Maintenance Tech (4022)

Description
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.

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