Maintenance Technician (2nd shift)

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. in San Diego is seeking a Maintenance Technician for the 2nd shift to maintain food manufacturing equipment and plant utilities.

The role involves troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and ensuring safe operation in a fast-paced facility. Ideal candidates have an associate degree or technical training and 3–5 years’ experience with electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, plus PLC controls.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of proven work experience on electrical/electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Experience with reading schematics, blueprints and PLC ladder logic.
• Proficient in safety practices including lock-out/tag-out and ARC Flash awareness.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills to interact with operators and maintenance staff.
• Welding and fabrication experience; ammonia refrigeration or boiler knowledge a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintains, troubleshoots and repairs production equipment and performs preventive maintenance.
• Performs regular equipment checks and updates preventive maintenance schedules.
• Installs and relocates equipment; supports startups and shutdowns according to SOPs.
• Assists team with troubleshooting and line start-up.
• Keeps supervisor updated on project status and timelines.
• Ensures OSHA and NFPA compliance; performs building and grounds maintenance as needed.
• Maintains a neat and clean work area; adheres to company policies and safety expectations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Electrical systems

Mechanical systems

Pneumatic & hydraulic

PLC controls

Troubleshooting

Education

Associate degree or technical degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or Technology

Tools

Multi-meter

Thermal imaging camera

Hand & power tools

Schematics reading

Job description

Maintenance Technician (2nd shift)

US-CA-San Diego

Job ID: 2026-10199

Type: Regular Full-Time

# of Openings: 1

Category: Maintenance and Engineering

San Diego Plant

Overview

This position is responsible for maintaining plants’ food manufacturing equipment and facility utilities, troubleshooting faulty devices/systems as well as performing regularly scheduled maintenance on all processing equipment. The position requires proficiency and thorough understanding of various machine systems including but not limited to, Electrical and Electronic systems, Mechanical systems, Pneumatic and Hydraulic systems, PLC controls systems of industrial equipment in a food manufacturing plant. The ability to function effectively in a team environment and interact productively with all levels of management and operations is required.

Responsibilities

• Maintains, troubleshoots and repairs various production equipment systems and devices and performs regular preventive maintenance as planned.
• Performs regular equipment checks and completes the required predictive checklists to identify early signs of potential equipment failures and minimize unplanned downtime, and identify opportunities for improvement. Collaborate within the immediate supervisor and maintenance planner to schedule and develop inspection routines and preventative maintenance schedules
• Performs new installations and relocations of new/existing equipment, regular and emergency startups and shutdowns of equipment in accordance with company standard operating procedures and safety requirements.
• Assist Team Leaders and line Operators in efficient line start up and equipment adjustments. Assist other maintenance department staff with technical troubleshooting.
• Keeps immediate supervisor up to date on all on-going work assignments, provides consistent updates in regards to project status, completion time projections, and any problems that may have arisen during the course of the project.
• Performs high quality work that meets Industry accepted maintenance practices to maintain compliance with OSHA and NFPA standards.
• Perform building and grounds maintenance and facility repairs as needed to include carpentry, plumbing, and painting
• Maintains a neat and clean work area.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures
• Work safely and promote a safe work environment
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree or other technical degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Technology or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3-5 years of proven work experience on electrical/electronic systems, mechanical systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems is required with the ability to demonstrate high proficiency in these areas.
• Functional knowledge of standard manufacturing practices including, but not limited to: general safety, lock-out tag-out, forklift safety, ARC Flash and electrostatic discharge awareness.
• Electrical skills in troubleshooting and repairing 480/230 v 3ph.120 v and 24v systems with the ability to read and understand schematics, blue prints and PLC ladder logic.
• Must be able to work well with all levels of personnel whether individually or in a team environment, and especially must be able to interface and communicate with line operators in order to assist with repairs and troubleshooting. Must possess a high level of written and verbal communication skills, critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Must have working knowledge of testing equipment and devices including the use of Multi-meter, Thermal imaging camera, and basic hand and power tools.
• Experience and ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Basic computer skills is required (Microsoft windows, MS Office Suite and outlook email)
• Welding and fabrication experience is required
• Foods manufacturing experience is a big plus
• Industrial ammonia refrigeration system knowledge and/or certification is a plus
• Industrial boiler system knowledge and/or certification is a plus.

WORKING CONDITIONS /PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

(Requirements are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.)

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, climb stairs and ladders, and reach with hands and arms. Position occasionally requires climbing to high elevations. The employee is required to stand; use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds, and at times up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to climb in overhead structures, to work beneath machines and in close quarters performing analysis and repair work. Exposed to high voltage electricity, hazardous materials and chemicals used in the manufacturing and cleaning process.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands Hardcoded

Demand Frequency

• Sit - Occasional
• Stand - Constant
• Walk - Constant
• Lift - Frequent
• Bend/Twist - Constant
• Reach - Constant
• Vision - Close vision and the ability to adjust focus. - Constant

AAP/EEO STATEMENT

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. (AFNA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AFNA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by stated, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Pay range: $29-36/hr DOE

Ajinomoto Foods Benefits | Home

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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