Maintenance Technician (3rd Shift: 7 PM – 7 AM)

Location: Sara Lee Frozen Bakery – Tarboro, NC
Department: Maintenance & Engineering
Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor / Maintenance Manager

Position Overview

The Maintenance Technician at Sara Lee Frozen Bakery is a key contributor to the plant’s operational success. This role ensures that all production and facility equipment runs safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company, regulatory, and food safety standards.

Technicians in this role serve as problem-solvers, technical experts, and collaborative partners with production, quality, and engineering teams. The ideal candidate combines strong hands-on technical skills with sound judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to teamwork and continuous improvement.

This is a 12-hour, 3rd shift position (7 PM – 7 AM) on a 2-2-3 rotating schedule, offering steady work, premium pay, and opportunities for skill advancement.

Core Responsibilities

1. Safety and Compliance

Adhere to all Sara Lee Frozen Bakery (SLFB) safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards.
Demonstrate consistent use of proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), including safety glasses, hearing protection, hair/beard nets, and safety-toe boots.
Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space, and electrical safety procedures without exception.
Identify and report hazards promptly, participate in safety audits, and model safe behavior to peers.
Support continuous safety improvement initiatives and uphold a “Safety First” mindset across shifts.

2. Equipment Maintenance and Reliability

Perform preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance on high-speed bakery production equipment such as mixers, conveyors, depositors, packaging lines, and refrigeration systems.
Execute accurate mechanical troubleshooting—diagnose faults in bearings, gears, pumps, belts, sprockets, and drive systems, and complete necessary repairs to minimize downtime.
Apply electrical troubleshooting skills to identify faults in motors, switches, control panels, relays, and VFDs using appropriate diagnostic equipment (multimeter, Amprobe, Megger, etc.).
Understand and interpret electrical schematics and control diagrams, including AC/DC circuits and 3-phase systems.
Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot PLC-controlled systems (Allen Bradley 5/15, SLC 500 series). Adjust parameters, interpret ladder logic, and work safely within control enclosures.
Perform pneumatic and hydraulic repairs, including leak identification, valve replacement, and pressure control.
Conduct repairs and alignments on conveyor systems, ensuring proper belt tension, tracking, and speed synchronization.

3. Fabrication and Technical Craftsmanship

Perform TIG, MIG, and Stick welding on food-grade and structural components.
Safely use shop tools such as milling machines, drill presses, and lathes for small fabrication or modification of parts.
Fabricate guards, brackets, and machine modifications while maintaining food safety and sanitation design standards.

4. Equipment Programming and Calibration

Set or adjust machine parameters (depositors, temperature controllers, conveyor speeds) to maintain product quality and throughput.
Calibrate scales, metal detectors, and printers to ensure proper labeling, traceability, and compliance with food safety requirements.

5. Communication, Teamwork, and Documentation

Communicate clearly and professionally with production, quality, and leadership teams regarding equipment status and maintenance priorities.
Accurately log work performed in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Participate in shift hand-offs and ensure all relevant maintenance updates are documented for continuity.
Demonstrate teamwork by assisting other technicians or departments when needed to meet production goals.

6. Continuous Improvement and Professional Growth

Engage in root cause analysis (RCA) to identify and prevent recurring issues.
Suggest process improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve uptime.
Stay current on emerging technologies, maintenance best practices, and equipment upgrades through company-provided or external training.
Exhibit coachability and adaptability in a dynamic production environment.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education and Experience

Minimum of 3 years’ experience as an Industrial Maintenance Technician, Mechanic, or related role in a manufacturing or food production setting.
Proven experience in mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic troubleshooting.
Familiarity with industrial automation systems, especially Allen Bradley PLCs and variable frequency drives.
Welding and fabrication experience required.

Technical Skills and Competencies

Mechanical Troubleshooting: Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve mechanical failures in rotating or driven systems.
Electrical/Electronic Troubleshooting: Skilled in diagnosing wiring, sensors, and control panels using testing equipment.
Hydraulics & Pneumatics: Understanding of pressure control, valve operation, and leak detection.
PLC Navigation: Ability to connect, interpret, and troubleshoot programmable logic controller faults.
AC/DC Control Wiring and Motor Controls: Experience installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining VFDs, starters, and overload protection.
Conveyor Maintenance: Knowledge of belt tracking, roller replacement, and drive alignment.

Soft Skills and Safety Mindset

Demonstrates clear communication, teamwork, and professionalism under pressure.
Maintains composure during downtime or urgent repairs, balancing speed with safety and accuracy.
Open to feedback and eager to learn new systems, tools, and technologies.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

Able to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for 12 hours, climb ladders, and work in hot, cold, or dusty environments.
Comfortable working around food ingredients (flour, sugar, cinnamon).
Reliable transportation and consistent attendance are essential.

Work Schedule

3rd Shift: 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM (12-hour rotating schedule, 2-2-3 pattern)
Must be willing to work weekends, overtime, and holidays as needed to support plant operations.

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive hourly pay with night shift premium.
Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k) with company match.
Paid time off, paid holidays, and opportunity for internal promotion.
On-the-job training and professional development support through Sara Lee’s technical skill advancement program.

Our Culture

At Sara Lee Frozen Bakery, we believe in fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive workplace. We celebrate craftsmanship, problem-solving, and teamwork — and we take pride in producing food products that families across the nation trust and love.

We are looking for technicians who take initiative, value continuous learning, and want to grow their careers in a modern, fast-paced manufacturing environment.