MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN (2nd Shift)

Lifeway Foods, Inc.; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Paid holidays

Medical, Vision, Dental, Life, and Dis

Job summary

Lifeway Foods, Inc. is a growing Chicago-based beverage manufacturer with a long-standing leadership in Kefir production.

This mid- to senior-level maintenance role focuses on ensuring safe, reliable operation of production equipment and compliance with PMO, SQF, FDA, EPA, OSHA, and other standards. Responsibilities include fabricating and welding food-grade materials, executing planned and unplanned maintenance, and using CMMS for preventive tasks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; or 4–10 years related training/experience.
• Strong reading, writing and communication skills.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and stand for an entire 8-hour shift.
• Familiarity with PMO, HACCP, FDA, EPA, OSHA, USDA standards.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and fabricate stainless steel, aluminum, and other food-grade materials.
• Ensure precision and accuracy of welds to maintain equipment integrity.
• Maintain equipment in compliance with PMO, SQF, and Lifeway policies.
• Perform planned and unplanned maintenance on production, packaging, and processing equipment.
• Provide emergency/unscheduled repairs and scheduled maintenance.
• Diagnose problems, replace parts, and test adjustments.
• Use CMMS to perform regular preventive maintenance and complete work orders.
• Maintain high-quality standards and report issues promptly.

Skills

Welding

Preventive maintenance

Electrical troubleshooting

Mechanical skills

SOP compliance

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

CMMS

Manufacturing software

Inventory software

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY), which has been recognized as one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies, is America’s leading supplier of the probiotic beverage known as Kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable Kefir, the company also produces cheese, drinkable yogurt, and a ProBugs line of Kefir for kids. Lifeway’s tart and tangy fermented dairy products are sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

This position is a mid to high-level position responsible for performing preventive maintenance duties, accountable for the care and maintenance of all production equipment in a safe and sanitary manner.

However, all levels are welcome to apply, and the appropriate adjustments will be made.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Utilize expertise to assemble and fabricate stainless steel, aluminum, and other food-grade materials
• Ensure precision and accuracy of welds to maintain integrity of processing equipment
• Ensures all equipment is maintained in compliance with the requirements of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), SQFand the Lifeway Wisconsin policies
• Ensure operation of machinery and mechanical equipment by completing maintenance requirements (both planned and unplanned) on production, packaging, and processing equipment
• Provide emergency/unscheduled repairs of production equipment during production and perform scheduled maintenance repairs of production equipment during machine service
• Perform mechanic skills including, but not limited to, mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, troubleshooting and repair of production machines
• Diagnose problems, replace, or repair parts, test and make adjustments
• Using CMMS system, perform regular preventive maintenance on machines and equipment
• Complete work orders promptly and maintain high-quality standards
• Use a variety of hand and power tools, electric meters, and material handling equipment in performing duties.
• Assist with parts supply inventory by reporting low supply levels to Supervisor
• Reports and food safety and food quality related issues to management immediately
• Perform duties according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Sanitization Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) that meet quality and safety standards pertaining to: Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Wisconsin Department of Agriculture (WDA), and customer requirements
• Report to workstation on time; Wear proper work attire; Assist in setting up work area
• Conduct behavior in compliance with Lifeway Employee Policy
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualification and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Or four to 10 years related training/experience; Master’s degree preferred
• Demonstrate intellectual and interpersonal skills through leadership, organization, and self-efficacy
• Ability to read, write, present, and effectively communicate in a business setting
• Advanced proficiency in calculations and applying mathematical concepts
• Knowledge of Manufacturing Software, Inventory Software, and Microsoft Office including Excel and Outlook
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.; Ability to be on your feet for entirety of 8-hour shift; Ability to climb ladders and maneuver through equipment; Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities

Why Lifeway

Lifeway Foods is a growing, Chicago-based beverage manufacturer with over 40 years of industry leadership. We offer a competitive benefits package, an entrepreneurial culture, and the opportunity to help shape the future of functional foods in foodservice.

• Explore exciting career growth opportunities in a thriving company
• Enjoy paid holidays to rest and recharge
• Access comprehensive benefits, including Medical, Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability coverage, and more!
• Choose from flexible FSA and HSA options to meet your financial and healthcare needs
• Benefit from our Employee Assistance Program, offering support for new parents, legal and financial advice, mental health resources, and much more
• Plan for your future with our 401(k) Profit Sharing contribution match

Lifeway Foods, Inc is a growing Chicago-based beverage manufacturer with 40 years of experience. We are an industry leader in the production of high-quality Kefir. We are anequal-opportunityemployer and offer a competitive benefits package. Visit us atwww.lifewaykefir.com.