Aseptic Mechanic

WHO WE ARE

For over three decades, Los Gatos Tomato Products has earned a reputation for a commitment to customers as an industry leading supplier of high-quality tomato paste. Long term relationships with growers and customers allows for alignment in the production of high-quality tomato paste tailored to customer needs and specifications. Los Gatos Tomato Products was established in 1991 in the heart of Western Fresno County with the objective of growing and harvesting tomatoes from the most productive growing region in the world with a singular focus on producing high-quality tomato paste. Presently, four families with multi-generational farming operations and deep roots in agriculture serve as both committed growers and owners with shared values and commitment to a sustainable future.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU A

friendly and inclusive environment where Accountability, Integrity, Quality, Safety and Teamwork are valued. We have a strong family culture based on a foundation of mutual respect, strong work-ethic and dependability.

Job Type:

Regular Full-Time Non-Exempt Location:

Huron, California Generous Holidays Competitive Vacation Health Insurance, EAP, HSA 401

K Job Summary:

The Aseptic Mechanic is responsible for the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of aseptic processing and packaging equipment used in tomato paste production. During the production season, the Aseptic Mechanic will also assume a lead role, providing oversight, coordination, and technical guidance to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations. Aseptic Mechanic (Year-Round Responsibilities)

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot aseptic processing equipment, including aseptic fillers, sterilizers, heat exchangers, pumps, valves, and support systems
• Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and corrective repairs on aseptic and related processing equipment
• Ensure aseptic integrity of product lines during production, startup, shutdown, and changeovers
• Diagnose mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic issues and make timely repairs to minimize downtime
• Assist with CIP (Clean-In-Place) and SIP (Sterilize-In-Place) systems and verify proper operation
• Follow all food safety, GMP, HACCP, and aseptic processing procedures to prevent contamination
• Complete maintenance logs, work orders, and required documentation accurately
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area at all times
• Comply with all safety policies, including lockout/tagout and plant safety rules Seasonal Responsibilities (During Tomato Processing Season)
• Step into a lead mechanical role during the production season
• Provide day-to-day oversight of aseptic mechanics, operators, or assigned personnel
• Coordinate staffing, breaks, and work assignments to support continuous operations
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for aseptic systems during assigned shifts
• Monitor production performance and address operational or mechanical issues proactively
• Communicate effectively with production supervisors, quality assurance, and management
• Ensure team compliance with food safety, quality, and sanitation standards
• Assist with training and mentoring of mechanics and operators on aseptic equipment and procedures
• Support troubleshooting efforts and decision-making during critical production periods

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or GED required; technical or vocational training preferred
• Experience in aseptic processing, food manufacturing, or industrial maintenance strongly preferred
• Demonstrated leadership ability or experience in a lead or supervisory capacity
• Strong mechanical aptitude with knowledge of pumps, valves, seals, piping, and rotating equipment
• Basic understanding of pneumatics, hydraulics, and process controls
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and SOPs
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and team leadership skills
• Willingness to work extended hours, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts during processing season

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Must be trained and knowledgeable in maintenance procedures. Position requires general manual dexterity, basic math knowledge, and mechanical aptitude. One to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

: Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public. Must be able to observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts which register various aspects of equipment efficiency.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands and fingers to, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or moveup to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, and work in confined or elevated spaces. Ability to work in hot, wet, noisy, and industrial environments typical of tomato paste facilities

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; steam; chemicals; moving mechanical parts; high precarious planes; outside weather conditions; varying equipment temperatures; risk of electrical shock; and vibration; very loud work enviroments; moving machinery; potential exposure to particulates and vapors. Seasonal production schedule with increased responsibility and supervisory duties during harvest season Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must have a full set of tools to perform required job tasks. Los Gatos Tomato Products requires all individuals to wear the appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) as required by the role and location.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement/Inclusion:

We offer equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We support inclusion and believe in welcoming individual differences, traits, and dynamics to represent Los Gatos Tomato Products culture and achievements.

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid sick time Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person

Pay:

$28.00 - $38.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person