CHATTANOOGA BAKERY, INC.
Unique Southern Treats
Job Title: Maintenance Technician
Job Location: Maintenance and Engineering Department
Reports To: Maintenance Manager
Scheduled Hours: 3rd Shift: 11:00 pm - 7:00 am. Schedule may vary depending on maintenance challenges.
Essential Responsibilities
Equipment Troubleshooting and Repair
- Inspect, diagnose, maintain, repair, and adjust production and packaging equipment and related facility components within assigned training and authorization.
- Evaluate equipment symptoms, operator reports, and operating conditions to identify causes of breakdowns, recurring failures, and performance problems.
- Troubleshoot and repair mechanical components such as bearings, belts, chains, sprockets, shafts, drives, gearboxes, and conveying components, as applicable to installed equipment.
- Perform basic electrical troubleshooting using a volt/ohm meter and amp probe when trained and authorized. Recognize work requiring additional electrical expertise and request assistance.
- Make authorized adjustments to support consistent equipment performance, production throughput, and proper package sealing. Never bypass guards or protective devices to maintain production.
- Respond to equipment jams and breakdowns using approved safe work procedures. Coordinate with Production to segregate affected product for inspection or rework.
- Test repaired equipment through an approved restart process, verify safe operation, and communicate equipment status before returning it to production.
Preventive Maintenance and Equipment Reliability
- Complete scheduled inspections, lubrication, adjustments, component replacements, and preventive maintenance work orders accurately and on time.
- Identify wear, deterioration, leaks, unusual noise, vibration, and other developing conditions; report findings and recommend corrective work.
- Support equipment changeovers, setup verification, and startup checks for different products and packaging formats.
- Assist with installation, relocation, modification, and commissioning of equipment under the direction of the Maintenance Manager.
Safety and Food Production Responsibilities
- Follow company safety procedures, required personal protective equipment practices, and equipment-specific safe work instructions.
- Use approved lockout/tagout and energy isolation procedures before servicing equipment when required. Verify the equipment is safe before beginning work.
- Stop work when conditions are unsafe; promptly report hazards, incidents, near misses, and equipment defects, and take corrective action within authorized responsibility.
- Perform electrical work, welding, fabrication, elevated work, and other specialized tasks only with appropriate training, authorization, and required safeguards.
- Operate forklifts, scissor lifts, lifting devices, and other powered equipment only after required training and authorization.
- Follow plant hygiene, sanitation, and Good Manufacturing Practices. Protect exposed food, ingredients, packaging materials, and food-contact surfaces during maintenance.
- Control tools, fasteners, replacement parts, lubricants, and maintenance debris to prevent product contamination. Use approved materials and lubricants where required.
- Restore guards, clean the work area, account for tools and parts, and coordinate any required cleaning, inspection, and release before equipment returns to service.
- Assist with visual checks of wrappers, cartons, and cases to identify equipment-related packaging defects; communicate concerns to Production and the appropriate quality personnel.
Maintenance Records and Parts Control
- Use the CMMS to review assigned preventive maintenance and task work orders, record findings, and document completed repairs and follow-up needs.
- Enter accurate descriptions of equipment problems, corrective actions, labor time, parts used, and outstanding issues to support planning and maintenance history.
- Use the barcode parts inventory system to identify, issue, and track maintenance parts according to department procedures.
- Notify the Maintenance Manager or designated parts clerk of low inventory, unavailable parts, damaged supplies, and equipment or tool needs.
- Report recurring malfunctions and temporary repairs clearly so permanent corrective actions can be planned and completed.
Teamwork and Additional Duties
- Coordinate maintenance priorities and equipment access with Production to support safe repairs and minimize avoidable downtime.
- Provide clear shift handoffs describing equipment status, work in progress, safety concerns, and follow-up requirements.
- Assist with training and coaching new maintenance employees when requested; share equipment knowledge and safe work methods.
- Perform light welding, fabrication, and facility maintenance within demonstrated skill and authorization.
- Keep maintenance shops, tools, storage areas, and work locations clean, orderly, and free of hazards.
- Perform other related duties assigned by the supervisor or Maintenance Manager.
Company Values and Professional Conduct
Demonstrate Chattanooga Bakery's core values: Lives by the Golden Rule; Gets the Job Done Right; Is a Team Player; and Understands or Asks. Work respectfully, communicate concerns promptly, and ask for clarification or technical assistance whenever instructions or conditions are unclear.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least three years of experience in a similar maintenance position.
- Practical experience using hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment safely and effectively.
- Ability to troubleshoot mechanical equipment and perform basic electrical troubleshooting within training and authorization.
- Ability to read and follow work orders, equipment manuals, technical instructions, and applicable diagrams.
- Computer skills sufficient to use a CMMS, enter maintenance records, and work with a barcode parts inventory system.
- Sound judgment, initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to organize work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a maintenance team, recognize personal technical limits, and seek assistance appropriately.
- Commitment to safe work practices, prompt hazard reporting, and ongoing learning through internal and external training.
Preferred Qualifications
- Plant electrical maintenance and troubleshooting experience.
- Experience maintaining food manufacturing or packaging equipment.
- Technical school, apprenticeship, or related industrial maintenance training.
- Experience with light welding, fabrication, and equipment installation.
Schedule and Working Conditions
Must be flexible to work different shifts based on operational needs. Availability is required for overtime, extended workweeks, short-notice assignments, and emergency call-ins. Work takes place in production, maintenance, and facility areas, both indoors and outdoors. Conditions may include heat, cold, changing weather, wet or dusty environments, elevated noise, and restricted work areas. Tasks in confined spaces or other specially controlled areas require the applicable training, authorization, and entry procedures.
Physical and Functional Requirements
The essential functions require sustained attention, observation of equipment conditions, and safe use of tools and diagnostic devices. Work includes standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, climbing, and working in tight spaces. Employees handle tools, parts, and equipment; use appropriate lifting aids or team assistance for heavy or awkward loads; and distinguish information needed to diagnose and safely service machinery. Essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
Accountability and Supervision
Works under the general direction of the Maintenance Manager, often with limited direct supervision. Has no formal supervisory responsibility but may assist with employee training. Is accountable for safe work, accurate maintenance records, responsible use of parts and tools, and prompt communication of equipment risks. Poor workmanship or unsafe actions may cause injury, equipment damage, product contamination, production downtime, or financial loss. Handle company information and equipment knowledge with integrity and discretion.
The Maintenance Technician maintains the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of production equipment, packaging machinery, and facility systems. This position troubleshoots mechanical, basic electrical, and operational issues; performs preventive and corrective maintenance; supports equipment changeovers and installations; and documents work in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). The technician works closely with Maintenance, Production, and other departments to reduce downtime while protecting employees, product quality, and food safety.