Meat Packing Plant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Wilmington, CA Maintenance

Job Summary:
The Maintenance Seamer Mechanic is responsible for maintaining, adjusting, troubleshooting, repairing, and overhauling a variety of can seamers to ensure they operate safely, efficiently, and to quality standards. Key equipment includes Angelus 61H and Continental 2003 seamers. This role also serves as a Line Mechanic for additional plant equipment in the Filling Room and related areas, including fillers, conveyors, cooking tanks, sterilizers, basket loaders/unloaders, labelers, packers, and palletizers.

The role involves mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and steam systems and requires a strong focus on seam integrity and food safety. Duties cover equipment set-up, changeovers, preventive and emergency maintenance, fabrication, installations, and addressing quality and safety issues.

Essential Functions:

• Perform all job duties in a safe and food-safe manner, following GMPs and company safety policies.
• Set up, start up, monitor, troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and lubricate equipment during assigned shift.
  Key Equipment Includes:
  • Can Seamers: Angelus 61H and Continental 2003, ensuring seam specs are met.
  • Filling Room & Sterilization Equipment: Hydraulic dumpers, meat conveyors, dicers, metal detectors, meat/corn/broth fillers, check weighers, can conveyors, ink jet printers, cooking tanks, sterilizers, basket conveyors, loaders/unloaders, pumps, depalletizers.
  • Packaging Equipment: Can dryers, X-ray machines, can and case labelers, case packers/printers/conveyors, palletizers.
• Perform seam teardowns every 3 hours using manual and scope methods; document findings and take corrective action as needed.
• Complete changeovers on seamers, fillers, and empty can lines as required.
• Conduct deep overhauls and rebuild gearboxes/drives as needed using OEM documentation.
• Carry out preventive maintenance (PM) and repetitive work orders per schedule; ensure proper documentation.
• Disassemble and reassemble equipment for sanitation.
• Modify or install equipment and support capital and improvement projects with the Engineering team.
• Use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to manage all PMs and work orders.
• Collaborate with the Planner/Scheduler to update and maintain work order schedules.
• Communicate key updates to the Maintenance Supervisor and Lead; support Operations Leads during equipment adjustments or line issues.
• Work with the Parts Coordinator to ensure availability of critical parts; properly sign out all items per maintenance policy and generate part requests as needed.
• Ensure all product contact surfaces are protected during work; complete proper cleanup after each task.
• Account for and clean all parts, tools, and debris after each job.
• Promptly complete all required documentation and reports.
• Immediately report equipment malfunctions or unsafe conditions to the Supervisor.
• Maintain professional conduct with team members, contractors, and other departments.
• Take initiative to resolve issues and make sound decisions when appropriate.
• Train other mechanics on seamer maintenance, seam inspections, and related activities.
• Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, high lifts, and other company vehicles after certification through Juanita’s Foods.
• Provide personal hand tools as required for the role.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing (email, paper, boards, etc.).

Qualifications and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of formal Seamer School training required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a manufacturing line mechanic, preferably in the food industry.
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience working with can seamers and fillers, specifically Angelus and Continental seamers.
• Seamer training certificates for Angelus 61H and Continental 2003 models.
• Proficient in manual and scope-based seam teardown inspections, including documentation.
• Working knowledge of hydraulic, pneumatic, and pump systems.
• Skilled in lubrication practices for industrial equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting and critical thinking skills.
• Familiarity with Lockout/Tagout (LO/TO) procedures.
• Experience in high-speed manufacturing environments.
• Able to interpret and work from manufacturer manuals and equipment specifications.
• Electrical troubleshooting experience is a plus.
• Welding and fabrication experience (minimum 3 years) is a plus.
• Forklift and high lift certifications are a plus.
• Solid understanding of preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance practices.
• Capable of reading and interpreting mechanical diagrams and schematics.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Basic computer proficiency, including email, internet, spreadsheets, and CMMS software.
• Flexibility to work night shifts, weekends, and extended hours based on production needs.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is primarily performed in a manufacturing plant with exposure to noise, temperature fluctuations, and industrial chemicals.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, crouching, reaching, pulling, and lifting.
• Regular use of hand tools requiring gripping and repetitive motion.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds safely.