Maintenance Mechanic (63842)

TITLE: Maintenance Mechanic

DEPARTMENT: Facilities

REPORTS TO: Facilities & Maintenance Manager

WHO WE ARE:

Thistle makes it easy to eat well - without overthinking it. Thistle was founded in 2013 with a mission to help people get and stay healthy while improving the sustainability of our food system. Thistle delivers fully prepared, healthy-by-default meals, snacks, desserts, and organic cold-pressed juices. We believe the health of people starts with eating real, whole foods, in the right balance, without the friction. We're building a future where nutritious, sustainable food is accessible, craveable, and part of everyday life

About the Role

Reporting to the Facilities & Maintenance Manager, the Maintenance Mechanic ensures the continuous and efficient operation of equipment and machinery at our food manufacturing facility. This role is instrumental in maintaining production uptime and supporting operational excellence through equipment installation, repair, and preventative maintenance. The ideal candidate brings a proactive approach, technical expertise, and a strong commitment to safety and operational efficiency in a fast-paced environment.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Ensure production lines and machinery are optimally set up, functioning, and prepared for daily operations.
• Conduct detailed inspections and diagnostics to identify potential malfunctions, utilizing visual and auditory techniques.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement effective solutions to address equipment failures and minimize downtime.
• Develop and execute a preventative maintenance schedule to optimize equipment lifespan and reliability.
• Collaborate with management to forecast and maintain an updated inventory of parts and supplies.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including preventative maintenance (PM) logs and detailed work orders.
• Use advanced mechanical and technical skills to install, repair, and test new and existing equipment.
• Perform fabrication and welding as needed to repair or modify production-related assets, including racks and workstations.
• Ensure proper installation and functionality by following equipment manuals and manufacturer specifications.
• Adhere to industry best practices, company standard operating procedures (SOPs), and safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO).
• Respond promptly to emergency situations while maintaining composure and applying appropriate safety measures.
• Act as a safety ambassador, ensuring all tasks are executed with strict adherence to environmental, health, and safety standards.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiencies.
• Provide technical guidance and support to other team members as needed.
• Engage with leadership to support new equipment installation and plant expansion projects.

Who You Are

• High school diploma or equivalent required; completion of trade or vocational programs preferred.
• Minimum 2+ years in a maintenance mechanic or equivalent role in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated experience in electrical and mechanical troubleshooting.
• Welding and fabrication skills are highly desirable.
• Familiarity with power tools, hand tools, and diagnostic equipment.
• A valid California driver's license is required.
• Forklift certification is preferred.
• Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.) for extended periods.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to escalate issues effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management capabilities, with the ability to multitask in a dynamic environment.
• Team-oriented with a collaborative mindset.
• Calm under pressure and able to maintain focus in emergency situations.

Our Culture

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential values at Thistle. We know we do our best and most impactful work when we feel represented and belong. Were proud to actively recruit and hire talented people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class"), including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, citizenship, national origin, color, hairstyles, hair texture, religion or religious creed, age, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran or active military status, marital status, criminal record, genetics, retaliation, sexual harassment or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.