Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and safety-focused Maintenance Lead to oversee our daily maintenance operations within a high-speed meat processing facility. This working leadership role is responsible for guiding a team of maintenance technicians, ensuring equipment reliability, and minimizing downtime to meet production goals. The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills, a deep understanding of food safety (USDA/FDA) and OSHA standards, and a proven ability to develop and mentor team members in a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

Direct and coordinate the daily activities of maintenance technicians across assigned shifts.
Assign work orders, monitor progress, and ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently.
Train and mentor technicians on troubleshooting techniques, equipment operations, and safety protocols.
Assist the Maintenance Manager with performance evaluations, scheduling, and identifying training needs.

Lead hands-on troubleshooting and repair of complex processing equipment (e.g., conveyors, evisceration lines, chillers, packaging machinery, and rendering equipment)
Diagnose and repair electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
Coordinate with production supervisors to schedule maintenance downtime and prioritize emergency repairs.
Maintain accurate records of repairs, parts usage, and PMs in the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).

Enforce strict adherence to all workplace safety programs, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Confined Space, and hazard communication.
Ensure all maintenance activities comply with USDA, FDA, GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices), and company food safety standards.
Maintain a clean and organized maintenance shop and work areas (5S standards).

Qualifications & Skills

Experience: 3–5+ years of industrial maintenance experience, with at least 1-2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
Industry Knowledge: Previous experience in food manufacturing, specifically meat or poultry processing, is highly preferred.
Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in mechanical and electrical troubleshooting (including PLCs, motor controls, and 3-phase power). Familiarity with ammonia refrigeration systems is a plus.
Leadership: Demonstrated ability to motivate, guide, and train a diverse technical team.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to collaborate effectively with production, QA, and management teams.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Ability to stand, walk, bend, and climb stairs/ladders for extended periods.
Must be able to lift and move up to 50 lbs safely.
Comfortable working in a challenging environment that includes cold/refrigerated, wet, and warm/humid areas.
Flexibility to work varied shifts, weekends, and overtime as production demands require.

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