Maintenance Mechanic

Astor Chocolate Corporation

$83K — $93K *
Food & Beverages
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-10 years of industrial maintenance experience in regulated production environments (food or pharmaceutical).
  • Hands-on troubleshooting and repair experience with packaging and processing equipment.
  • Familiarity with power transmission systems, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
  • Experience with electrical systems, including high-voltage and control circuits.
  • Proficient in PLC troubleshooting and automation technologies.
  • Ability to interpret technical schematics and mechanical drawings.
  • Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

  • Maintain and repair packaging and processing equipment in compliance with FDA regulations.
  • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on various mechanical and electrical systems.
  • Conduct inspections and calibrations to ensure equipment is running optimally.
  • Keep detailed records of maintenance activities and parts usage using CMMS.
  • Collaborate with team members to address mechanical and electrical problems.
  • Lead small improvement projects and enhance processes with engineering teams.
  • Mentor and guide junior technicians and operators in safe work practices.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Professional Development Opportunities
Full Job Description
Job Title: Maintenance Mechanic

Work Environment: Onsite in Lakewood, NJ

Salary/Hourly Range: $40 - $45 an hour

Position Summary

We are seeking a versatile, hands-on Maintenance Mechanic / Manufacturing Maintenance Technician to join our production team. Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, you will troubleshoot, repair, and maintain a variety of production, packaging, and processing equipment in a regulated FDA environment.

This is an ideal role for a proactive, solution-oriented mechanic who is comfortable working across multiple mechanical and electrical systems, including PLCs and automated machinery. You will play a critical role in keeping our facility running efficiently while mentoring operators and supporting process improvement initiatives.

Essential Functions

  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair both packaging and processing equipment in a regulated FDA environment.
  • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on motors, conveyors, pneumatic tools, hydraulics, rotating machinery, and automated systems (PLCs, robotics, sensors).
  • Install, modify, and repair mechanical and electrical equipment safely and according to specifications.
  • Conduct inspections, lubrication, adjustments, and calibration to ensure optimal equipment performance and minimize downtime.
  • Maintain accurate records of maintenance and repair activities, including parts usage and inventory, using CMMS.
  • Collaborate effectively with operators and team members to share observations, raise questions, and provide insights into mechanical and electrical issues.
  • Contribute to proactive maintenance strategies that improve equipment reliability and reduce unplanned downtime.
  • Lead small improvement projects and support upgrades or process enhancements in collaboration with engineering and operations teams.
  • Mentor junior technicians and operators, promoting safe and efficient work practices.
  • Manage spare parts inventory and coordinate with vendors to maintain critical stock levels.
  • Ensure compliance with FDA, GMP, SQF, HACCP, and OSHA standards.


Required Qualifications
  • Minimum of 5-10 years in industrial maintenance, ideally within food, pharmaceutical, or regulated production facilities.
  • Hands-on experience troubleshooting both packaging and processing equipment.
  • Power transmission systems, belts, chains, cams, bearings, hydraulics, pneumatics.
  • Rotating machinery and mechanical assemblies.
  • Electrical wiring, panels, motors, high-voltage systems, control circuits.
  • PLC troubleshooting, robotics, sensors, and automated control systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical manuals.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to apply practical solutions under limited standardization.
  • Proven ability to perform preventive maintenance, root cause analysis, and troubleshooting.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Leadership and mentoring ability; capable of guiding operators and junior technicians.


Preferred:
  • Bilingual - Spanish
  • OSHA, NEC/NFPA 70, PLC or automation certifications.
  • Forklift or industrial equipment certification.
  • Proactive and hands-on; willing to "raise their hand" when unsure.
  • Adaptable to different types of equipment and maintenance challenges.


Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package including:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Professional Development Opportunities

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