The Maintenance Technician supports production by safely troubleshooting, repairing, maintaining, and improving cheese processing, packaging, refrigeration, boiler, and utility equipment. This role partners with Production, Sanitation, Quality, Engineering, and other support teams to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and ensure food and employee safety.
How You Will Make Contributions That Matter- Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic failures on cheese processing, conveying, drying, milling, packaging, labeling, and utility equipment.
- Support production operations, including shred and dice systems, cubers, conveyors, drying systems, grated cheese packaging lines, Cryovac packaging equipment, goat log processing systems, and material handling equipment.
- Troubleshoot and repair motors, gearboxes, bearings, chains, sprockets, belt drives, VFDs, HMIs, PLC-controlled equipment, servo systems, industrial printers and labelers, metal detectors, scales, sensors, photo eyes, limit switches, and safety devices.
- Perform root cause analysis on equipment failures and implement corrective actions to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
- Read and interpret electrical schematics, equipment manuals, PLC I/O drawings, P&IDs, and mechanical drawings.
- Disassemble, inspect, repair, rebuild, and reassemble production equipment and machinery.
- Install, align, tension, adjust, and maintain conveyor systems, pumps, motors, gearboxes, and production machinery.
- Perform precision maintenance activities, including shaft alignment, bearing replacement, belt tracking, and chain alignment.
- Maintain and troubleshoot industrial refrigeration systems, compressed air systems, chilled water systems, boilers, hot water systems, and other plant utilities.
- Support the operation and maintenance of engine room equipment, condensers, evaporators, compressors, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and related utility systems.
- Perform welding, cutting, grinding, fabrication, and stainless-steel repairs to support plant operations and continuous improvement efforts.
- Participate in equipment installations, line modifications, capital projects, and startup activities.
- Program, modify, and troubleshoot equipment settings through HMIs and automated control systems, as authorized.
- Complete preventive, predictive, corrective, and emergency maintenance activities while responding to production equipment issues.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reliability, uptime, waste reduction, and operational efficiency.
- Follow and properly execute Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space, hot work, line break, and other required safety procedures.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, PM documentation, and parts usage within SAP or other maintenance management systems.
- Communicate equipment conditions, repair status, and corrective actions effectively with Production, Sanitation, Quality, Engineering, and other support teams.
- Follow all Saputo policies, GMPs, SQF requirements, food safety standards, sanitation procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain a clean, organized work environment consistent with 5S principles and plant housekeeping expectations.
- Demonstrate Saputo Values while supporting a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
You Are Best Suited for the Role If You HaveRequired Qualifications- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Two (2) or more years of industrial maintenance experience in food manufacturing, dairy processing, packaging, or a related manufacturing environment.
- Working knowledge of mechanical systems, including conveyors, gearboxes, bearings, chains, sprockets, pumps, and motors.
- Experience troubleshooting electrical systems up to 480V.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
- Experience working with pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
- Basic computer skills and the ability to accurately document maintenance activities.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Ability to work any shift, including overtime, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
Preferred Qualifications- Technical degree, apprenticeship, or Industrial Maintenance certification.
- Experience with PLC-controlled equipment, VFDs, automated packaging systems, industrial refrigeration systems, boilers, welding, or fabrication.
- Experience using SAP or a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
Physical Requirements- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with varying conditions, including noise, temperature changes, wet and humid environments, and exposure to production equipment.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, climb stairs, and maneuver throughout the facility for extended periods.
- Frequently lift up to 50 pounds without assistance.
- Ability to safely work with chemicals while following approved handling procedures and wearing required PPE.
- Good visual acuity, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Demonstrate fine motor skills and hand dexterity, including gripping, squeezing, reaching, handling tools, controls, and equipment.
- Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE), including bump caps, hearing protection, eye protection, and task-specific PPE.
We Support and Care for Our Employees by Providing- Career development opportunities that support professional growth and advancement.
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits programs designed to support you and your family.
- Opportunities to contribute to your community and make a meaningful impact through Saputo products and initiatives.
Join our team and enjoy:
- Competitive wages including:
- Pay up to $38.82 per hour (based on skill level)
- Additional shift differential opportunity
- Hourly bonus opportunity
- Comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical, Vision, RX
- Dental
- Paid time off
- Generous 401(k) Company Match
Great Pay. Great Benefits. Great Future.In the USA, Saputo ranks among the top three cheese producers and is one of the top producers of extended shelf-life and cultured dairy products, with a portfolio of well-loved brands such as Stella, Frigo Cheese, Montchevre, Stella, and Treasure Cave. We also boast a strong foodservice presence, partnering with reputable chain restaurants and broadline distributors.
Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance, or in any other function, your role is integral to our success. You will make contributions that matter, all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help.
