Maintenance Technician III - 1st Shift

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth‑generation, family‑owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward‑thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work‑life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive.

Summary

Take your maintenance career to the next level. As a Maintenance Technician III, you’ll bring advanced technical expertise to a collaborative and diverse team focused on keeping plant operations safe, reliable, and running at peak performance. You’ll play a hands‑on role in improving machinery performance and maintenance reliability while continuing to expand your skills through on‑the‑job learning, advanced training, and additional certifications. This role is designed for experienced technicians who have a strong foundation in industrial maintenance systems and are ready to apply their knowledge at a higher level while helping drive operational excellence every day.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 6:00 am – 3:00 pm

Responsibilities

• Perform highly technically complex tasks, demonstrate a higher degree of independence, and may occasionally make decisions.
• Diagnose and repair complex machinery, conduct preventive maintenance, and ensure production efficiency.
• Provide operators with support around machine overall equipment reliability.
• Collaborate with production associates and other technicians to solve reliability problems with urgency.
• Assist in troubleshooting equipment set‑up and production changeovers.
• Respond to equipment breakdowns in a timely manner.
• Recognize and report unusual, inefficient, or dangerous mechanical and electrical situations.
• Understand and follow all safety standards and quality protocols to ensure production exceeds the standards.
• Learn and observe all safety precautions as required by Perdue.
• Utilize appropriate safety precautions, methods, and apparatus to minimize exposure to chemicals, dust, and mechanical and electrical hazards.
• Maintain work records and prepare clear and concise oral and written reports.
• Work all required work schedules.

Minimum Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 5 – 8 years experience in industrial maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs on mechanical and electrical equipment, or equivalent military experience.
• Expert proficiency in hydraulics, mechanics, electrical, welding, and rigging.
• Intermediate proficiency with PLC.
• Commitment to continuous learning to achieve increasing levels of expertise.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Maintain Perdue Farms QEW Certification.
• Must be able to demonstrate/achieve and maintain Maintenance Tech III proficiency within 10 months of hire.

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2‑year technical degree in engineering or industrial maintenance.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Sitting, standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, reaching overhead and/or at shoulder level, lifting up to 50 lb, and repetitive tasks throughout the day.
• Occasional movement to other offices or buildings; may need to access files, supplies, and equipment.
• Plant environment exposure to wet and moist floors with metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• Temperature exposure from 28 °F to 100 °F with ambient and 100 % humidity.
• Product temperature exposure from 25 °F to 50 °F.
• Noise levels ranging from 50 dB to 110 dB.
• Exposure to chemicals used in poultry, food, processing plant; must wear required protective and safety equipment.