Maintenance Technician - Day Shift - $6,000 Bonus Pays

Starting hourly rate: $37.05 – $42.90, based on experience, skills, and interview evaluation. Weekend shift premium: $2.25/hour (Saturdays and Sundays). $3,000 sign-on bonus paid within the first 30 days of employment and $3,000 retention bonus paid upon successful completion of 6 months of service.

Schedule

Day Shift, 12-hour 2-2-3 shifts, 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

About the Role

Grande is hiring a Maintenance Technician for our brand new, state-of-the-art food manufacturing facility in Chilton. This is a unique opportunity to help launch and support a facility built from the ground up. In this hands-on role, you’ll maintain, troubleshoot, and support automated manufacturing, utility, and facility systems while serving as a go-to technical resource and informal mentor for Operations and Maintenance Associates.

The position focuses on PLC-controlled equipment, drives, instrumentation, and utilities, along with mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems. Beyond daily maintenance, this role plays a key part in developing technical capability across the team through coaching, knowledge sharing, and on-the-job support. You’ll work closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and vendors to support daily production, reliability improvements, and capital projects, while supporting a strong safety culture and compliance with GMP, food safety, and regulatory standards (OSHA, FDA, USDA).

Grande operates under a High-Performance Work Team (HPWT) model; an Associate (employee)-led approach focused on continuous growth, collaboration, and operational excellence. Through our Skill Block system, Associates are placed and progress based on demonstrated knowledge and abilities, with clear pathways for advancement.

Responsibilities

In this hands-on role, you will support the safe and reliable operation of highly automated manufacturing systems by:

• Maintaining and troubleshooting automated production, utility, and facility systems
• Diagnosing and repairing PLC-controlled equipment, VFDs, motors, instrumentation, and control systems
• Supporting utility operations including boilers, ammonia refrigeration, chilled water, glycol, and wastewater systems
• Performing preventive maintenance and responding to equipment breakdowns using CMMS to track work and parts
• Executing maintenance safely, including LOTO, contractor oversight, and permit compliance
• Verifying equipment restoration, testing, and operational readiness after maintenance
• Conducting routine inspections to identify early failure indicators and abnormal conditions
• Developing and maintaining documentation, work instructions, and job plans
• Supporting continuous improvement, reliability initiatives, and capital projects
• Coordinating work across Operations, Engineering, Quality, and external partners

This role also provides the opportunity to expand beyond day-to-day maintenance:

• Serve as a technical resource and informal mentor to operators and fellow technicians
• Provide hands-on coaching and troubleshooting support to build team capability
• Take ownership of small projects, shutdown work, or improvement initiatives
• Partner with corporate Engineering Associates on control, information, and electrical projects
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and problem-solving

Requirements

• Associate degree (or equivalent experience)
• 5–10+ years of industrial maintenance experience (level will align to experience)
• Experience with PLCs, VFDs, and industrial automation
• Experience in food manufacturing or other regulated environments
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and documentation skills
• A proactive mindset and willingness to learn, collaborate, and share knowledge

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting utilities (boilers, refrigeration, chilled water, ammonia)
• Familiarity with GMPs, food safety, and regulatory standards
• Experience with startups, expansions, or new equipment installations
• Previous mentoring, training, or project leadership experience

Benefits

• Low-cost onsite clinics
• Free onsite fitness center
• Free healthy snacks throughout the facility
• Health and wellness reimbursement program
• Associate cheese purchasing program
• Two-year mentorship program
• Paid parental leave
• Brand new, state-of-the-art facility

About the Location

Located in the heart of Calumet County, Chilton blends small-town charm with big opportunity. With a cost of living 5% below the Wisconsin average and housing prices well under national levels, it’s an affordable and attractive place to live, work, and grow your career. Known for its safety, welcoming community, and strong local values, Chilton offers an ideal environment for those seeking to unwind, recharge, and embrace a relaxed and balanced lifestyle.

Chilton also features easy access to parks and outdoor recreation, a walkable downtown with local dining and entertainment, and annual festivals that celebrate the area’s local culture and community spirit.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

This role requires the ability to regularly lift and move objects weighing between 20–50 lbs, as well as frequent walking, standing, bending, climbing, and exposure to vibration. The work environment may involve exposure to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), high humidity, and loud machinery.