Maintenance Technician

At Winland Foods, our success starts with people who live our values of Excellence, Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration every day. As a Maintenance Team Member, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of our operations. From entry-level tasks to advanced responsibilities, every level of this team contributes to keeping production running smoothly. This role involves problem-solving, teamwork, and continuous improvement to minimize downtime, optimize performance, and uphold the highest standards of safety and quality.

About the role

This is a full-time position based in Kenosha, WI. You’ll work on a variety of tasks, from stocking spare parts and assisting with basic repairs to troubleshooting complex systems, performing fabrication, and leading preventative maintenance programs. Your work will directly impact operational success and the experience we deliver to our customers.

Schedule

2:00 PM – 10:30 PM, Monday through Friday

Pay

$37.05 per hour plus an additional $1 per hour for shift differential, based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), AD&D, and Life insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Hospital indemnity and Accident Insurance
• Identity and Fraud Protection Plan
• Legal and Critical Illness coverage

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventative maintenance on mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Assist with machine setup, equipment modifications, and rebuilds to ensure optimal performance.
• Maintain accurate documentation and update records in CMMS systems.
• Follow all safety protocols and uphold GMPs and food safety standards.
• Collaborate with team members and leadership to resolve equipment issues and minimize downtime.
• Support the organization and inventory of spare parts for maintenance tasks.
• Perform preventive maintenance and minor modifications on machinery such as packaging equipment and HVAC systems.
• Learn basic maintenance welding, minor fabrication, and millwright activities, including cutting, grinding, and simple assembly.
• Assist with basic building upkeep, including plumbing, HVAC, and water treatment system tasks.
• Perform equipment modifications, rebuilds, and preventive maintenance tasks on production and packaging machinery.
• Conduct millwright activities, including cutting, grinding, welding, and fabrication.
• Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic issues to the component level.
• Perform preventive, predictive, and planned maintenance, including cleaning, inspecting, testing, and process improvements.
• Fabricate components as needed using tools such as a lathe, grinder, and drill to repair or create jigs, fixtures, and tools.
• Operate and maintain all production equipment in assigned areas, including conveyors, motors, gearboxes, and packaging machinery.
• Troubleshoot and repair 3-phase electrical systems, AC/DC components, and control voltage issues.
• Proficiently perform welding (stick, MIG, TIG) and millwright tasks to minimize downtime.
• Adhere to all safety protocols, including LOTO, confined space, and hot work practices, while proactively identifying and mitigating risks.
• Follow GMPs, company policies, and OSHA regulations to maintain a safe and clean work environment.
• Support and ensure compliance with quality standards for safe, legal, and high-quality product manufacturing.
• Monitor production lines, proactively address downtime issues, and support equipment changeovers.
• Mentor and train Maintenance Mechanics Level 1, Operators, and production employees on equipment operations and maintenance.
• Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) activities and contribute to process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate positively with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and solve operational challenges.
• Communicate effectively with team members to support production and learn from senior staff.
• Engage in on-the-job training to develop skills in equipment assembly, repair, and troubleshooting.
• Work closely with maintenance leadership, production teams, and other mechanics to complete projects and support production goals.
• Provide feedback to improve preventive maintenance programs and mentor less experienced team members.
• Accurately complete work orders, preventive maintenance records, and time tracking in CMMS and Kronos systems.
• Use advanced software tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SAP) for documentation and reporting.
• Ensure all equipment documentation, schematics, and manuals are up to date and accessible.
• Train under senior mechanics to diagnose and repair basic mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Accurately document maintenance activities, complete work orders, and ensure all equipment documentation is current and accessible.
• Support equipment monitoring, identify parts needed for repairs, and contribute to maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
• Stay current on training expectations and assist in troubleshooting automation systems (e.g., PLC-based).

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year of work experience, preferably in manufacturing or food production.
• Forklift certification preferred (required for Advanced Level); willingness to obtain certification if not already held.
• 18+ years of age.

Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot complex systems.
• Commitment to safety and compliance with GMPs and OSHA standards.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Problem-solving ability and attention to detail in fast-paced environments.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and learn new technologies.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and perform accurate math functions.
• Understanding of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Good Manufacturing Principles (GMPs).
• Experience working with manufacturing equipment preferred.
• Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food safety regulations.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English, including understanding and responding to oral and written communications, and communicating in writing as needed.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated accountability for work quality, attendance, and continuous improvement.
• Dependability, reliability, and ability to handle equipment safely and sensibly.
• Able to work mandatory overtime, including Saturdays/Sundays as determined by business needs.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Tasks may involve frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently.
• Good hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and 20/20 corrected vision.
• Normal hearing and vision (with correction if needed), including the ability to distinguish colors for color-coded containers in production areas.
• Must wear all required PPE according to the specific manufacturing environment, as outlined in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as directed by leadership.
• Exposure to wet, humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high areas, fumes, airborne particles, extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and vibrations depending on the area assigned.
• Must maintain a clean and safe work environment and report any food safety or quality issues immediately to management.