JOB DESCRIPTION
Maintenance Technician
Maintenance Department | Reports to: Maintenance Manager
Purpose
The Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing hands-on preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on all production equipment, facility systems, and supporting infrastructure at Stellar Snacks. This role ensures equipment is operating safely, reliably, and to quality standards to support uninterrupted pretzel production.
Scope
The Maintenance Technician reports directly to the Maintenance Manager and works closely with the Maintenance Planner, Production Supervisors, Oven Operators, and PMOs. This role is a critical first responder to equipment failures and an active participant in the preventive maintenance program, contributing directly to uptime, food safety compliance, and the overall performance of the maintenance department.
Duties & Responsibilities
Preventive Maintenance
- Complete scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) tasks on all production equipment, ovens, packaging machines, mixers, proofers, and facility systems as assigned in MVP
- Perform inspections, lubrication, adjustments, filter changes, and component replacements according to PM schedules and equipment specifications
- Document all completed PM work accurately and on time in MVP, including parts used, labor hours, and any observations or follow-up items
- Identify and report emerging equipment issues observed during PMs to the Maintenance Planner or Maintenance Manager for follow-up scheduling
Corrective & Emergency Maintenance
- Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns and production downtime calls - diagnose root cause and perform repairs efficiently to restore production
- Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic system failures across all production equipment
- Perform repairs on ovens, baggers, mixers, proofers, conveyors, weighers, packaging machines, and all supporting production equipment
- Escalate complex or high-risk repairs to the Maintenance Manager or Senior Director of Technical Services as needed
- Document all corrective work orders in MVP with accurate descriptions of the problem, root cause, repair performed, parts used, and time to repair
Equipment & Facility Operations
- Perform jaw alignments, belt replacements, knife blade changes, and other mechanical adjustments on packaging equipment
- Maintain HVAC systems, compressors, chillers, nitrogen generators, and other facility infrastructure as directed
- Assist with installation, commissioning, and startup of new equipment
- Support capital improvement projects by assisting with equipment installation, relocation, and related tasks
- Clean and replace combustion blower filters, and perform routine mechanical upkeep on oven and baking systems
Safety & LOTO Compliance
- Follow all Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures without exception before performing any maintenance on equipment - this is non-negotiable
- Adhere to all OSHA safety standards, company safety policies, and PPE requirements at all times
- Report all safety hazards, near-misses, and incidents to the Maintenance Manager immediately
- Maintain a clean and organized work area, returning tools and equipment to their proper locations after each job
- Participate in safety training, toolbox talks, and safety audits as required
Food Safety & GMP Compliance
- Perform all maintenance work in accordance with Stellar Snacks' food safety standards, GMPs, and allergen control procedures
- Ensure equipment is returned to full sanitary condition and food-safe status following any repair - coordinate with QC or Production as needed before restarting
- Avoid cross-contamination risks when working in and around food production areas
- Complete all required food safety training and comply with company food defense protocols
Parts & Inventory Support
- Request needed parts through the Maintenance Planner using MVP, including accurate part descriptions, quantities, and urgency level
- Return unused parts to the parts room and update MVP records accordingly
- Assist with cycle counts and physical inventory of the parts room as directed
- Exercise care in handling parts and tools to prevent damage or loss
Team & Communication
- Communicate clearly with Production Supervisors and operators regarding equipment status, expected repair times, and return-to-service clearance
- Participate in shift handoff briefings to ensure continuity of open maintenance items across shifts
- Support and mentor less experienced technicians and assist in training Oven Operators and PMOs on operator-level maintenance tasks
- Complete all required training courses including LOTO, food safety, and equipment-specific certifications
- Demonstrate a strong sense of ownership and a flexible, solutions-oriented attitude - including availability for on-call response nights and weekends as needed
All other duties as assigned.
In the Event of an Absence
Another qualified Maintenance Technician or the Maintenance Manager will assume responsibility for the essential functions of this position.
Qualifications
Qualifications & Education Requirements
Education
- High school diploma or GED required; technical degree, trade certification, or vocational training in a mechanical or electrical discipline preferred
Experience & Skills
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- 2+ years of hands-on maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food manufacturing
- Strong mechanical aptitude with working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems
- Experience troubleshooting and repairing industrial production equipment
- Familiarity with packaging machines, ovens, conveyors, mixers, and related food manufacturing equipment is beneficial
- Ability to read and interpret equipment manuals, schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation
- Working knowledge of LOTO procedures and safety standards
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication skills - able to clearly describe problems, repairs, and equipment status to both technical and non-technical team members
- Bilingual in English and Spanish is beneficial
Technology
- Experience using a CMMS or maintenance management system - MVP preferred
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) for documentation and communication
Physical Demands & Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Working conditions are normal for a food manufacturing environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, kneel, crouch, climb, and use hands to handle tools and equipment. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 lbs and occasionally more with assistance. The work environment involves exposure to heat, noise, moving mechanical parts, electrical hazards, and food allergens. Use of PPE - including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toed boots, and hair nets - is required at all times on the production floor.
