Machinist / Maintenance Technician

Job Description

Job Title: Inside Machinist / Maintenance Technician

Department: Production / Maintenance

Reports To: Maintenance manager / Manufacturing Director

Shift: Day

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Position Summary

The Inside Machinist / Maintenance Technician produces precisely engineered parts used to build and maintain the instruments, machines, and tools that run our production lines. Their duties include setting up equipment, operating equipment, and inspecting finished parts to ensure they meet exact specifications. In our operation, this includes fabricating and repairing replacement parts for filling, capping, labeling, and packaging machinery — helping us keep equipment running to specification (including the fillers that control fill accuracy) and minimizing downtime and product loss. This role also performs everyday industrial maintenance — preventive and corrective repairs on production, packaging, and plant equipment — in a food manufacturing environment that requires strict adherence to food safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

Key Responsibilities

Machining

• Set up and operate manual machines (mills, lathes, grinders) to produce replacement and custom parts
• Inspect finished parts using precision measuring tools (micrometers, calipers, gauges) to verify dimensional accuracy
• Fabricate or modify parts for production line equipment (fillers, cappers, conveyors, labelers) to resolve mechanical wear or failure
• Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to diagnose equipment issues causing out-of-spec output.
• Select appropriate materials, tooling, and cutting parameters for each job
• Perform routine maintenance and calibration on machine shop equipment
• Maintain accurate records of parts produced, materials used, and job specifications

Industrial Maintenance

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on production and packaging equipment, including fillers, cappers, labelers, conveyors, pumps, mixers, and kettles
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and basic electrical systems (motors, sensors, controls)
• Install, align, and replace bearings, gearboxes, chains, sprockets, belts, seals, and couplings
• Perform line changeovers, adjustments, and startups to support the production schedule
• Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns during production to minimize downtime
• Maintain plant and building systems, including air compressors, boilers/steam, HVAC, plumbing, and general facility repairs
• Document work orders and preventive maintenance tasks in the maintenance management system (CMMS) and help track spare parts inventory

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety, and quality programs, and support customer, third-party, and regulatory audits
• Use only food-grade lubricants and approved food-contact materials (e.g., 304/316 stainless steel, food-grade plastics) and follow sanitary design practices
• Follow tool control, glass/brittle plastic, and foreign material procedures; account for all tools, parts, and debris after working in production areas
• Clean up after repairs and release equipment to Sanitation/Quality before production restarts
• Follow allergen control procedures

Safety & General

• Follow all safety protocols, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and PPE requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical/vocational certificate in machining technology preferred
• 2+ years of experience as a Machinist, in a machine shop environment, and/or in industrial maintenance
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics (mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic), and technical drawings
• Proficient with precision measuring instruments
• Must be able to cut threads, tapers, keyways, and similar features
• Must be able to use a 4-jaw chuck for machining
• Must be able to produce parts without a print (e.g., by measuring a sample or worn part)
• Must be able to sharpen drill bits and tooling
• Strong attention to detail and mechanical aptitude
• Working knowledge of mechanical power transmission, pneumatics, and hydraulics
• Basic computer skills (work orders/CMMS, email)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience machining replacement parts for bottling/filling or packaging equipment
• Industrial maintenance experience in a food, beverage, or other regulated manufacturing environment
• Welding/fabrication skills, including TIG welding of stainless steel
• Basic PLC and electrical controls troubleshooting
• Forklift and/or aerial lift certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Familiarity with GMPs, HACCP, or food safety audit programs (e.g., SQF)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, bend, and work around moving machinery for extended periods
• Exposure to noise, metal shavings, coolant, and machine shop conditions
• Ability to climb ladders, work at heights, and work in tight or confined spaces
• Work in a food production environment with wet or slippery floors, heat and humidity from cooking areas, and exposure to peppers, vinegar, and other acidic ingredients
• Must wear required food-plant PPE (e.g., hairnet/beard net, safety glasses, hearing protection, safety footwear)
• These physical requirements may be met with or without reasonable accommodation

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay: $30-$34 per hour
• Benefits: Health (BCBS of LA), Vision, Dental, 401(k) with 4% match, other supplemental benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Baumer Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and may be changed at any time. Employment with Baumer Foods is at-will.