Technician, R&D - Pilot Plant Maintenance

Job Description 

Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing assigned mechanical and/or electrical maintenance work on machinery and equipment to ensure effective performance and reliability in line with the maintenance schedule. This role includes preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance activities, using technical documentation, drawings, manuals, fault information, and knowledge of the equipment to assess and execute the appropriate maintenance approach. The Maintenance Technician supports ongoing equipment reliability through inspection, repair, overhauls, upgrades, and installation work, while contributing to continuous improvement in maintenance practices and preventive maintenance programs. 

In addition to the responsibilities outlined below, team members are expected to understand how their individual activities contribute to food safety and to promptly report any situation that could affect the safety or integrity of our food products. 

Statement of the Job: 

Ability to carry out maintenance tasks in compliance with pilot plant and organization policies and standards. The position requires the following capability: 

• Execute assigned mechanical and/or electrical maintenance work, including preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance, on machinery and equipment. 

• Perform maintenance activities based on work orders, fault reports, production team requirements, technical documentation, drawings, manuals, and working knowledge of machines and equipment. 

• Conduct regular inspections of machinery, devices, and installations in accordance with the maintenance plan to assess technical condition. 

• Diagnose equipment issues and determine appropriate maintenance actions within assigned scope. 

• Perform repairs, part replacements, and equipment adjustments to maintain or improve operational efficiency. 

• Support or perform work on overhauls, upgrades, and new equipment installations as assigned. 

• Assist in the development of preventive maintenance programs, work practices, and maintenance routines. 

• Record intervention activities, complete required documentation and reporting, and share learnings to improve preventive maintenance programs and work practices. 

• Input and execute maintenance work orders. 

• Conduct daily rounds to monitor equipment and document readings in pilot plant areas. 

• Partner with maintenance personnel, pilot plant technicians, and cross-functional teams on critical work needs. 

• Support or oversee contractor work in areas of expertise. 

• Participate in R&D trial meetings or project planning meetings as needed. 

• Safely and effectively operate hand and power tools required for assigned maintenance tasks. 

• Support projects with internal team members and third-party contractors. 

• Build technical capability through hands-on experience, with specialist support available as needed. 

Responsibilities: 

The employee is responsible for the following duties: 

• Carry out general maintenance tasks in alignment with established policies and standards, ensuring compliance with product quality, GMPs, and safety requirements. 

• Execute preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance activities in designated areas. 

• Respond promptly to maintenance support requests and troubleshooting calls in areas designated by the Maintenance Supervisor and Pilot Plant Manager. 

• Ensure equipment reliability and uptime by inspecting, troubleshooting, and repairing machinery and systems. 

• Perform assigned work related to equipment overhauls, upgrades, and new installations. 

• Support the improvement of preventive maintenance plans, maintenance routines, and work practices. 

• Maintain accurate work order, maintenance, and inspection documentation. 

• Communicate work order status, open issues, and repair progress to the supervisor, maintenance scheduler, and pilot plant management team. 

• Support contractor coordination and oversight for assigned work. 

• Effectively manage time, meet project deadlines, and adapt to shifting maintenance priorities 

• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor, which may include work in other departments, different areas of the pilot plant, or Morton Grove plant for indefinite periods of time. 

Safety Responsibility:  

Responsible for wearing proper PPE, compliance of safety training, policy & procedures, and reporting any unsafe safety conditions to management.  

Quality Responsibility: 

Participate in audits and assist in the development of procedures and corrective actions.  

Equipment Operated: 

Fork trucks, welding equipment, power tools, production operating equipment across pilot plants, EAM computer system.  

Responsibility of Equipment Operated: 

Responsible for ensuring equipment is in a safe and operable condition and must operate equipment in a safe manner.  

Lifting Requirements 

Lifting 5-50 pounds may be required.  Employees should use assisted lifting techniques / devices or teamwork for equipment greater than 50 pounds.  

Training And Experience: 

The employee must have the following required qualifications:   

• High school diploma or GED required; associates degree, technical training, or trades certification preferred 

• Relevant maintenance experience required (3-7 years) 

• Experience performing preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance work on machinery and equipment preferred 

• Ability to read and apply technical documentation, drawings, and manuals 

• Mechanical and/or electrical maintenance skills required 

• Ability to support equipment overhauls, upgrades, and installations 

• Communication: Must have good verbal and written skills 

• Computer Skills 

• Demonstrative knowledge and experience using maintenance management systems in areas of work orders, parts, hours, and reporting 

• Must have the ability to learn additional system requirements as applications change 

• Ability to use spreadsheets, databases, and analytical tools