Maintenance Technician - 1st Shift

Smithfield Foods; Peru (IN); On-site; USD 82,667,000 - 101,579,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Education assistance

Job summary

Smithfield Foods in Indiana seeks a skilled mechanic to keep state-of-the-art food processing equipment running at peak performance. You will troubleshoot and repair conveyors, pumps, sizers, and related systems with a focus on safety and reliability.

Join a team that values collaboration, performs preventative maintenance, and supports continuous operations. Competitive wages, health benefits, and growth opportunities are available.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 1+ year in maintenance; or 4 years of related experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot independently.
• Fluent reading, writing, and speaking English.

Responsibilities

• Repair and troubleshoot a wide range of food processing equipment.
• Replace belts, sprockets, gears, chains, and valves; rebuild pumps and gearboxes.
• Maintenance of hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems.
• Perform preventative maintenance and handle installations.
• Collaborate with Crew Leader and Supervisor to ensure equipment reliability.

Skills

Mechanical maintenance

Troubleshooting

English proficiency

Industrial environment

Education

High school diploma or GED

Vocational or technical diploma

Tools

Forklift

Genie lift

Scissor lift

Job description

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.

Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages:

• Competitive Starting Pay - $28.85/hr-$35.45/hr
• Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More
• Education benefit available to full and part‑time Smithfield team members upon meeting eligibility requirements

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.

Are you a talented mechanic searching for a career that offers excitement, growth, and recognition for your expertise? At Smithfield, you’ll be the heartbeat of our operations, keeping state-of-the-art food processing equipment running at peak performance. From troubleshooting and repairing advanced machinery to working on cutting‑edge systems like conveyors, vacuum pumps, and hydraulic units, no two days are the same. Join a team that values your skills, empowers your success, and rewards your dedication with opportunities to grow and thrive. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, we can’t wait to welcome you aboard!

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Repair and Troubleshooting: You’ll diagnose and repair a wide range of food processing equipment, including sizers, stuffers, vacuum pumps, conveyors, slicers, injectors, microwaves, and hydraulic units, keeping operations running smoothly.
• Component Replacement and Rebuilds: Take charge of replacing belts, sprockets, gears, chains, and valves while rebuilding essential components like pumps, gearboxes, and valves to ensure equipment stays in top condition.
• Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and Mechanical Maintenance: Your expertise will be critical in troubleshooting and repairing hydraulic and pneumatic systems, addressing mechanical wear issues, welding machine components, and maintaining proper machine safety features.
• Preventative Maintenance and Installation: You’ll perform regular preventative maintenance, such as lubricating parts, drives, and chains, and handle equipment installations by connecting air, water, and gas lines, as well as aligning and leveling machinery, utilizing hand tools, test meters, controls, etc.
• Team Collaboration and Support: Work closely with your Crew Leader and Supervisor, taking on additional tasks and contributing to the success of the team by ensuring equipment reliability and operational excellence.

WHAT WE’RE SEEKING

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions

• 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.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to work independently and troubleshoot effectively.
• Effective communication skills, including proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT

Qualification List

• Vocational or technical diploma, or associate degree in maintenance (preferred)
• Excel in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment while maintaining a respectful and team‑oriented approach.
• Ability to operate a forklift, genie lift or scissor lift or other powered industrial trucks (PIT).
• Demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships and contribute to a supportive and productive work environment with all levels of team personnel including outside contractors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The majority of the time is spent in the plant environment and will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
• Requires frequent standing, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and the ability to lift up to 60 lbs.
• Loud noise levels require hearing protection; vision requirements include close, distance, and adjustable focus.

IndSPR-M/E

Relocation Package Available No

EEO INFORMATION

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.