perform maintenance and repairs in an active production environment. This role requires a strong commitment to workplace safety, equipment reliability, food safety standards, and minimizing production downtime.

Essential Duties

• Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair industrial machinery and mechanical equipment, including conveyors, pumps, motors, gearboxes, bearings, and drive systems, to maintain reliable plant operations.

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on production equipment to reduce unexpected breakdowns, extend equipment life, and minimize production downtime.

• Install, assemble, align, and adjust machinery and mechanical components using hand tools, power tools, precision measuring instruments, and manufacturer specifications to ensure proper equipment operation.

• Diagnose mechanical failures involving belts, chains, bearings, shafts, couplings, and other mechanical components to identify root causes and complete effective repairs.

• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, equipment manuals, schematics, and technical specifications to accurately perform installations, adjustments, and repairs.

• Support production operations by responding to equipment breakdowns, performing timely repairs, and coordinating with plant personnel to restore equipment functionality.

• Follow established safety and sanitation procedures, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), personal protective equipment (PPE), and applicable food safety requirements, to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.

• Document maintenance activities, equipment repairs, and identified deficiencies while communicating equipment conditions and repair needs to supervisors and plant personnel.

Qualification Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in industrial mechanical maintenance, millwright work, or a closely related field.

• Hands-on experience troubleshooting and repairing industrial machinery and mechanical equipment.

• Working knowledge of mechanical systems, including motors, pumps, conveyors, bearings, gearboxes, belts, chains, and drive assemblies.

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, schematics, technical manuals, and equipment specifications.

• Experience using hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring instruments.

• Working knowledge of industrial safety procedures, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) and safe equipment maintenance practices.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced industrial environment.

• Ability to work assigned shifts, including weekends and holidays, as required by plant operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working as a Millwright or Industrial Maintenance Mechanic in a food processing, packaging, or manufacturing facility.

• Experience maintaining and repairing food production and packaging equipment.

• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food processing sanitation requirements.

• Experience with hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

• Experience performing mechanical alignment, equipment installation, and machinery rebuilds.

• Basic welding, fabrication, and metalworking experience.

• Experience using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).

• Millwright certification, industrial maintenance training, or completion of a recognized apprenticeship program.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose and resolve equipment failures.

• Knowledge of industrial machinery, mechanical drive systems, and preventive maintenance practices.

• Ability to identify worn or damaged mechanical components and determine appropriate corrective actions.

• Proficiency in using mechanical tools, diagnostic equipment, and precision measuring instruments.

• Understanding of hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical power transmission systems.

• Ability to work safely around moving machinery, industrial equipment, and active production operations.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to completing repairs accurately and efficiently.

• Effective communication and teamwork skills when coordinating with maintenance personnel, supervisors, and production teams.

• Ability to prioritize repairs and maintenance activities in response to operational needs.

• Willingness to follow facility-specific food safety, sanitation, and equipment cleanliness requirements.

Physical Requirements

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily within an active industrial food processing and manufacturing facility.

• Regular exposure to industrial machinery, moving equipment, noise, vibration, and varying temperatures.

• May be required to work in refrigerated, heated, humid, or wet environments depending on plant operations.

• Exposure to cleaning and sanitation chemicals may occur.

Physical Movement

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and reaching throughout the work shift.

• Ability to work from ladders, platforms, or elevated work areas while following applicable safety procedures.

• May be required to work in confined or restricted spaces when properly trained and authorized.

Lifting & Material Handling

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently, with appropriate assistance or mechanical lifting equipment for heavier loads.

• Frequent pushing, pulling, positioning, and handling of tools, mechanical components, and equipment.

Manual Dexterity

• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate tools, handle mechanical components, and perform detailed equipment repairs.

• Ability to perform repetitive mechanical tasks and precision adjustments.

Vision & Hearing

• Adequate vision to inspect machinery, read technical documents, identify equipment defects, and perform detailed mechanical repairs.

• Ability to hear equipment alarms, operational signals, and verbal instructions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Travel & Schedule

• Primarily assigned to a designated food processing facility, with occasional travel to other locations as operationally required.

• Must be available to work assigned shifts, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed to support plant operations.

Safety

• Required to follow all company and facility safety policies, including PPE, lockout/tagout, machine guarding, and applicable food safety and sanitation procedures.

• Must comply with established maintenance and safety protocols when working on or around production equipment.

Benefits:

• Competitive pay based on experience.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid time off and holiday pay.

• Opportunities for professional development and certification assistance.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Upchurch Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.