Maintenance Technician -1st Shift

Kerry; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Employee Share Plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Accident insurance

Job summary

Kerry is seeking a 1st shift Maintenance Technician in Lakeland, FL to install, troubleshoot, and maintain production and facility equipment. The role requires strong electrical and pneumatic skills and the ability to work safely in a food processing setting.

The successful candidate will ensure reliable operation of plant systems, read diagrams, and follow GMP practices while upholding safety standards. Shift runs Monday–Friday 6:30 AM–3:00 PM with possible overtime.

Qualifications

• Read, write, and understand written and verbal instructions in English.
• Safety-conscious, punctual, and reliable attendance.
• Flexibility to work any shift or day to meet production needs.
• Self-starter able to work with minimal supervision.
• Capable of functioning in a fast-paced environment with multiple tasks.
• Proficient basic math skills (add, subtract, multiply).
• Computer skills including SAP and Microsoft programs.
• Able to climb ladders and work in confined spaces.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and work in varied temperatures.
• Knowledge of forklift and scissors lift safety.
• Familiar with OSHA, FDA and GMP requirements for a food facility.
• Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain production and facility equipment.
• Support production and safely maintain equipment in a plant and warehouse environment.
• Assist building facilities operations while following safety, GMP and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to preventive maintenance and safety initiatives.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

Pneumatic systems

Electrical diagrams

VFD knowledge

Forklift safety

OSHA GMP aware

Power distribution

Tools

SAP

Job description

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

Requisition ID 66822 Position Type (US)Full Time Workplace Arrangement

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

Where you'll work

At our Lakeland, FL facility we are part of the citrus and apple products, restoration aromas, flavor aromas, and essential oils for Kerry and our retail customers. We are looking for someone to help us keep things running! We have an immediate opening for a 1st Shift Maintenance Technician. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 630 AM to 300 PM, with the possibility of occasional overtime.

What you’ll do

The Maintenance Technician position is responsible for performing highly diversified duties to install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain production and facility equipment according to safety, predictive and productive maintenance systems, and processes to support the achievement of the site's business goals. The Maintenance Technician is part of a team responsible for supporting production and safely maintaining equipment used in the production, packaging, and shipping of our food products in a plant and warehouse environment. In addition, the Maintenance Technician is also responsible for supporting the building facilities operations while meeting safety and GMP practices, environmental and regulatory requirements.

General Requirements

• 3 years or more of maintenance experience working in a manufacturing environment, food manufacturing preferable, with strong emphasis on electrical work.
• Must be able to troubleshoot and repair pneumatic control systems.
• Must be knowledgeable in operating and maintaining air compressors and air dryers.
• Must be able to install production equipment.
• Must be knowledgeable in the operating principles of steam, hydraulic, pneumatic systems and able to troubleshoot and repair their mechanical components.
• Must be able to read piping diagrams and identify the function of various components for air and water distributions systems.
• Must be able to perform basic plumbing repairs.
• PLC experience, preferred, but not required.
• Must be knowledgeable in programming Variable Frequency Drives (VFD’s).
• Must be able to calibrate various instruments such as thermocouples, LEL meters, vacuum sensors, etc.
• Must be able to read electrical diagrams and identify individual components.
• Must be able to troubleshoot power distribution systems.
• Must have working knowledge of electrical testing equipment such as multimeter, megger, etc.
• Must be able to troubleshoot systems up to 480 volts with complicated electrical controls and wire 3 phase motors.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

Basic Requirements

• Read, write, and understand written and verbal instructions in the English language.
• Pleasant, cautious, and always safety conscience.
• Punctual and consistent attendance is a must.
• Flexible and available to work any shift or day to meet customer needs and production demands.
• A self-starter motivated by scheduled production requirements and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to perform several functions concurrently in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic mathematical skills required to included addition, subtraction, and multiplication
• Computer skills needed to including SAP (preferable) and Microsoft programs.
• Able to climb ladders and withstand heights of 40’ or more and have mobility in all areas of the plant, including confined spaces.
• Able to perform high intensity physical activity, to include lifting to 50 lbs.
• Able to work in all varying temperatures both inside and out.
• Must be knowledgeable in forklift and scissors lift safety.
• Must have working knowledge of OSHA, FDA and GMP requirements as they pertain to maintenance activities at a food processing facility.
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s license.

Compensation Data

The pay rate for this position is $26.00 - 39.00 per hour. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance. This job posting is anticipated to expire on 10/12/2026.

We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.