Maintenance Mechanic Assistant

ofi North America (Olam Food Ingredients); Hughson (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

ofi North America (Olam Food Ingredients) in Hughson, California, is seeking an entry‑level Maintenance Mechanic Assistant to assist with repairs, inspections, and preventive maintenance on production equipment. You will learn troubleshooting, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, and fabrication tasks under seasoned technicians.

This hands‑on role emphasizes safety, food safety, and quality as you participate in inspections, equipment breakdown responses, and maintenance documentation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical school coursework or related program preferred.
• Previous maintenance or industrial experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to communicate in English.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preventive maintenance activities, including cleaning, lubrication, adjustments, inspections, and minor repairs on equipment and machinery.
• Learn to identify worn or damaged components and assist in replacement and repair activities.
• Support maintenance mechanics in troubleshooting mechanical equipment and production systems.
• Assist with repairs involving motors, pumps, gearboxes, belts, sprockets, pulleys, bearings, and other mechanical components.
• Learn basic electrical troubleshooting techniques under supervision and assist with simple electrical repairs as qualified.
• Participate in equipment inspections and daily production line walkthroughs.
• Follow established Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), food safety, and safety procedures during all maintenance activities.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Perform routine facility repairs such as unclogging drains, repairing toilets and sinks, replacing fixtures, and addressing minor plumbing issues.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Willingness to learn

English communication

Forklift experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

SAP

Job description

Description

We are a global leader in food & beverage ingredients. Pioneers at heart, we operate at the forefront of consumer trends to provide food & beverage manufacturers with products and ingredients that will delight their consumers. Making a positive impact on people and planet is all part of the delight. With a deep-rooted presence in the countries where our ingredients are grown, we are closer to farmers, enabling better quality, and more reliable, traceable and transparent supply. Supplying products and ingredients at scale is just the start. We add value through our unique, complementary portfolio of natural, delicious and nutritious products. With our fresh thinking, we help our customers unleash the sensory and functional attributes of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices so they can create naturally good food & beverage products that meet consumer expectations. And whoever we’re with, whatever we’re doing, we always make it real.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Maintenance Manager and Maintenance Lead, the Maintenance Mechanic Assistant will assist with repairs, inspections, and preventive maintenance activities on production and processing equipment. This entry-level position is designed to provide hands‑on training and skill development in industrial maintenance. Under the guidance of experienced maintenance personnel, the employee will learn to troubleshoot equipment, perform routine maintenance tasks, and support repair activities involving mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, steam and fabrication work. The Maintenance Mechanic Assistant will participate in preventive maintenance programs, equipment inspections, and repair projects to help ensure production systems operate safely and efficiently. This position requires a strong mechanical aptitude, willingness to learn, and commitment to company safety, food safety, and quality standards. This position will perform all these duties while adhering to ofi’s safety principles and procedures.

Position Responsibilities

• Assist with preventive maintenance activities, including cleaning, lubrication, adjustments, inspections, and minor repairs on equipment and machinery.
• Learn to identify worn or damaged components and assist in replacement and repair activities.
• Support maintenance mechanics in troubleshooting mechanical equipment and production systems.
• Assist with repairs involving motors, pumps, gearboxes, belts, sprockets, pulleys, bearings, and other mechanical components.
• Learn basic electrical troubleshooting techniques under supervision and assist with simple electrical repairs as qualified.
• Participate in equipment inspections and daily production line walkthroughs.
• Help respond to equipment breakdowns and assist in completing repairs safely and efficiently.
• Follow established Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), food safety, and safety procedures during all maintenance activities.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Perform routine facility repairs such as unclogging drains, repairing toilets and sinks, replacing fixtures, and addressing minor plumbing issues.
• Assist with inventory management, including organizing maintenance parts and supplies.
• Complete maintenance documentation, work orders, preventive maintenance records, and inspection forms accurately.
• Learn to use maintenance tools, equipment, and testing devices safely and effectively.
• Communicate effectively with maintenance team members, supervisors, and operations personnel.
• Report shifts activities via email and Maintenance Management System (SAP)
• Participate in training programs to develop mechanical, electrical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Follow all safety, health, environmental, quality, and food safety policies and procedures.
• Support the company's commitment to Employee Safety, Food Safety, Quality, Legality, and Integrity.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical school coursework, vocational training, or enrollment in an industrial maintenance, electrical, mechatronics, welding, or related program preferred.
• Previous maintenance, manufacturing, agricultural, automotive, construction, or mechanical experience is preferred but not required.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record preferred.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn industrial maintenance practices.
• Ability to follow instructions, learn new skills, and work effectively under supervision.
• Strong work ethic, dependability, and attention to detail.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to complete maintenance documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Forklift experience is a plus. Must be willing to become a certified company forklift operator.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to work in confined spaces, at elevated heights, on ladders, man lifts, rooftops, and underneath equipment.
• Ability to bend, stoop, climb, kneel, reach, and work in awkward positions when performing maintenance tasks.
• Ability to work in industrial conditions, including hot, cold, wet, dusty, and noisy environments.
• Ability to wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with company safety requirements.

The pay for this role in the state of California is $29.65 and is based on the position responsibilities and geographic location. Actual pay may be determined based on candidate experience, qualifications and/or other determining factors.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

ofi provides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us for support at: [email protected]

At ofi, we celebrate our diversity. Olam Americas LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.