Maintenance Mechanic - 1st Shift

Smithfield Foods; Saint James (MN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive starting pay

Health insurance

Relocation assistance

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Maintenance Mechanic to keep our plant running safely and efficiently. You’ll apply expertise in mechanical maintenance, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and basic welding to support production.

We offer industry-leading wages and comprehensive benefits, relocation assistance, tuition support, and opportunities for career growth. Safety is a priority, with GMP and lockout/tagout protocols.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus 1+ years of related experience in industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing; or 4 years’ direct experience.
• Vocational/Technical Diploma or associate degree preferred.
• Ability to work in a team and interact productively with all levels of personnel and contractors.
• Ability to operate a forklift, genie lift, scissor lift or other powered industrial trucks.
• Read and follow work orders and translate equipment manuals.

Responsibilities

• Equipment maintenance & repairs: complete daily PMs, keep lines in good condition, inspect, diagnose, replace parts, lubricate.
• Teamwork & support: assist production and quality teams as needed.
• Facility care & maintenance: repair and maintain plant structures and general area cleanliness and safety.

Skills

Teamwork

Troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Safety compliance

Reading manuals

Education

GED or High School Diploma

Technical/Vocational Diploma

Associate Degree

Tools

Forklift

Genie lift

Scissor lift

Job description

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.

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:

• 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.
• 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:

• 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 Available
• Yes
• EEO