Maintenance Technician I

POET; Macon (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

PTO & holidays

Health insurance

401K match

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Safety gear reimbursements

Wellness program

Onsite fitness

Job summary

POET is seeking a skilled Maintenance Technician for the Macon, MO Bioprocessing facility. You will repair, maintain, and clean plant equipment, support process flow, and ensure SOPs are followed safely in a 12-hour shift environment.

The role requires collaboration across departments, use of Maximo for work orders, and training of new team members while upholding food safety and environmental compliance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience as a Maintenance Technician or similar in industrial settings.
• Experience with pumps, gearboxes, valves, boilers, and welding preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on plant equipment.
• Troubleshoot issues and document tasks in Maximo.
• Follow LOTO, safety, and sanitation procedures.

Skills

Safety

Teamwork

Problem solving

Communication

Reading schematics

PLC knowledge

Welding

Fabrication

Pumps & gearboxes

Water chemistry

MS Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Maximo

DCS

MS Excel

Job description

Job Summary & Responsibilities

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for the safe and efficient repair, preventative maintenance, and cleaning of all equipment associated with plant processes. Team members in this position will also perform maintenance tasks on all plant equipment. Maintenance Technicians are accountable for communicating any issues to the management team. Maintenance Technicians should be knowledgeable of process flow, computerized equipment and have an awareness of hazards associated with the process as well as display an understanding and ability to execute standard operating procedures (SOPs). As a team member grows in their skill and experience levels they are expected to become proficient in all maintenance functions at the Bioprocessing facility and be capable of training other team members in all areas. Continuous plant operation may require the Maintenance Technician to work 12‑hour shifts and/or meet call‑in requirements as needed. This is an on‑site role located in Macon, MO.

• Coordinate work functions with fellow team members and other departments within POET.
• Maintain boiler and cooling tower systems including water testing and adjusting.
• Maintain all plant equipment including, but not limited to: centrifuges (decanters and corn oil), pumps, motors, gearboxes, minor electrical systems, PLCs, heat exchangers, compressors, grain handling equipment, and fans or blowers.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Perform Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) functions on the equipment.
• Operate, maintain, and clean the water filtration equipment.
• Understand and, as needed, operate the DCS (Distributed Control System) for the plant.
• Use Maximo to coordinate and order materials to complete projects and thoroughly document all maintenance tasks and spare‑part inventory.
• Work with the management team to solve problems and fix unsafe conditions.
• Use knowledge of plant processes to understand how the equipment is utilized.
• Operate equipment including, but not limited to: telehandler, skid steers, tractors, ATVs, pay loaders, aerial lifts and forklifts.
• Perform welding, cutting, and fabrication on plant and structural equipment.
• Be responsible for concrete work including building forms, pouring, and finishing.
• Maintain a clean facility and follow the sanitation schedule, completing all tasks as assigned.
• Keep the plant safe by fostering a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance.
• Train new team members in the Maintenance Department.
• Clearly and concisely communicate with other departments.
• Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
• Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes to deliver a best‑in‑class culture of quality.

Benefits & Perks

• $$ Competitive BONUS opportunities – up to SIX bonuses per year (Quarterly Profit Sharing & Value Share)
• Paid time off and paid holidays – 40 hours of PTO available on Day 1, on top of a biweekly PTO accrual program
• Comprehensive benefits package; individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• 401K with company match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Attractive relocation assistance and bonus programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Safety and cold‑weather gear reimbursements
• Discounted home and auto insurance
• All POET Team Members enjoy a multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• Family‑first culture
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Documented successful performance as a Maintenance Technician I or equivalent work experience required.
• Experience with fabrication, welding, cutting; repair of equipment such as pumps, gearboxes, airlocks, fans/blowers, agitator assemblies, and valves; boiler operations and water chemistry; material handling systems such as conveyors; preventative maintenance practices, fabrication and repair of metal/plastic piping systems; and instrument and electrical work preferred.
• Experience with concrete work, hydraulics, pneumatic and fluid processes, and ability to read schematic drawings is helpful.
• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new programs.
• High level of personal integrity.
• Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization.
• Ability to understand technical and day‑to‑day operation of a bioprocessing facility.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to embrace and promote change.
• Innovative mindset.
• Ability to think objectively.
• Self‑awareness in the face of uncertainty.
• Organization and time‑management skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, self‑contained breathing system, hazardous material suit, hearing protection, and harness.
• Work at extreme heights (~150ft), in confined spaces, and in temperatures ranging from –20°F to +100°F, both indoors and outdoors.
• Use hand tools, skid loader, scoop shovels, pipe wrenches, impact wrench, air hose, and shuttle wagon; and operate machinery such as a payloader and Trackmobile for extended periods.
• Frequently perform tasks that involve awkward back, shoulder, wrist, and hand positions; bending forward while standing; reaching overhead; and pulling up to 40lbs.
• Occasionally lift or carry up to 95lbs (with or without assistance); pull 50lbs; grip force up to 80lbs; sit for 15min on a stool; pinch force up to 20lbs; push up to 20lbs.
• Must pass a drug screen during pre‑screening and may undergo random drug and alcohol testing during employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.