Maintenance Technician

POET; Leipsic (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Quarterly profit-sharing bonuses

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

POET is seeking a Maintenance Technician to perform repairs and preventative maintenance on various plant equipment in Leipsic, OH. The role includes working on systems such as boilers, pumps, and conveyors, ensuring safety and efficiency. Candidates need a high school diploma and relevant experience in maintenance and repair tasks.

The position offers a rotating shift schedule, competitive pay, health benefits, and a supportive work environment committed to safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Documented successful performance as a Maintenance Technician I or equivalent work experience.
• Experience with fabrication, welding, cutting, and repair of various equipment.
• Ability to read schematic drawings and understand bioprocessing facility operations.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for safe and efficient repair and maintenance of equipment.
• Maintain and troubleshoot all plant equipment and systems.
• Communicate clearly with team members and departments.

Skills

Fabrication

Welding

Repair of pumps

Preventative maintenance

Knowledge of concrete work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Job description

Job Summary & Responsibilities

Hours: Rotating 3-2-2-3 schedule 7:00am – 7:00pm or 7:00pm – 7:00am, rotating schedule every 6weeks. Every other weekend off! This is an on‑site role located in Leipsic, OH.

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for the safe and efficient repair, preventative maintenance, and cleaning of all equipment associated with plant processes.

• Coordinate work functions with team members and other departments within POET.
• Maintain boiler and cooling tower systems, including water testing and adjustments.
• Maintain all plant equipment such as centrifuges (decanters and corn oil), pumps, motors, gearboxes, minor electrical systems, PLC’s, heat exchangers, compressors, grain handling equipment, and fans or blowers.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Perform Lock‑Out Tag‑Out (LOTO) functions on equipment.
• Operate, maintain, and clean water filtration equipment.
• Operate the DCS (Distributed Control System) for the plant as needed.
• Use Maximo to coordinate and order materials for projects and document all maintenance tasks and spare‑part inventory.
• Work with the management team to solve problems and fix unsafe conditions.
• Operate equipment including telehandler, skid steers, tractors, ATVs, pay loaders, aerial lifts, and forklift.
• Perform welding, cutting, and fabrication on plant and structural equipment.
• Carry out concrete work including building forms, pouring, and finishing.
• Maintain a clean facility and follow the sanitation schedule.
• Train new team members in the Maintenance Department.
• Communicate clearly and concisely with other departments and foster a team environment.
• Promote a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance.
• Support POET’s food safety and quality culture.

Maintenance Technicians may be required to work 12‑hour shifts and/or meet call‑in requirements as needed and may use protective equipment such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, harnesses, and personal breathing apparatus.

Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Documented successful performance as a Maintenance Technician I or equivalent work experience.
• Experience with fabrication, welding, cutting, repair of pumps, gearboxes, fans/blowers, agitator assemblies, valves, boilers, and water chemistry.
• Experience with material handling systems (conveyors), preventative maintenance practices, fabrication and repair of metal/plastic piping systems, and instrument and electrical work.
• Knowledge of concrete work, hydraulics, pneumatic and fluid processes, and ability to read schematic drawings.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new programs.
• High level of personal integrity.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with individuals at all levels.
• Understanding of bioprocessing facility operations.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills.
• Innovative mindset and ability to embrace and promote change.
• Objective thinking and self‑awareness in uncertain circumstances.
• Organization and time‑management skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, respirators, hazardous‑material suits, hearing protection, and harnesses.
• Work at extreme heights (≈150ft), in confined spaces, and in temperatures from –20°F to +100°F.
• Operate hand tools, skid loader, scoop shovels, pipe wrenches, impact wrench, air hose, shuttle wagon, payloader, and Trackmobile.
• Frequently perform tasks that involve awkward postures, bending, reaching overhead, pulling up to 40lbs, kneeling and crouching, pushing up to 20lbs.
• Occasionally pull up to 95lbs, lift and carry up to 50lbs, grip up to 80lbs, and sit for 15min on a stool.
• Must pass a drug screen during the pre‑screen process and be subject to random drug and alcohol testing during employment.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution.
• Quarterly profit‑sharing bonuses and bi‑annual incentive bonuses.
• Competitive pay with shift premium pay.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement and relocation assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employment

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.