Vacuum System Technician

Job Overview:

The Maintenance Technician – Mechanical is a hands-on role based primarily on the processing floor, supporting the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the plant’s seafood processing and packaging equipment. Working closely with the Maintenance Supervisor and Head of Engineering, the technician contributes to plant readiness during startup and helps maintain production continuity, minimize downtime, and protect product quality as operations grow.

Responsibilities

• Work primarily on the processing floor, providing hands-on support to Production Associates with machine setup, production startup, equipment changeovers, and adjustments to accommodate different raw materials and packaging materials.
• Respond to breakdowns, diagnose mechanical problems, repair or replace parts, and test equipment to restore safe operation and minimize downtime. Maintain and repair vacuum systems, pumps, seals, motors, conveyors, and pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Perform preventive and routine maintenance on processing and packaging machinery and other production equipment, including inspections to identify wear, defective parts, and potential problems before breakdowns occur.
• Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO), PPE, machine-guarding, GMP, sanitation, food safety, and other company and plant requirements.
• Align, calibrate, and adjust equipment to ensure proper sealing, vacuum, label alignment, packaging integrity, and product quality.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas, and properly store tools, parts, and materials after maintenance to prevent contamination and protect fresh seafood and other perishable products.
• Assemble, install, and test new machinery, working with vendors during installation, startup, troubleshooting, and repairs.
• Work closely with Production, Quality, Warehouse, and other departments to address equipment and maintenance needs.
• Read and interpret equipment manuals, mechanical diagrams, and maintenance instructions; properly use hand and power tools, electrical meters, testing devices, and material-handling equipment.
• Complete work orders, maintain accurate maintenance records, and communicate completed repairs, inspection findings, recurring issues, and outstanding needs to the Head of Engineering or Maintenance Supervisor.
• Monitor spare parts, tools, and maintenance supplies, and report replenishment needs.
• Support improvement projects and perform other duties assigned by the Head of Engineering or Maintenance Supervisor/Manager.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or a related technical field.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining machinery, including pumps, vacuum systems, seals, bearings, conveyors, motors, and pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Experience with preventive maintenance, equipment inspections, alignment, calibration, and precision adjustments.
• Basic electrical knowledge to recognize potentially electrical equipment issues.
• Ability to interpret manuals, work orders, mechanical diagrams, and maintenance instructions, and safely use maintenance tools and testing equipment.
• Familiarity with lockout/tagout (LOTO) and industrial safety practices.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, cold, temperature-controlled seafood processing environment.
• Flexibility to work a regular schedule that includes one weekend day each week and a night-shift rotation for one week each month.

Preferred Qualifications

• Maintenance experience in manufacturing, food processing, packaging, or a similar production environment.
• Experience maintaining processing and packaging equipment, including case packers, case erectors, tray labelers, and palletizers.
• Familiarity with Multivac, Marel, and Bettcher equipment.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation procedures, and food safety requirements.

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person