Maintenance Mechanic

Mission of the Role

The Maintenance Mechanic I is a critical role on the Downeast team, ensuring that our production and processing equipment—from pumps and valves to fillers and heat exchangers—stays in peak condition. Our equipment runs at high speeds and high stakes; when a machine goes down, you are the person who gets us back on track. We are looking for a proactive problem-solver who brings a positive attitude and a "whatever it takes" work ethic to keep the cider flowing.

Successful Mechanics at Downeast

This role is part of a tiered promotional program where we expect you to show significant progress toward becoming a Mechanic II within your first 90 days, with a target for promotion in 6–9 months.

What you’ll do

• Maintain & Repair: Install, troubleshoot, and repair complex machinery including cartoners, packers, and air distribution systems.
• Support the Floor: Work directly with production operators to ensure all systems and tools are performing at 100%.
• Train Others: Partner with packaging teams to coach operators on proper equipment use and minor line adjustments.
• Plan Ahead: Assist in executing predictive and preventive maintenance to minimize unexpected downtime.
• Improve Processes: Constantly look for ways to make our manufacturing and packaging areas safer and more efficient.
• Stay Safe: Execute all work with integrity, following lockout/tagout and all safety protocols.

Who you are

• A technical expert with a "safety-first" mindset. You take ownership of the machinery you touch and don't stop until the job is done right.
• Communicate clearly when issues arise and work collaboratively with the production team to find solutions.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment and have the physical stamina to lift and pull at least 50 lbs regularly.

Must-haves

• 3 years of hands-on industry maintenance experience OR a 2-year technical degree.
• Strong computer proficiency (Microsoft/Google Suite and CMMS).
• Reliability, integrity, and a desire to grow within a high-performance team.

Bonus points if you

• Have experience with computer networking (routers, Ethernet, switches).
• Have worked with process pumps, liquid filling equipment, chiller systems, or compressors.
• Have experience in minor fabrication.

What we offer

• 16 PTO days in your first year
• Paid holidays, sick days, and bereavement leave
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) with company match
• Health & dental insurance from day one
• Company-provided short-term disability coverage
• Anual PPE stipend
• Cider allowance (How big is your fridge?)

About Downeast Cider

We first started fermenting batches of cider up at Bates College in 2011. We have a few more teammates now. You can now buy our cider in tens of thousands of retailers, not just a couple of bars in central Maine. It takes us 15 minutes to make a pallet of cider, not the 12 hours it took in the early days. We’re diversifying beyond cider. But our aim remains the same:

• We aspire to be an enduring company. If we create value for our customers, we create value for ourselves through fulfilling work and robust compensation.
• To do this requires a world-class brand and a world-class team.

About Downeast

We define our culture by seven principles. You can read more about those principles here.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to hire regardless of gender, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, or anything else that makes us who we are.