Maintenance Technician

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 5 to over 11+ years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

Working at GEA Group has significant benefits:
• Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
• Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore
• Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster
• Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset
• Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits
• Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance
• Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

Responsibilities / Tasks

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and improving manufacturing equipment and facility systems to ensure safe, efficient, and uninterrupted production of equipment used in the dairy industry. This position supports production operations through preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, equipment installations, and continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Equipment Maintenance & Repair

- Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and automated manufacturing equipment.
- Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on production machinery, welding equipment, CNC machines, laser cutters, press brakes, conveyors, and assembly equipment.
- Diagnose equipment failures and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
- Repair or replace defective components, including motors, bearings, drives, pumps, valves, sensors, and control systems.
- Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, technical manuals, and wiring diagrams.

Facility Maintenance

- Maintain facility infrastructure including HVAC systems, compressed air systems, water systems, lighting, and building equipment.
- Conduct routine inspections of plant equipment and facilities to identify potential issues.
- Assist with facility upgrades, equipment moves, and new equipment installations.

Safety & Compliance

- Follow all OSHA, company safety policies, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and machine guarding requirements.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
- Participate in safety meetings and incident investigations as required.
- Ensure maintenance activities support food-grade manufacturing and quality requirements.

Continuous Improvement

- Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, performance, and maintenance processes.
- Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action efforts.
- Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assist in developing and updating preventive maintenance procedures.

Documentation

- Complete maintenance work orders accurately and on time using the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
- Document repairs, parts usage, equipment history, and downtime events.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records and inventory transactions.

Your Profile / Qualifications

- High school diploma or GED required.
- Technical degree, apprenticeship, or certification in Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Electrical Systems, or related field preferred.
- Minimum 2 years of maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
- Ability to troubleshoot industrial equipment using diagnostic tools and test equipment.
- Strong understanding of preventive maintenance principles.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
- Basic computer skills and experience using CMMS software.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience in metal fabrication or industrial equipment manufacturing.
- Experience with CNC machinery, robotics, PLC troubleshooting, and automated systems.
- Welding and fabrication experience.
- Forklift, aerial lift, or rigging experience.
- Certifications in industrial maintenance, electrical systems, or related trades.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Working knowledge of safety regulations and maintenance best practices.

Physical Requirements

- Frequently stand, walk, bend, climb, kneel, and reach throughout the shift.
- Lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and occasionally more with assistance.
- Work at heights, in confined spaces, and around moving machinery when required.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Ability to work overtime, weekends, or on-call schedules as needed.

Work Environment

- Manufacturing environment producing stainless-steel and other equipment used by dairy processors.
- Exposure to machinery, noise, welding operations, and varying temperatures.
- Requires adherence to safety, quality, and housekeeping standards.

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $30 - $36 per hour.  GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States. The pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary.  The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons.  You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

Please note: This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.

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