Maintenance Line Technician

E. A. Sween Company; Hodges (SC); On-site; USD 44,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

E. A. Sween Company in Hodges, SC is seeking a Maintenance Line Technician to support all production equipment and lines, ensuring GMP and food safety compliance.

This role requires hands-on maintenance, PLC/VFD knowledge, CMMS usage, and teamwork across departments. Hours Mon-Thu 4pm-2:30am; OT as needed. Compensation ranges from $31.73 to $35.00 per hour, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills required.
• Proficiency with CMMS and maintenance documentation.
• Experience with electrical troubleshooting and PLC logic is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair equipment to GMP standards.
• Program VFDs and troubleshoot PLC logic.
• Train Line Technicians and support other technicians as needed.
• Create and close PMs and work orders in CMMS.
• Collaborate with vendors to implement process improvements.
• Follow safety rules and wear PPE as required.

Skills

Communication skills

MS Word

Time management

Education

Technical degree or certification

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Maintenance Line Technician

Who We Are

Since 1955, we have been on a mission To Passionately Feed Millions Daily with High Quality Food People Enjoy! We are a third-generation family-owned and professionally managed organization with a commitment to strategic growth. We continue to be successful because of talented people, just like you, who choose to join our family and call E.A. Sween home. We pride ourselves on fostering a welcoming, respectful, and rewarding culture where employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work each and every day. At E.A. Sween, our team members are seen, heard, and appreciated not just for what they do, but for who they are. We hope you’ll join us!

What We’re Seeking

A skilled maintenance technician that will support all production equipment and production lines, while adhering to all safety standards.

Hours: Mon - Thurs 4pm - 2:30am Mon - Thurs, OT as needed

Compensation: The hourly pay for this position is between $31.73 - 35.00 per hour, consistent with our internal compensation framework and depending on experience.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

1. Safety

• Demonstrate a solid understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) in various plant areas, including equipment and tool handling.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and organized workspace.
• Follow all safety rules and plant procedures.
• Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): cut-resistant gloves, hard hats (in Production), safety glasses, or task-specific protective gear.
• Complete mandatory E.A. Sween quarterly safety training.

2. Maintenance Line Technician

• Manage time effectively and perform self-directed work.
• Build documentation for in-house designs or training.
• Program VFDs and troubleshoot PLC logic.
• Train and assist Line Technicians on production equipment; engage in knowledge sharing.
• Provide backup support for Production Support Technicians, including equipment setup, teardown, and changeovers.
• Collaborate with vendors to improve or identify process improvements.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic equipment:
• Mechanical: Use basic hand tools, identify and fix mechanical issues, perform repairs efficiently.
• Electrical: Use a meter for high-level troubleshooting, replace/program electrical components, read and follow schematics.
• Pneumatic: Read and interpret pneumatic schematics, troubleshoot components effectively.
• Use shop equipment (mill, lathe, drill press, band saws, welder, hydraulic presses).
• Help build PM procedures and complete work orders in CMMS.
• Follow the Maintenance Planning Process, including validating PM Job Plans and creating Work Orders in Asset Essentials.
• Follow the Parts Process (storeroom layout, parts checkout, requests in Asset Essentials).
• Use technology tools to communicate and maintain line availability.
• Maintain good attendance, GMP, and safety records.

3. Quality

• Understand SQF Level 3 (Food Safety & Quality), regulatory/customer requirements, and HACCP plans.
• Ensure food safety and quality through proper GMPs.
• Report any questionable products to QA, Supervisor, or QC.

4. Teamwork

• Support the Spirit of E.A. Sween and inspire others to do the same.
• Foster a friendly, positive work environment; show respect for all coworkers.
• Accept and complete work instructions and requests from colleagues.
• Provide input on department updates and changes.
• Train Line Technicians as needed.
• Complete other assigned duties.

5. Continuous Improvement

• Understand E.A. Sween’s Continuous Improvement/LEAN principles and goals.
• Lead internal projects aimed at reducing manual labor.
• Participate in new equipment design and installation projects.
• Participate in company-mandated or recommended training to grow skills within the role.

6. Maintenance Line Technician – Standard Work Processes

• Repair and maintain equipment using industry standards and collaborate with other departments.
• Assist in developing and implementing World Class Maintenance principles.
• Ensure timely completion of repairs across departments.
• Complete all required documentation, including PMs and other departmental forms.

What You’ll Need (Qualifications)

Strong Communication Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Google Drive, and Outlook

Ability to manage time and workload efficiently and independently

Highly proficient at electrical troubleshooting and logic processes

Cross-cultural competence; effective and respectful interactions with people from any culture or place of origin

High level understanding of pneumatic components and circuit design

Previous Food Manufacturing experience strongly preferred

Must have used a CMMS or similar process for work orders

5 years’ experience in a Maintenance Technician or similar role or 2 years’ experience and a completion of a technical degree/certification

Physical Demands/Work Environment

Must be able to stand and/or walk for extended periods throughout the shift.

Must be able to frequently bend, twist, push, pull, and reach while performing maintenance tasks.

Must be able to occasionally lift and move items up to 50 pounds, or more with assistance.

Must be able to use hands and tools requiring manual dexterity to repair and maintain equipment.

Must be able to work in a refrigerated production environment (approximately 35°F–45°F) for extended periods of the shift.

Must be able to work safely around moving mechanical parts, conveyors, and automated equipment.

Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including protective footwear, gloves, hair/beard nets, and safety glasses.

May occasionally be required to work from ladders or platforms while performing maintenance tasks.

How You’ll Find Success at EAS

Value People Most of All: Show respect & care, embrace diversity, and empower others.

Commit to Safety Everyday: See something say something do something, practice safe behavior, and celebrate safety success.

Invest in Our Company to Thrive: Share ideas to improve, learn & grow, and embrace change.

Think Before Doing And Act Decisively: Make thoughtful decisions, work together to find solutions, and do what’s right.

Welcome Constructive Straight Talk: Be honest and respectful even when difficult, be open to ideas and feedback, and ask questions to understand.

Serve Up Exceptional Experiences: Provide value to customers, take pride in your work, and help others to be successful.

Enjoy What You Do!: Have a positive attitude, Live the Spirit of E.A. Sween, and celebrate success.