Maintenance Mechanic - 1st Shift

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 80,231,000 - 110,605,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a Maintenance Mechanic for 1st shift at our St James, MN facility. You will perform preventive maintenance on production lines, troubleshoot electrical and hydraulic systems, and assist with basic welding to keep equipment running safely and efficiently.

A strong safety focus and ability to read work orders are essential. Relocation assistance is available. Competitive starting pay of $28.00–$38.60 per hour with comprehensive benefits is offered.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 1+ years in industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing environment.
• Or 4 years of direct experience in industrial mechanical/food manufacturing maintenance.
• Vocational/Technical diploma or associate degree from a technical/vocational school preferred.
• Ability to operate forklift, Genie lift or scissor lift.
• Ability to read and execute work orders and equipment manuals.

Responsibilities

• Ensure daily preventive maintenance tasks are completed on schedule to keep operations running smoothly.
• Maintain production lines in good mechanical condition to minimize downtime.
• Set up, inspect, and test machinery; diagnose and resolve issues.
• Dismantle faulty equipment, replace parts, and restore functionality.
• Clean, lubricate, and maintain bearings, gears, and shafts to reduce wear.
• Assist with plant maintenance and support teams to keep operations efficient.

Skills

General maintenance

Hydraulic systems

Electrical & electronics

Welding

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical diploma / Associate degree (preferred)

Tools

Forklift

Genie lift

Scissor lift

Job description

## Maintenance Mechanic - 1st ShiftApply: Onsite: St James, MN: Full time: Posted Yesterday: R-2026-13020**If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.**Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. **Apply Now!****YOUR OPPORTUNITY:**Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages: * Competitive Starting Pay **- $28.00-38.60/hr*** Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More* Open to moving? We will help! Ask about our Relocation Assistance packages!In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth, professional development, and tuition assistance.## ## **THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING:***The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.*As a **Maintenance Mechanic**, you’ll bring your expertise in General Maintenance, Hydraulic Systems, Electrical & Electronic Systems, and basic welding to keep our operations running smoothly. Whether you’re working as part of a team or tackling challenges independently, you’ll play a key role in ensuring our plant operates efficiently and safely.**Safety First!** You'll follow all company safety protocols, including **LOCKOUT/TAGOUT** procedures, and adhere to **Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)** to maintain a safe, compliant, and high-performance environment. Your skills and attention to detail will directly contribute to the success of the team and the plant as a whole!**WHAT YOU’LL DO:***The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.** **Equipment Maintenance & Repairs:** Ensure all daily preventive maintenance (PM) tasks are completed on schedule to keep operations running smoothly. Maintain production lines in top mechanical condition to minimize downtime. Set up, inspect visually, and test machinery to ensure they are operating as expected. Listen for unusual sounds or malfunctions in machinery, work with supervisors to diagnose and resolve problems quickly. Dismantle malfunctioning machinery, replace or repair faulty parts, and restore them to full functionality. Clean, lubricate, and maintain key machinery components like bearings, gears, and shafts to prevent wear and tear.* **Teamwork & Support:** Assist the production and quality teams as needed, offering support and expertise in troubleshooting or repairs. Take on additional duties as required to ensure the plant operates efficiently and without delays.* **Safety First!** You'll follow all company safety protocols, including LOCKOUT/TAGOUT procedures, and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to maintain a safe, compliant, and high-performance environment. Your skills and attention to detail will directly contribute to the success of the team and the plant as a whole!* **Facility Care & Maintenance:** Help repair and maintain the physical structure of the plant to keep it in good working order. Assist with overall plant maintenance tasks, ensuring a clean, safe, and organized environment for all operations.**WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:***To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.** High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and 1+ years of related experience and/or training in an industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing environment; or 4 years’ direct experience in an industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing maintenance environment.* Vocational Diploma, Technical Diploma or associate degree from a technical maintenance or vocational school. (Preferred).* Possess the ability to function effectively in a team environment and interact productively with all levels of team personnel and outside contractors.* Ability to operate a forklift, genie lift or scissor lift or other powered industrial trucks (PIT).* Understand and follow oral and written instructions.* Ability to read and execute work order, write daily reports, and translate equipment manuals.Relocation Package AvailableYes**EEO Information***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.*