Industrial Maintenance Technician - 2nd Shift

Ellison Custom Food Ingredients; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ellison Bakery in Fort Wayne, Indiana, seeks an experienced Maintenance Technician Level 2 to support advanced diagnostics and maintenance of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and automation systems in a high-volume bakery environment.

The role requires 5+ years in industrial maintenance, PLC programming proficiency, and strong leadership. You'll work with CMMS and assist with upgrades, safety compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree or technical certification in industrial maintenance strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial maintenance or related field.
• Expert-level knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and automation systems.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with CMMS and maintenance planning tools.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and schematics.

Responsibilities

• Perform all duties and responsibilities required of a Level 2 Technician.
• Conduct advanced diagnostics and repairs on mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and automated systems.
• Calibrate inspection systems such as metal detectors, X-ray units, and other QC equipment.
• Troubleshoot, program, and support automation technologies including robotics, PLCs, HMIs, servos, and VFDs.
• Develop PLC programs from scratch and modify existing logic as needed to improve machine performance.
• Lead the installation, calibration, alignment, and commissioning of new machinery and equipment.
• Develop, implement, and refine preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize equipment uptime.
• Analyze equipment failures using detailed root cause analysis and recommend durable long-term corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate and detailed maintenance records in compliance with company, safety, and regulatory requirements; provide technical leadership and training.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, operations, and production teams on equipment upgrades, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform system installations, equipment calibrations, and mechanical/electrical upgrades as required.
• Use advanced diagnostic tools such as calibrators, infrared cameras, vibration analyzers, and electrical metering equipment.
• Replace worn or defective components and perform major machine adjustments, rebuilds, and component overhauls.
• Write new preventive maintenance procedures, improve existing PMs, and create or update Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Conduct equipment safety checks and ensure all systems meet internal and regulatory safety expectations.

Skills

PLC programming

Diagnostics & troubleshooting

Mechanical systems

Electrical systems

Hydraulic systems

Automation systems

Team leadership

Communication

Problem solving

CMMS

Reading schematics

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or technical certification in industrial maintenance

Tools

CMMS

Job description

About Us

Ellison Bakery is a leading industrial bakery located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Ellison produces cookies, snack bars, crunch and inclusion, and other products for the industrial market, foodservice industry, and retail and private label space. Ellison Bakery credits ongoing growth to the commitment of its employees to excellence in all phases of the operation. It is Ellison Bakery’s belief that the only way to make the very best cookies is to hire the very best employees. It is their strategy to do just that and to let the employees apply the very best baking processes to the very best ingredients. Since only the best can make the best, Ellison Bakery prides itself on its most important asset, the employees.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform all duties and responsibilities required of a Level 2 Technician.
• Conduct advanced diagnostics and repairs on mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and automated systems Perform accurate calibrations on inspection systems such as metal detectors, X-ray units, and other quality‑control equipment.
• Troubleshoot, program, and support automation technologies including robotics, PLCs, HMIs, servos, and VFDs Develop PLC programs from scratch and modify existing logic as needed to improve machine performance and reliability.
• Lead the installation, calibration, alignment, and commissioning of new machinery and equipment.
• Develop, implement, and refine preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize equipment uptime. Analyze equipment failures using detailed root cause analysis and recommend durable long‑term corrective actions. Utilize advanced control systems and PLC tools to troubleshoot, optimize, and enhance automated processes.
• Maintain accurate and detailed maintenance records in compliance with company, safety, and regulatory requirements. Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and training for Level 1 and Level 2 Maintenance Technicians.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, operations, and production teams on equipment upgrades, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform system installations, equipment calibrations, and mechanical/electrical upgrades as required.
• Use advanced diagnostic tools such as documenting calibrators, infrared cameras, vibration analyzers, and electrical metering equipment.
• Replace worn or defective components and perform major machine adjustments, rebuilds, and component overhauls. Lead teams of maintenance personnel through complete rebuilds of complex equipment and assemblies.
• Write new preventive maintenance procedures, improve existing PMs, capture proper documentation, and create or update Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Conduct equipment safety checks and ensure all systems meet internal and regulatory safety expectations.

Qualifications Preferred But Not Required

• Able to maintain/troubleshoot HVAC systems.
• Fabricate or weld parts as needed for repairs.

Follow All

• Company policies.
• Good manufacturing practices (GMP’s).
• Food safety management system policies and procedures.
• Sanitation procedures.
• Food safety management system policies and procedures to protect the Brand through providing extraordinary value through food safety and product quality.
• Safety policies and procedures.

Other

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equipment Used

• Hand tools
• Power tools
• Industrial baking machines
• Welding
• Calibrators
• Conveyors

Ellison Core Competencies

• Collaboration
• Develops Others
• Customer Focus
• Drive for Results
• Motivating Others
• Integrity & Trust
• Peer Relationships

Skills/Work Experience Needed

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree or technical certification in industrial maintenance strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial maintenance or related field.
• Expert-level knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and automation systems.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with CMMS and maintenance planning tools.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and schematics.
• Decision-making, problem resolution and creative thinking skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ethical and trustworthy.

Work Environment

• Production area can vary in temperature either cool or warm depending on the season and possibly humid in the summer months.
• Concrete floors are slippery, especially when wet.
• Intact senses of sight, with corrective lenses, are necessary.
• The work environment and physical demands described below may be representative of those required by an employee to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

Ellison Bakery is an equal opportunity employment employer where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.