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Maintenance Mechanic Food Processing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Mechanic

Somerset, NJ · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

An international plant-based food manufacturing company is seeking a Maintenance Mechanic. At least 2 years of experience as a mechanic (food manufacturing preferred but not required)$25 - 28/hr.

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Maintenance Mechanic

Pasco, WA · On-site

$25 - $34/hr

Description Maintenance Mechanic About Twin City Foods, Inc Twin City Foods in a leading Frozen ... other food processing machinery. Your work is critical in ensuring compliance with food safety ...

Maintains the highest level of housekeeping Qualifications: * 3-5 years' experience as a Maintenance Mechanic/Technician maintaining chemical or food processing equipment * Willingness and ability to ...

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Maintenance Mechanic Food Processing information

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$15

$27

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How much do maintenance mechanic food processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for maintenance mechanic food processing in the United States is $27.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Maintenance Mechanics in the food processing industry?

Maintenance Mechanics in food processing often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex equipment under time pressure, adhering to strict sanitation standards, and minimizing production downtime. The role frequently requires quick decision-making and adaptability, especially during unexpected machinery breakdowns. Additionally, Maintenance Mechanics must stay up-to-date with evolving technologies and safety regulations, collaborating closely with production and quality assurance teams to ensure smooth and compliant operations.

What is the highest paying job in the food industry?

In the food industry, executive roles such as Food Processing Plant Managers or Directors typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. Maintenance mechanics and skilled technicians with specialized certifications can also earn high wages, especially in large facilities or with extensive experience and advanced skills in automation and equipment repair.

What does a Maintenance Mechanic in Food Processing do?

A Maintenance Mechanic in Food Processing is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing machinery and equipment used in food manufacturing plants. They ensure that production lines run smoothly by troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and sometimes pneumatic or hydraulic issues. Their work helps prevent breakdowns and maintain food safety standards by keeping equipment in optimal condition. Maintenance mechanics also perform routine inspections and follow strict sanitation protocols specific to the food industry.

What is the difference between Maintenance Mechanic Food Processing vs Maintenance Technician Food Processing?

AspectMaintenance Mechanic Food ProcessingMaintenance Technician Food Processing
CertificationsOften requires HVAC, electrical, or mechanical certificationsSimilar certifications, with focus on electrical and mechanical skills
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, food processing lines, industrial settingsManufacturing facilities, food production lines, industrial environments
Job FocusDiagnosing, repairing, and maintaining machineryPreventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs
Common UsageUsed interchangeably in many companies, but Maintenance Mechanic often implies more hands-on repairFocuses on routine maintenance tasks and troubleshooting

Both roles involve maintaining food processing equipment, but Maintenance Mechanics typically focus more on repairing and troubleshooting machinery, often requiring more technical certifications. Maintenance Technicians may focus more on preventive maintenance and routine checks. The roles overlap significantly, but the terminology can vary by employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Maintenance Mechanic in Food Processing, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Maintenance Mechanic in Food Processing, you need strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting skills, and a background in industrial maintenance, often supported by a technical diploma or relevant certifications. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), hydraulics, pneumatics, and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for working efficiently and minimizing downtime. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring equipment reliability, food safety, and uninterrupted production in a highly regulated environment.

What are the types of maintenance in food industry?

Maintenance mechanics in the food processing industry perform various types of maintenance, including preventive maintenance to reduce equipment breakdowns, corrective maintenance to repair equipment after failure, and predictive maintenance using tools like vibration analysis and thermography to anticipate issues. These activities help ensure equipment operates efficiently, meet safety standards, and minimize production downtime.

What is the highest paid maintenance job?

In the maintenance field, specialized roles such as industrial maintenance managers or senior maintenance engineers tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $80,000 to $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced technical skills, certifications, and experience in managing complex equipment or facilities, including food processing plants.

What is a Level 7 maintenance mechanic job description?

A Level 7 maintenance mechanic in food processing is a highly experienced technician responsible for complex equipment repairs, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance. They often work with advanced tools and systems, may lead maintenance teams, and require specialized certifications or extensive industry experience. This role typically involves working in a fast-paced environment with safety and compliance standards.
More about Maintenance Mechanic Food Processing jobs
What cities are hiring for Maintenance Mechanic Food Processing jobs? Cities with the most Maintenance Mechanic Food Processing job openings:
What states have the most Maintenance Mechanic Food Processing jobs? States with the most job openings for Maintenance Mechanic Food Processing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Maintenance Mechanic Food Processing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Maintenance Mechanic Food Processing jobs are:
Infographic showing various Maintenance Mechanic Food Processing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,279 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Maintenance Mechanic - Food Manufacturing

Maintenance Mechanic - Food Manufacturing

Boutique Recruiting

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$62K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Position Title: Maintenance Mechanic - Food Manufacturing
This is an opportunity to play a critical role in keeping a growing food manufacturing operation running at peak performance. The Maintenance Mechanic will be the go-to expert for troubleshooting, repairing, and improving production and packaging equipment, directly impacting efficiency, product quality, and overall plant success. From working on motors, conveyors, mixers, and automated systems to supporting equipment upgrades and continuous improvement initiatives, no two days are the same. Ideal candidates are hands-on problem solvers who thrive in fast-paced environments and take pride in keeping operations moving. In return, they'll join a stable, family-oriented company that values its employees, invests in their development, and offers a supportive culture with long-term growth opportunities.
Salary Range: $62,000 - $72,000 / Year DOE
Responsibilities:
  • Troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and adjust food production and packaging equipment
  • Perform preventive maintenance on mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, steam, and utility systems
  • Work on motors, pumps, conveyors, mixers, blenders, fillers, sealers, gearboxes, bearings, and packaging equipment
  • Troubleshoot electrical systems, including 480V and 120V controls, motors, sensors, and PLC-controlled equipment
  • Fabricate, weld, machine, and install parts and equipment modifications as needed
  • Follow all GMP, HACCP, SQF, allergen control, sanitation, lockout/tagout, and safety procedures
  • Perform repairs in a way that protects products from contamination and report any food safety, quality, or safety concerns immediately
  • Use approved food-grade lubricants, chemicals, and replacement parts
  • Support SQF audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections
  • Participate in investigations and corrective actions related to equipment failures and quality issues
  • Train employees on safe equipment operation, equipment care, lockout/tagout awareness, and GMP practices
  • Promote a culture of safety, food safety, accountability, and proper documentation
  • Coordinate with Sanitation and Quality teams when maintenance impacts cleaning or allergen controls

Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • 4+ years of industrial maintenance experience
  • Experience with troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and production support
  • Basic computer skills (email, Excel, electronic work orders)
  • Must complete company training in GMPs, HACCP, SQF, allergen control, sanitation, lockout/tagout, and safety procedures
  • Forklift, scissor lift, confined space, welding, boiler, or other job-specific certifications may be required
  • Electrical, PLC, welding, refrigeration, and maintenance certifications are preferred
  • Food manufacturing experience is required
  • Technical school or apprenticeship is preferred
  • Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, PLCs, motor controls, steam systems, and industrial utilities is required
  • Welding, fabrication, machining, and electrical skills are a plus is preferred

Benefits:
  • Medical insurance with low employee costs
  • Dental insurance with low employee costs
  • 401(k) with 5% company match
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Group life insurance
  • PTO that increases with tenure

If you are a Maintenance Mechanic - Food Manufacturing looking to take the next step in your career, apply now! #LI-CM1

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About Boutique Recruiting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a team with shared goals; mindfully placing candidates in the workforce to successfully fulfill their career ambitions while encouraging a sense of purpose and value. We have created a new kind of placement firm — one that values connection, personalization, commitment, impact, boldness and achievement. At Boutique Recruiting, our clients, candidates and employees are at the heart of our success.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

2014

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