Arils Maintenance Lead

The Wonderful Company; California (MO); On-site; USD 38,572 - 42,705; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

401(k) with match eligibility

Access to virtual mental health resources

Employee community groups

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

The Wonderful Company is seeking an Arils Maintenance Lead in California, Missouri. This role involves leading daily maintenance for high-speed food production operations, ensuring equipment reliability, and overseeing maintenance programs.

Qualified candidates should possess strong mechanical and electrical knowledge, experienced in troubleshooting diverse systems, and capable of managing both preventive and corrective maintenance initiatives. Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems.
• Experience in troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Experience with Preventive and Predictive Maintenance programs.
• Knowledge of food safety requirements in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily maintenance operations and ensure equipment reliability.
• Perform troubleshooting and repairs on various production equipment.
• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance programs.
• Develop and execute continuous improvement initiatives.
• Train and mentor maintenance personnel.

Skills

Mechanical knowledge

Electrical troubleshooting

PLC controls

Hydraulic systems

Automation equipment

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CMMS software

Microsoft Office

Welding equipment

Job description

Job Summary

The Arils Maintenance Lead is responsible for leading daily maintenance activities supporting high‑speed Ready‑to‑Eat (RTE) food production operations including extraction, arils processing, packaging, utilities, and facility infrastructure. This role oversees preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs while providing technical leadership for troubleshooting PLC controls, electrical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, automation equipment, conveyors, fillers, extraction equipment, and process utilities.

The Maintenance Lead is expected to drive equipment reliability, minimize downtime, support continuous improvement initiatives, maintain regulatory compliance, and develop maintenance personnel through coaching and technical training. This position works closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, Safety, and Capital Projects teams to achieve operational targets.

Compensation: $28 - $31 per hour (final compensation will be dependent upon skills & experience).

Job Description

• Lead daily maintenance operations for extraction, arils processing, packaging, utilities, and facility systems while supporting production goals, minimizing downtime, and ensuring safe plant operations, including providing emergency unscheduled repairs.
• Perform and oversee troubleshooting, repair, installation, startup, alignment, maintenance, and reliability of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, automated production equipment, conveyor systems, motors, pumps, gearboxes, compressed air systems, extraction equipment, fillers, sealers, compressors, utility systems, and other critical production and facility support infrastructure to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations.
• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled systems, HMIs, VFDs, motor controls, sensors, instrumentation, and automated equipment including high-voltage and low-voltage electrical systems (24VDC–480VAC).
• Develop, execute, and continuously improve Preventive Maintenance (PM), Predictive Maintenance (PdM), and Corrective Maintenance programs while utilizing CMMS for work order management, scheduling, documentation, and inventory tracking.
• Perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA), reliability initiatives, and continuous improvement activities focused on reducing equipment failures, improving uptime, increasing throughput, and lowering operational costs.
• Lead maintenance activities during harvest preparation, seasonal startup/shutdowns, capital projects, equipment installations, and contractor oversight while supporting facility expansion and improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP, BRC, OSHA, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), food safety programs, and all company safety and regulatory requirements within a Ready‑to‑Eat (RTE) manufacturing environment.
• Train, mentor, and provide technical leadership to maintenance personnel while supporting workforce development, accountability, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Operations teams.
• Maintain accurate daily documentation including work orders, PM records, downtime tracking, maintenance logs, parts usage, shift pass‑downs, and completion of required pre‑operational and post‑operational inspections to support equipment reliability, food safety compliance, and audit readiness.

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and automated production systems, including troubleshooting and repair within a high-speed food manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot PLC-controlled equipment, automation controls, HMIs, VFDs, instrumentation, load cells, sensors, motor controls, MCCs, and high-voltage/low-voltage electrical systems (24VDC–480VAC).
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, OEM manuals, and technical documentation to diagnose failures and implement corrective actions.
• Working knowledge of conveyor systems, conveyor alignment/tracking, motors, pumps, bearings, gearboxes, power transmission components, compressed air systems, and other critical production support equipment.
• Experience troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, utilities, wastewater systems, and facility support equipment.
• Knowledge of welding and fabrication practices including TIG, MIG, stainless steel fabrication, equipment modifications, and installation of production equipment preferred.
• Experience utilizing Preventive Maintenance (PM), Predictive Maintenance (PdM), Root Cause Analysis (RCA), reliability methodologies, and CMMS or similar systems to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and support maintenance planning.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, Word), maintenance reporting systems, work order management software, and electronic documentation systems.
• Knowledge of GMP, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Confined space entry, food safety requirements, and regulatory compliance within a Ready‑to‑Eat (RTE) manufacturing environment.
• Excellent organizational, communication, leadership, and troubleshooting skills with the ability to perform basic math calculations, apply written and verbal instructions, work independently or within cross‑functional teams, prioritize multiple tasks, and solve problems in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to safely operate mobile equipment including forklifts, telehandlers, aerial lifts, scissor lifts, and other powered industrial equipment while maintaining required certifications and following company safety procedures.

Education & Experience

High school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate and experience in a leading capacity, Technical training; exposure to high‑speed equipment.

2 years of related experience in packing machines/production machines.

Benefits

• Thriving Wellness Community: Access to top‑notch medical coverage, comprehensive vision and dental plans, and a 401(k) with match eligibility to secure your financial future, including:
  • 24/7 online physician consultations
  • Virtual mental health resources
  • Life coaching
  • Employee community groups
  • Cash rewards for healthy habits and fitness reimbursements
  • Library of on‑demand fitness videos
• Career Advancement Opportunities: Unlock your potential with clear paths for career progression and internal mobility across our diverse family of brands and business units.
• Focused Learning and Development: Grow as a leader with our dedicated Learning and Organizational Development department, offering extensive resources like People Manager and leadership training, webinars, and eLearning courses.
• Empowering Mentorship Program: Connect with colleagues through our company‑wide mentorship program to share goals, overcome challenges, and drive your career forward.
• Continuous Improvement Training: Participate in training that empowers all employees to learn and implement concepts that drive significant, positive change in the workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.