Machinist Burlington, ON 8/10/2026

Maple Leaf Foods; Burlington; On-site; CAD 44,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness benefits

Pension plan with company matching

Tuition reimbursement

Learning and development opportunities

Volunteer days

Job summary

Maple Leaf Foods in Ontario is seeking a skilled Machinist with 5–10 years in a machine shop to cut, shape and finish metal parts using lathes, mills and waterjet. You will read mechanical drawings, build dies and tooling, and perform precision fabrication and welding in a food-safe manufacturing environment.

The role requires knowledge of TIG/MIG welding, CNC lathe/milling, and close-tolerance work up to .0005 inches, with strong teamwork, safety compliance, and ability to train apprentices.

Qualifications

• Reads and interprets mechanical drawings, tooling drawings, and work-process documentation.
• Builds precision dies, tools and prototypes using conventional and NC metal-cutting and forming machines.
• Competent in measurement with precision tools.
• Welding techniques required: TIG, MIG, SMAW, GMAW, stick welding.
• Experience with CNC Lathe/Milling, Shear/Punching, Waterjet, Brake Press.

Responsibilities

• Read/interpret drawings and work-process docs to plan fabrication.
• Build and set up dies, tools, and prototypes with appropriate machines.
• Perform precision measurement and quality reviews on parts.
• Apply welding to meet food-safety and product standards.
• Operate CNC lathes/mills, waterjet, and brake presses.
• Maintain safety and housekeeping in a food-manufacturing environment.

Skills

Reads drawings and work-process docs

Interprets mechanical drawings

Welding techniques incl. TIG/MIG/SMAW

CNC lathe/milling experience

Measuring with precision tools

Close-tolerance fabrication

Team leadership/mentoring

Education

Ontario Certificate of Qualification in Machinist (429A)

Welding qualification (456A)

Industrial Mechanic Millwright (433A)

Technical diploma in Machining

Tools

MIG/TIG welding equipment

Waterjet

Die presses

Lathes

Milling machines

Job description

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the Shop Manager, the Machinist has ideally 5-10 years of experience in a Machine Shop environment. The machinist cuts, shapes and finishes metal to make precision machined parts and components used in all areas of manufacturing. Additionally, the candidate can perform custom welding/fabrication and has experience in machine repair/rebuild.

A technical diploma is preferred, while holding an Ontario Certificate of Qualification in either Machinist (429A)). Preference will be given to candidates who also possess a Certificate of Qualification in Welding (456A) and/or Industrial Mechanic Millwright (433A). The Machinist is familiar with using production tools such as dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, MIG/TIG welding equipment, waterjet, shear and brake press. Experience working with Stainless Steel, Aluminum or specialty metals, alloys and plastics is a benefit.

The Machinist follows company policies, standards and guidelines as they apply to all activities including applying Standard Operating Procedures in his/her work.

The Machinist has strong leadership and communication skills, works well in a team environment, is responsible and is open to change. The person is results oriented and quality driven.

The Machinist promotes and maintains a safe working environment through compliance with MLF’s Health and Safety Program. This includes Food Safety and Environmental compliance.

Reason for vacancy: Existing Headcount

Hourly Wage: $39.00

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Reads and interprets mechanical drawings, tooling drawings and work-process documentation.
• Builds precision dies, tools and prototypes using conventional and numerically controlled metal-cutting and forming machines and other equipment including saws, drills, grinders, lathes, mills, die presses and electrical discharge machines.
• Competent in work piece measurement using specialized and precision tools and equipment.
• Welding techniques required, including: TIG/MIG, Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and stick welding.
• Experience with CNC Lathe/Milling machines, Shear and Punching machines, Waterjet cutting machine and Brake Press set up and operation.
• Machine and fabricate parts to close tolerance .0005” in a cost-effective manner.
• Able to multitask and work under direction of the shop manager and shop lead hand.
• Responsible for post and completed Work Order quality reviews.
• Perform PM and Fabrication work in accordance with procedures or oral instruction.
• Account for inventory usage and labour on the shop work order system.
• Welding repairs and/or fabrication need to be carried out to Food Safety standards.
• Communicate daily repair activity with Shop Manager or site Lead Hand.
• Fulfill all Health and Safety, Food Safety, HACCP, WHIMS and MSDS policy requirements.
• Fulfill mechanical requirements of work order programs c/w requesting assistance where necessary.
• As part of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities apprenticeship program, train and mentor apprentice employees as required.
• Mechanical abilities and trouble shooting skills may be needed for breakdown analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to wear proper PPE and comply with safety requirements.
• Lifting up to 60 lbs, bending and reaching.
• Pushing, pulling, and overhead reaching.
• Prolonged standing.

What You’ll Bring:

• Ability to read, write and communicate in English.
• Positive interaction and information sharing with Associates and Salaried Team.
• Active participation in Work Group meetings.
• Ability to obtain pertinent information, evaluate information objectively and explore alternative solutions to problems.
• Actively finding new and improved ways of completing tasks.
• Willing to try new things and assume additional responsibilities.

What We Offer at Maple Leaf Foods:

• Being part of a high-performance, people-focused company that has an inspiring and unique vision to become the most sustainable protein company on earth, and a deep commitment to sustainable protein across North America.
• An inclusive company culture and a work environment that keeps our people safe, rewards excellence, and empowers everyone to learn and contribute their best.
• Competitive Health and Wellness benefits that offer flexibility to meet your individual or family needs, including programs focused on improving mental health and wellbeing. These benefits start on your first day of employment.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching that starts on your first day of employment.
• Learning and development opportunities, including workshops, ‘speaker series’ events, and resources that allow you to develop your skills and progress your career.
• Comprehensive tuition reimbursement program that supports continuous learning and development of our team members through investment in eligible degrees, diplomas, professional certification, or trades programs.
• Supporting our deep commitment to community impact, we offer up to two paid days annually to volunteer at a cause of your choice.

About Us:

We’re a carbon neutral food company on a purposeful journey to Raise the Good in Food through better nutrition, safer food and workplaces, more humane animal care, and environmental sustainability efforts that protect our planet. We care about our communities and commit to reducing food insecurity in Canada. Join us on the journey. Let’s build a better future, together.

We’re passionate about food. For more than 100 years, we’ve made delicious, healthy protein that Canadians love under iconic national and regional brands, like Maple Leaf®, Schneiders®, and Greenfield Natural Meat Co.® We’re on a journey to become the most sustainable protein company – not just in Canada – but on earth.

• We are carbon neutral.
• We are one of the only food companies in Canada to set science-based targets.

A diverse and inclusive work environment

Championing diversity and inclusion is a critical component to advancing our collective purpose and vision and living the Maple Leaf Leadership Values. We believe in building, investing in, recognizing, and rewarding remarkable people who value an inclusive workplace, embrace all forms of diversity, and commit to including every voice in our collaborative environment. We’re so much stronger when we know we’re accepted and valued for who we are and what we each bring to the workplace.

We embrace a strong, values-based culture

• Doing What’s Right
• Shared Value
• High Performance
• Diverse and Inclusive Teams
• Disciplined Decision Making
• Our Accountability
• Intense Curiosity
• Transparency and Humility

We thank all applicants for their interest in exploring employment opportunities with Maple Leaf Foods; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants may be subject to a background check and must meet the security criteria designated for the position.

Championing diversity and inclusion is a critical component to advancing our collective purpose and vision, living the Maple Leaf Leadership Values, and delivering winning results. Accommodation is available upon request for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment and assessment process and when hired; please contact our Talent Attraction Team [e-mail].