Maintenance Technician 

Job Title: Maintenance Technician

Market Title: Maintenance Technician

Location: Wittenberg WI

Status: Regular Full-Time

FLSA: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: 

Nueske's has been producing premium smoked meats for generations through a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement. We are seeking a skilled Maintenance Technician to help keep our production equipment and facility operating safely and efficiently.

If you enjoy troubleshooting complex equipment, solving mechanical and electrical problems, and working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, we would like to hear from you.

The Maintenance Technician performs preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on manufacturing equipment, production systems, facility utilities, and building infrastructure. This position is responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, installing, and maintaining mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and automated equipment to maximize equipment reliability and minimize production downtime.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated problem solver who is committed to safety, quality, food safety, and continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

This list is representative of the position and is not intended to be all-inclusive.

• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on manufacturing and packaging equipment.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and control system failures.
• Diagnosing equipment malfunctions and restore production equipment to safe operating condition.
• Inspect equipment and complete preventive maintenance according to manufacturer recommendations and scheduled maintenance plans.
• Perform root cause analysis on equipment failures and recommend permanent corrective actions.
• Install, modify, and commission new equipment, machinery, and production systems.
• Support equipment upgrades, automation projects, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain facility infrastructure, utilities, and building systems as assigned.
• Coordinate work with outside contractors, vendors, and equipment manufacturers.
• Accurately document maintenance activities, work orders, parts usage, and repairs within the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Comply with all company safety policies, Lockout/Tagout procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Work independently while effectively prioritizing workload.
• Participate in emergency repairs, scheduled shutdowns, and overtime as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree in Electromechanical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Industrial Electronics, or a related technical field; or equivalent combination of education and industrial maintenance experience.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds and work in manufacturing environments that may include heights, confined spaces, and refrigerated production areas.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to use maintenance software systems.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

Mechanical Systems

• Gearboxes, bearings, seals, chains, sprockets, shafts, couplings, and motors
• Pumps, valves, conveyors, drive systems, and mechanical power transmission
• Precision alignment, machine repair, and equipment installation
• Welding, fabrication, and basic machining

Electrical & Controls

• Industrial electrical systems
• Motor controls, starters, relays, contactors, and overloads
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• PLC troubleshooting and industrial automation
• Servo motors and motion control systems
• Electrical schematics and blueprint reading
• Sensors, level probes, encoders, and instrumentation

Fluid Power

• Hydraulic systems, pumps, cylinders, and valves
• Pneumatic systems, air cylinders, solenoids, regulators, and air compressors

Refrigeration & Utilities

• Industrial refrigeration systems
• Compressors, utility systems, and facility support equipment

Manufacturing Experience

• Food manufacturing experience
• USDA or FDA regulated manufacturing environment
• High-speed production equipment
• Meat processing or slicing equipment
• Preventive and predictive maintenance programs
• CMMS software experience
• Root cause analysis and equipment reliability practices

Professional Skills

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
• Excellent mechanical aptitude
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Benefits

Nueske's offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support our team members and their families.

• Competitive hourly wages
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) 
• Company-paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid vacation, holidays, and personal time
• Shift differential for eligible off-shift positions
• Tuition reimbursement and career development opportunities
• Paid technical and safety training
• Company-supplied uniforms with laundering service
• Annual work boot replacement
• Company-provided tools and specialty equipment
• Employee discounts on Nueske's products
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Opportunities for advancement within a growing organization

NUESKE’S CULTURE ELEMENTS:

At Nueske’s, we share a few basic Culture Elements. By design, they are simple and straightforward and provide the foundation for how we do business and treat each other.

Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats provides equal opportunity in all our employment practices to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other category protected by federal, state, and local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, transfer, disciplinary action, layoff, return from layoff, training, and social, and recreational programs. All such employment decisions will be made based upon the merits of the employee/application and without unlawfully discriminating on any prohibited basis.