About the Role:

The Expert Votator Mechanic is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing scraped surface heat exchanger systems (Votators) and related processing equipment in a high-speed food manufacturing environment. This role is critical to the production of cheese sauce and pudding, ensuring consistent product quality, thermal processing accuracy, and equipment reliability.

Minimum Qualifications:

10+ years of industrial maintenance experience with direct Votator or scraped surface heat exchanger experience
Strong knowledge of heat transfer, thermal processing, and viscous product handling
Advanced mechanical troubleshooting skills in rotating and process equipment
Experience with pumps, valves, and sanitary piping systems
Ability to read mechanical drawings, P&IDs, and technical manuals
Working knowledge of steam systems and temperature control processes

Responsibilities:

Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on Votator systems and associated components.
Disassemble, inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and rebuild equipment including barrels, rotors, scraper blades, seals, bearings, pumps, valves, gearboxes, and steam-related components.
Diagnose mechanical failures and restore equipment to optimal operating condition.
Provide technical support during production runs, including line startups, shutdowns, and product changeovers.
Monitor product flow, temperature profiles, and equipment performance to support product quality and process efficiency.
Collaborate with production and quality teams to maintain product specifications, including texture, viscosity, and consistency.
Maintain and troubleshoot scraped surface heat exchangers (Votators), steam and hot water heating systems, pumps, flow control systems, sanitary piping, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, and basic electrical components.
Assist with the installation, commissioning, modification, and upgrading of processing equipment and systems.
Follow all GMP, HACCP, food safety, sanitation, and plant safety requirements. Support and verify the effectiveness of Clean-In-Place (CIP) systems and utilize approved food-grade materials, lubricants, and sanitary maintenance practices.
Maintain clean, organized, and inspection-ready work areas.
Complete maintenance records, work orders, CMMS documentation, and other required reports.
Monitor wear components, recommend proactive replacements, and implement corrective actions to reduce recurring equipment issues.
Provide input into SOPs, preventive maintenance programs, process improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills:

Strong mechanical aptitude with expertise in Votator systems, heat transfer processes, and food processing equipment.
Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical and process-related issues in a timely manner.
Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to food safety, product quality, and equipment reliability.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate maintenance records and documentation.
Effective communication and collaboration skills, working closely with maintenance, production, quality, and engineering teams.
Proactive in identifying opportunities for equipment improvements, preventive maintenance, and operational efficiency.
Commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance in all aspects of work.

Work Environment:

Food manufacturing facility producing cheese sauce and pudding (wet and fast-paced environment)
Exposure to high temperatures, steam systems, and refrigerated areas
Must be able to:
- Lift up to 50 lbs
- Stand, walk, bend, and perform fine mechanical adjustments for extended periods
- Work overtime, weekends, or off-shifts as needed

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