Journey-Level Maintenance Mechanic

Foster Farms; Turlock (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Foster Farms is seeking a skilled Journey-Level Mechanic to join our day shift in California. You will maintain, troubleshoot, and modify production equipment, ensuring safety, reliability, and optimal performance across our facilities.

Candidates should have at least five years of industrial maintenance experience, strong electronics/PLC knowledge, and the ability to read schematics. A background check is required, with overtime and weekend hours as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of industrial maintenance experience, preferably in the food manufacturing industry.
• Must possess Journeyman/ Journey-Level Mechanic qualifications.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English; perform basic mathematical calculations; understand equipment manuals.
• Strong knowledge of electronics and PLCs.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical schematics.
• Welding and cutting operations proficiency.
• Knowledge of electrical controls, wiring devices, motor controls, VFDs, relay logic, and solid-state devices.
• Familiar with pumps, gear ratios, and safe operation of hand and power tools with PPE.
• Working knowledge of OSHA standards and safety guidelines.
• Understanding of hydraulic and pneumatic systems; mechanical fabrication skills including milling and lathes.
• Ability to climb ladders, work in confined spaces; lift up to 50 pounds; stand or walk for extended periods.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and other hours as production requires.
• Must pass criminal background check.

Responsibilities

• Ensure production equipment operates in a safe, reliable and optimal manner.
• Observe plant equipment to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and reliability.
• Troubleshoot equipment failures and perform repairs with minimal downtime and supervision.
• Perform equipment modifications when approved by supervision.

Skills

Electronics & PLCs

Troubleshooting

Welding & cutting

Reading schematics

Electrical controls

Pumps & hydraulics

Hydraulic & pneumatic systems

Metal fabrication

Reading manuals

Safety & OSHA

Manual dexterity

Physical endurance

Overtime readiness

Education

Journeyman/ Journey-Level Mechanic

Tools

Welding equipment

Milling machines

Lathes

Electrical test gear

Job description

About Foster Farms

At Foster Farms, our mission is to create great food and serve great moments. Our vision is to be the best and most trusted food company, empowering and nourishing the lives of those we serve. We measure our success by how well we protect and care for our team, our consumers, our animals, and our environment, while delivering operational excellence and exceptional value to our customers.

Pay Rate: $30.21 per hour

Shift: Day Shift

Job Description

• Ensure production equipment is operating in a safe, reliable and optimal manner.
• Observe all plant equipment with the intent of recommending continuous equipment improvement and reliability.
• Troubleshoot equipment failures and perform the repairs needed independently with minimum downtime and supervision needs.
• Perform equipment modifications when approved to do so by supervision.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of industrial maintenance experience, preferably in the food manufacturing industry.
• Must possess all qualifications and meet all requirements of the Journey-Level Mechanic position.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English; perform basic mathematical calculations; and understand equipment manuals and operating instructions.
• Strong knowledge of electronics and PLCs.
• Demonstrated expertise in troubleshooting and the ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical schematics.
• Proficient in welding and cutting operations, with a thorough understanding of plant maintenance systems and equipment operation.
• Knowledge of electrical controls, wiring devices, motor controls, VFDs, relay logic, and solid-state devices and controls.
• Familiarity with pumps, gear ratios, and the safe operation of hand and power tools while utilizing appropriate PPE.
• Working knowledge of applicable OSHA standards and safety guidelines.
• Strong understanding of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including troubleshooting and repair.
• Metal fabrication skills, including experience with milling machines and lathes.
• Ability to safely climb ladders and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, push, pull, bend, stoop, and crouch. Also, the ability to work on wet concrete floors and stand or walk for extended periods.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and other hours as required by production needs.
• Must successfully complete and pass a criminal background check.

Foster Farms ACTION Guiding Principles

• Accountability: Deliver on commitments.
• Collaboration: Achieve more by working as a team.
• Truth-Seeking: Be open-minded and act with humility.
• Initiative: Be proactive and lead with a growth mindset.
• Ownership: Take responsibility for results.
• Nimble: Operate with speed and agility.

Why Join Foster Farms?

This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of the ready-to-eat business at a leading food company, directly supporting our mission, vision, and values. You will play a critical role in delivering safe, high-quality food and great moments for millions of families.