Maintenance Line Tech

Since 1955, we have been on a mission to passionately feed millions daily with high-quality food people enjoy. We are a third-generation family-owned and professionally managed organization with a commitment to strategic growth. Our success comes from talented people who choose to join our family and call E.A. Sween home. We foster a welcoming, respectful, and rewarding culture where employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work each day.

Compensation & Schedule

$30-$35 per hour, based on experience

1st shift Monday-Thursday, 5:00 AM - 3:30 PM, with overtime as needed

Responsibilities

• Safety
  • Demonstrate a solid understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) in various plant areas, including equipment and tool handling.
  • Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and organized workspace.
  • Follow all safety rules and plant procedures.
  • Wear appropriate Personal Prote Equipment (PPE): cut-resistant gloves, hard hats (in Production), safety glasses, or task-specific protective gear.
  • Complete mandatory E.A. Sween quarterly safety training.
• Maintenance & Technical Duties
  • Manage time effectively and perform self-directed work.
  • Build documentation for in-house designs or training.
  • Program VFDs and troubleshoot PLC logic.
  • Train and assist Line Technicians on production equipment; engage in knowledge sharing.
  • Provide backup support for Production Support Technicians, including equipment setup, teardown, and changeovers.
  • Collaborate with vendors to improve or identify process improvements.
  • Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic equipment:
    • Mechanical: Use basic hand tools, identify and fix mechanical issues, perform repairs efficiently.
    • Electrical: Use a meter for high-level troubleshooting, replace/program electrical components, read and follow schematics.
    • Pneumatic: Read and interpret pneumatic schematics, troubleshoot components effectively.
  • Use shop equipment (mill, lathe, drill press, band saws, welder, hydraulic presses).
  • Help build PM procedures and complete work orders in CMMS.
  • Follow the Maintenance Planning Process, including validating PM Job Plans and creating Work Orders in Asset Essentials.
  • Follow the Parts Process (storeroom layout, parts checkout, requests in Asset Essentials).
  • Use technology tools to communicate and maintain line availability.
  • Maintain good attendance, GMP, and safety records.
• Quality
  • Understand SQF Level 3 (Food Safety & Quality), regulatory/customer requirements, and HACCP plans.
  • Ensure food safety and quality through proper GMPs.
  • Report any questionable products to QA, Supervisor, or QC.
• Teamwork
  • Support the Spirit of E.A. Sween and inspire others to do the same.
  • Foster a friendly, positive work environment; show respect for all coworkers.
  • Accept and complete work instructions and requests from colleagues.
  • Provide input on department updates and changes.
  • Train Line Technicians as needed.
  • Complete other assigned duties.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Understand E.A. Sween's Continuous Improvement/LEAN principles and goals.
  • Lead internal projects aimed at reducing manual labor.
  • Participate in new equipment design and installation projects.
  • Participate in company-mandated or recommended training to grow skills within the role.
• Maintenance Line Technician - Standard Work Processes
  • Repair and maintain equipment using industry standards and collaborate with other departments.
  • Assist in developing and implementing World Class Maintenance principles.
  • Ensure timely completion of repairs across departments.
  • Complete all required documentation, including PMs and other departmental forms.

Requirements

• Strong communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Google Drive, and Outlook.
• Ability to manage time and workload efficiently and independently.
• Highly proficient at electrical troubleshooting and logic processes.
• Cross-cultural competence; effective and respectful interactions with people from any culture or place of origin.
• High-level understanding of pneumatic components and circuit design.
• Previous food manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Must have used a CMMS or similar process for work orders.
• 5 years' experience in a Maintenance Technician or similar role or 2 years' experience and completion of a technical degree/certification.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Must be able to stand and/or walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Must be able to frequently bend, twist, push, pull, and reach while performing maintenance tasks.
• Must be able to occasionally lift and move items up to 50 pounds, or more with assistance.
• Must be able to use hands and tools requiring manual dexterity to repair and maintain equipment.
• Must be able to work in a refrigerated production environment (approximately 35°F-45°F) for extended periods of the shift.
• Must be able to work safely around moving mechanical parts, conveyors, and automated equipment.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including protective footwear, gloves, hair/beard nets, and safety glasses.
• May occasionally be required to work from ladders or platforms while performing maintenance tasks.

How You'll Find Success at E.A. Sween

• Value People Most of All: Show respect & care, embrace diversity, and empower others.
• Commit to Safety Everyday: See something, say something, do something; practice safe behavior and celebrate safety success.
• Invest in Our Company to Thrive: Share ideas to improve, learn & grow, and embrace change.
• Think Before Doing And Act Decisively: Make thoughtful decisions, work together to find solutions, and do what's right.
• Welcome Constructive Straight Talk: Be honest and respectful even when difficult, be open to ideas and feedback, and ask questions to understand.
• Serve Up Exceptional Experiences: Provide value to customers, take pride in your work, and help others to be successful.
• Enjoy What You Do!: Have a positive attitude, live the Spirit of E.A. Sween, and celebrate success.