Foodmate Machine Technician - 3rd Shift

Perdue Farms; Dillon (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Perdue Foods is seeking a Foodmate Machine Technician to keep Foodmate lines running at peak performance and ensure consistent quality in a fast-paced production environment.

The role emphasizes hands-on mechanical work, routine blade checks, and prompt downtime reduction, with opportunities to train new operators and support multiple shifts across plants.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to become a certified Foodmate technician within 60 days.
• LOTO trained and certified.

Responsibilities

• Set up and maintain Foodmate machines; ensure blades meet quality specs.
• Unjam machines and minimize downtime.
• Set up the skinner on the Drum Debone Foodmate before start-up.
• Complete all PMs, including weekends when required.
• Conduct hourly blade checks to verify blades are in place.
• Train new operators to the department.
• Be flexible with shifts and work at other plants if needed.
• Inspect bone bins after each Foodmate to prevent meat left behind.
• Order parts as needed and assist with Foodmate rebuilds.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Detail oriented

Safety awareness

Team player

Education

High School diploma

Certification readiness within 60 days

Tools

Foodmate equipment

Job description

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Join our team as a Foodmate Machine Technician! We’re looking for a mechanically inclined, detail-focused individual who thrives in a fast-paced production environment. In this role, you’ll play a vital part in keeping Foodmate equipment running at peak performance, supporting consistent quality, efficiency, and safe operations. If you enjoy hands-on technical work and take pride in ensuring smooth, reliable production, this is a great opportunity to make an impact.

• Set up and maintain Foodmate machines – Make all blades are installed and proper adjustments are made to meet the standard goal percentage of meat left on bones and quality cuts specifications.
• To unjammed machines when necessary. Overall purpose is to keep production always running.
• To keep downtime to a minimum level.
• Set up the skinner on the Drum Debone Foodmate before start-up.
• Must complete all assigned PMs (Preventative Measures) even if it requires to do them on the weekend and explain the work that was done.
• Conduct hourly blade checks in order to verify that all blades are in place.
• Train all new incoming operators to the department.
• Be flexible with work schedule and able to work the other shift or another plant if needed.
• Inspect bone bins after each Foodmate to make sure no thighs or drumstick have fallen inside the bins.
• Able to order parts as needed and either do or assist with the Foodmate rebuilds.

Minimum Education and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to become a certified Foodmate technician within 60 days from being placed in position.
• LOTO trained and certified.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience in a poultry processing/manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

When in a plant environment:

• Ability to tolerate exposure to wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• Ability to stand for an extended period and perform repetitive tasks.
• Ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 lbs by reaching, bending, and pushing boxes.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection as required.
• May work in an environment with varying temperatures between 28 degrees and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May handle products varying in temperatures between 25 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to dust, feathers and all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing facility.
• Occasional exposure to carbon dioxide vapors 10ppm and chlorine less than 20 ppm.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.