Maintenance Mechanic

At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.

We do not use AI to screen applications. Applications and resumes of qualified applicants are reviewed by a real person because we value your time and believe each qualified applicant deserves thoughtful, human consideration. It’s an old‑fashioned approach—done with purpose.

Our people are the key ingredient to our success. We offer a collaborative, innovative environment where you can grow your career and make an impact on global food and health solutions.

We provide a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package, including:

• Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Opportunity
• 401(k) with Company Contributions 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision — Effective Day 1
• Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, and Floating Holidays

• Paid Parental Leave
• Wellness Programs and Yearly Wellness Reimbursement
• Work Flexibility
• Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
• Career Growth and Development within a Global Organization

• Company-Provided Mental Health and Caregiving support

This position will perform general maintenance of equipment in a fermentation manufacturing environment.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE:

· High School diploma or GED required

· 5+ years of trade experience in a similar industry is preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

· Excellent oral, written, and computer communication skills

· Ability to interpret technical drawings

· Strong mechanical aptitude and background

· Design/drawing/manual experience for troubleshooting

· Multi-trade skills like welding, pipefitting, pump repairs, compressor work, boilers, etc.

· Must be self-motivated, strive for success, work in and with the maintenance/production teams, stay on task with limited supervision

· Ability to remain flexible in work scheduling knowing that occasionally break times and/or start and stop times may need adjusted in order to finish up a project safely and completely

WORKING CONDITIONS: Fast paced bio-chemical/chemical/dry blending manufacturing environment working both in office & plant settings. May perform activities in an environment containing hazardous elements and requiring safety awareness and adherence to all safety policies and guidelines. Work must be performed in a safe manner for personal protection and for the protection of other team members. All safety procedures, procedures described in SOPs, JHAs, and support of the ISO standards in all functional areas must be followed, enforced, and strictly complied with.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sitting, standing, walking, repetitive use of hands/arms/legs, and eye/hand coordination for 4+ hours a day
• Occasional bending, reaching overhead, crouching, balancing, pushing or pulling
• Occasional lifting of 50 lbs. or less, occasional need to lift up to 75 lbs.
• Ability to operate general manufacturing powered equipment, vehicles and tools
• Ability to operate forklift, telehandler, and man lifts proficiently
• Ability to wear a resipirator according to the Company respiratory program

Safety, Environmental, & Quality Compliance

• Utilize safe work habits and follow all policies and procedures
• Make sound decisions while not compromising safety, environmental or quality standards
• Assist with audits as required Turn in any hazards as they are identified to get them corrected as soon as possible
• Attend regularly scheduled training sessions to stay current on all compliance initiatives
• Ensure compliance with all governmental regulations and policies

Maintenance Duties

• Changing drive belts, pump mechanical seals, oils, filters, greases, bearings, rotors
• Rebuilding pumps, frames, structures, doors
• Repairs of conveyor belts, pipe leaks, fork trucks, manlifts
• Some minor welding of frames, stands, handrail, etc.
• Report daily tasks/accomplishments back to the Maintenance Supervisor/leadership
• Learns equipment details such that general maintenance work can be completed efficiently and successfully
• Will conduct minor troubleshooting, individual equipment coordination for stop/starts with production
• Assists in the preparation of Work Instructions/Standard Operating Procedures
• Occasionally will be working with contractors and will provide guidance for the current task
• Be available for contact during off hours (evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) for communications of troubleshooting, adjustments, and occasional reporting to work for corrections

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration

• Suggest/implement process improvement, cost down, or best practice ideas
• Continually strive for increasing processing efficiencies
• Complete 5S activities to keep the work area clean and organized 

Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by state, federal, or local law.  All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.