Lead Maintenance and Reliability Technician

Position Summary:

The Lead Maintenance & Reliability Technician is responsible for performing preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting equipment issues, and ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of machinery and facility systems. This role oversees daily maintenance activities and leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the preventive maintenance (PM) program in alignment with Safe Quality Food (SQF) standards. The position plays a critical role in supporting production operations by maximizing equipment reliability, minimizing downtime, and ensuring compliance with all safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Job Responsibilities:

Coordinate daily maintenance activities and prioritize work orders Ensure adherence to safety, food safety, and company policies Troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, PLC and pneumatic issues and resolve equipment issues in a timely manner Support installation of new equipment Lead development and management of a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for multiple facilities Ensure PM schedules and procedures meet SQF requirements Maintain accurate documentation for audits and compliance Continuously improve PM effectiveness using data and performance metrics Conduct preventive and predictive maintenance to ensure machinery longevity. Collaborate with team members to maintain optimal equipment performance. Operate forklifts, manlifts, and other industrial equipment as required. Ensure adherence to lockout/tagout procedures, industrial safety standards, and company policies. Document maintenance activities, repairs, and preventive maintenance work orders. Perform other duties as assigned. Proactively partner with Planning and Operations to schedule Preventive Maintenance work. Perform routine equipment maintenance and repairs at multiple locations Troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues in a timely manner. Operate forklifts, manlifts, and other industrial equipment as required. Ensure adherence to company safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, industrial safety standards, and company policies. Document maintenance activities, repairs, and preventive maintenance work orders. Perform other duties as assigned. Building upon W. Edwards Deming's mantra, Quality, Safety and Continuous Improvement are EVERONE's responsibility and the cornerstone of our customer-focused culture, each of us needs to understand how our role and actions impact Quality, Safety and Continuous Improvement. With this understanding, we need to work together to build strong processes that are continually improved to guarantee "fit for purpose" products and services for our customers.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED required; technical degree preferred 5+ years of maintenance experience in food or regulated manufacturing Experience with SQF or HACCP required Understanding of sanitary maintenance practices Strong multi-craft skill set, including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, automation, PLC/HMI troubleshooting, and instrumentation. Proficient in preventive and predictive maintenance in a manufacturing/industrial setting. Skilled in diagnosing and repairing machinery such as conveyors, motors, pumps, gearboxes, and packaging equipment. Ability to read and interpret schematics, blueprints, and technical manuals. Competent in the safe use of hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, and industrial measuring instruments. Knowledgeable in root cause analysis and continuous improvement practices. Strong problem-solving mindset, attention to detail, and proactive approach to equipment reliability and uptime. Ability to work independently or collaboratively, manage time effectively, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced production environment. Willingness to operate forklifts, manlifts, and other industrial equipment as needed. Flexibility for off hours support Ability to travel to support multiple sites.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

Visual acuity to inspect equipment and materials; Must be able to identify differences in colors. Must be able to lift over 50 pounds with full mobility. Must be able to perform physical activities including: standing, walking, sitting, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, climbing, using stairs or ladders, pushing and pulling, and lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds. Must be able to wear all PPEs such as steel-toed shoes, hair nets, safety glasses/goggles, and donn respirator when required.