Feed Mill Maintenance Associate

Smithfield Foods; Laurinburg (NC); On-site; USD 21,900 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Insurance

Retirement Benefits

Education benefits

Relocation Package

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is looking for a Maintenance Engineer in Laurinburg, North Carolina. The role involves performing maintenance on feed mill equipment, troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or related Engineering field and experience in industrial maintenance.

The position offers competitive starting pay at $21.90 per hour, comprehensive health insurance, and opportunities for education benefits. Join a team committed to producing high-quality feed in a safe working environment.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Excellent communication skills in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on feed mill equipment.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical issues.
• Develop and improve preventive maintenance programs.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company procedures.

Skills

Mechanical systems

Industrial equipment

Maintenance engineering principles

Welding skills

Electrical skills

PLC automation systems

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Forklift operation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

CMMS

Electrical tools

Welding equipment

Job description

REWARDS

• Hourly Competitive Starting Pay $21.90/hour
• Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More.
• Education benefit available to full- and part-time Smithfield team members upon meeting eligibility requirements.
• Relocation Package Available

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Perform daily preventive and corrective maintenance activities on assigned feed mill equipment, ensuring equipment reliability and minimal downtime.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical equipment issues using sound engineering and maintenance principles.
• Follow all standard operating procedures, maintenance instructions, GMPs, and safety practices when performing maintenance tasks, including installing, adjusting, repairing, and replacing equipment.
• Continuously identify maintenance issues and develop corrective and preventive solutions to eliminate recurring problems and reduce unscheduled downtime.
• Support the development, execution, and continuous improvement of a cost‑effective Preventive and Predictive Maintenance (PM/PdM) program in partnership with the Maintenance Supervisor and Maintenance Manager.
• Ensure all assigned daily, weekly, and scheduled PMs are completed and properly documented.
• Read, interpret, and evaluate engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, piping sketches, repair manuals, and parts catalogs to support troubleshooting, repairs, and equipment modifications.
• Analyze mechanical and electrical problems, document findings, and recommend equipment or process improvements to enhance safety, efficiency, and production performance.
• Plan, fabricate, assemble, test, and install new or modified mechanical components, machinery, and equipment as required.
• Set up and conduct equipment and component testing, record results, compare outcomes to specifications, and recommend corrective actions or design changes.
• Monitor, inspect, and test machinery and production lines to ensure they remain in safe and optimal operating condition.
• Coordinate maintenance activities, safety procedures, equipment servicing, and material requirements to align with production schedules.
• Establish, communicate, and follow consistent parts replacement and repair standards.
• Manage and monitor critical spare parts inventory based on equipment usage, maintenance history, and operational needs.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and reports, including work orders, PM activities, inspections, bearings maintenance, and parts replacement using the CMMS/CAM system.
• Promote and actively participate in a strong safety culture, including proper housekeeping practices for tools, equipment, and facilities.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations, ISO 14001 standards, EMS policies, and company procedures.
• Immediately report any environmental, food safety, or compliance issues to the Mill Manager.
• Provide technical support and assistance to Production, Quality, and other departments as needed.
• Maintain the safety of all employees, contractors, and company assets during maintenance activities.
• Acquire, maintain, and comply with all required certifications (e.g., Forklift, LOTO, Confined Space).
• Understand and follow the company's emergency notification and response procedures and ensure familiarity with site‑specific requirements.
• Perform general housekeeping and other duties as assigned by management.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum of 1+ years of relevant experience in an industrial mechanical maintenance, engineering, or food manufacturing environment
• Strong working knowledge of mechanical systems, industrial equipment, and maintenance engineering principles
• Welding and electrical skills required, including experience with 3‑phase power (480 volts)
• Knowledge of PLC automation systems
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply information from engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, safety rules, operating manuals, and maintenance procedures
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; basic computer and CMMS usage skills required
• Ability to operate or obtain certification to operate forklifts, scissor lifts, genie lifts, bobcats, and other powered industrial trucks (PIT)
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic manufacturing environment
• Willingness and ability to work extended hours, weekends, and holidays as business needs require
• Ability to stand, walk, use hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and communicate effectively in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to read, write, and speak English and follow detailed technical instructions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and build strong working relationships across Maintenance, Engineering, Production, and Quality teams
• Demonstrated ability to be respectful, approachable, and team‑oriented, contributing to a positive work environment
• Supportive of the mission of producing high‑quality pellet feed and operating in compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards
• Forklift, Bobcat, LOTO, and Confined Space certifications preferred or required to obtain
• Currently authorized to work in the U.S.; visa sponsorship available if needed

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non‑job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757‑357‑1595.