Professional Aide (Equipment Support Specialist)

About the role

This is a temporary or on-call position providing hands-on technical support for the operation, maintenance, repair, and upkeep of fermentation and related process equipment in the Bioeconomy Institute Lansing pilot plant. The role supports day-to-day equipment readiness and functionality, working up to 29 hours per week during operations hours Monday through Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm.

Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and must terminate for three (3) months at the end of the second term or switch to on-call status. On-call employees are allowed to work 1,039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the setup, operation, cleaning, maintenance, repair, and upgrade of fermentation vessels and related process equipment
• Perform routine mechanical repairs and preventative maintenance on pumps, motors, appliances, and other process or facility equipment
• Support troubleshooting activities by assisting with diagnostics, equipment inspections, and basic repair procedures
• Safely use hand tools, power tools, meters, and standard shop equipment to support maintenance and repair activities
• Assist with agitation systems and other processing equipment as assigned
• Support cleaning, sanitation, chemical handling, and equipment preparation activities, including CIP or related protocols
• Organize parts and materials; track inventory; move equipment; maintain supplies; and support equipment and maintenance records
• Read and follow written and verbal instructions, safety requirements, and basic equipment manuals or technical documentation
• Work safely in the pilot plant while adhering to established safety procedures and protocols
• Perform other technical support duties as assigned to support operational needs

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant hands-on technical experience
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with willingness to learn new systems and processes
• Experience supporting or performing mechanical repairs on pumps, motors, appliances, process equipment, or similar equipment
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, and standard shop equipment
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and comply with safety requirements
• Ability to comprehend basic equipment manuals and technical documents
• Ability to organize parts, track inventory, move equipment, and maintain supplies and records
• Physical ability to bend, kneel, climb, stand for extended periods, and lift or carry up to 50 pounds

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Associate’s degree in a technical or mechanical field
• Interest in or experience with biotechnology, fermentation, food processing, brewing, or related technical environments
• Experience working in sterile, sanitary, controlled, or regulated environments
• Experience in a pilot plant, fermentation facility, biotechnology setting, food processing operation, brewery, laboratory, or manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with fermentation vessels, tanks, pumps, valves, hoses, fittings, clamps, piping, sensors, motors, and related process equipment
• Experience with agitation systems or similar processing equipment
• Familiarity with electronics, controls, basic diagnostics, or repair work
• Experience with preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, equipment setup, repairs, upgrades, or changeovers
• Experience with cleaning, sanitation, chemical handling, or equipment preparation protocols
• Experience organizing parts, maintaining inventory, tracking tools or equipment, and documenting maintenance activities
• Ability to read basic equipment manuals, diagrams, parts lists, maintenance instructions, or SOPs

Schedule

Monday through Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm, up to 29 hours per week.

Physical Demands

Physical ability to bend, kneel, climb, stand for extended periods, and lift or carry up to 50 pounds.