Maintenance Technician

Lesaffre; West Chester (IA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Lesaffre is seeking a Maintenance Technician to perform preventive and predictive maintenance on machinery at our Cedar Rapids, IA facility. You will inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and replace components on mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems while maintaining accurate logs and ensuring safety compliance.

The role requires reading technical documents, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work with production and engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Must have strong mechanical aptitude and ability to read technical manuals.
• Experience in industrial maintenance and facilities maintenance is required.
• Ability to lift and work at heights, with safety best practices.
• Knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and basic electrical principles.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on machinery and equipment.
• Inspect mechanical systems for wear, damage, or potential failures.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical equipment.
• Replace defective components such as bearings, belts, motors, pumps, valves, and gears.
• Install, assemble, and test new equipment and machinery.
• Maintain maintenance logs, work orders, and repair records.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
• Use hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, and precision measuring instruments.
• Coordinate with production, engineering, and operations to resolve equipment issues.
• Respond to emergency breakdowns and perform repairs as needed.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Equipment troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Safety awareness

Time management

Teamwork and communication

Attention to detail

Welding equipment

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Who we are:

Lesaffre is a key global player in the fermentation of microorganisms (yeasts and bacteria) for baking, taste, healthcare and industrial biotechnology. This story began more than 170 years ago in northern France, and, thanks to our pioneer spirit and our innovative approach, we are constantly developing.

Lesaffre's global presence includes 11,000 employees from 96 nationalities and a 3-billion euro turnover. We work with customers, partners and researchers to develop essential nutrients and bio actives that strengthen human health, optimize animal well-being and improve plant nutrition.

This role is within our Red Star Yeast team. Red Star delivers a range of high-performing yeast and related products that empower bakers and food manufacturers to create consistent, flavorful, and high-quality baked goods. Backed by Lesaffre and Archer Daniels Midland and supported by modern manufacturing facilities in Cedar Rapids, IA and Dothan, AL, our team blends global expertise with local reliability to bring trusted, innovative yeast solutions to the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on machinery and equipment.
• Inspect mechanical systems to identify wear, damage, or potential failures.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical equipment.
• Replace defective components, including bearings, belts, motors, pumps, valves, and gears.
• Install, assemble, and test new equipment and machinery.
• Maintain maintenance logs, work orders, and repair records.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
• Use hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, and precision measuring instruments.
• Coordinate with production, engineering, and operations personnel to resolve equipment issues.
• Respond to emergency breakdowns and perform repairs as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED; technical or vocational training preferred.
• Experience in industrial maintenance, manufacturing, facilities maintenance, or a related field.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and basic electrical principles.
• Ability to read technical documents and equipment manuals.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lift heavy objects, work at heights, and stand for extended periods.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Trade certification or apprenticeship completion.
• Experience with welding, fabrication, machining, or PLC-controlled equipment.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance programs and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).

Skills:

• Mechanical aptitude
• Equipment troubleshooting
• Preventive maintenance
• Safety awareness
• Time management
• Teamwork and communication
• Attention to detail

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and work in varying environmental conditions.
• Comfortable working around moving machinery and equipment.

Lesaffre provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.