Maintenance Technician III

Perdue Farms; Salisbury (MD); On-site; USD 39,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Perdue Foods seeks an experienced Maintenance Technician III to advance plant operations, improve machinery performance and reliability. You will work in a collaborative, safety‑driven environment, expanding your skills through on‑the‑job learning, advanced training and certifications.

This role targets $28.50–$35.50 per hour, with annual bonus potential and overtime options. Perdue offers competitive benefits including medical, 401(k) with match, and life/disability coverage.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 5–8 years of industrial maintenance experience in mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Expert proficiency in hydraulics, mechanics, electrical, welding and rigging.
• Intermediate proficiency with PLC.
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Effective communication, both oral and written.
• Maintain Perdue Farms QEW certification.
• Must demonstrate Maintenance Tech III proficiency within 10 months.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair complex machinery and conduct preventive maintenance.
• Improve machinery performance and maintenance reliability.
• Support operators and collaborate with other technicians to solve reliability issues.
• Assist in equipment setup and production changeovers.
• Respond to equipment breakdowns promptly and address potentially dangerous situations.
• Follow safety and quality protocols to exceed standards.
• Observe all safety precautions and protect against hazards.
• Maintain accurate work records and write clear reports.
• Work all scheduled shifts as required.

Skills

Hydraulics

Electrical

Mechanical

Welding

Rigging

PLC

Troubleshooting

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

2-year Technical Degree in Engineering or Industrial Maintenance

Tools

PLC programming tools

Job description

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we're committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Take your maintenance career to the next level. As a Maintenance Technician III, you'll bring advanced technical expertise to a collaborative and diverse team focused on keeping plant operations safe, reliable, and running at peak performance. You’ll play a hands‑on role in improving machinery performance and maintenance reliability while continuing to expand your skills through on‑the‑job learning, advanced training, and additional certifications. This role is designed for experienced technicians who have a strong foundation in industrial maintenance systems and are ready to apply their knowledge at a higher level while helping drive operational excellence every day.

This position has a target wage of$28.5-$35.50per hour, based onshift,experienceand qualifications with annual bonusavailable(variable dependingon performance).Overtime may be available. In addition to hourly wages, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx,401(k)with employer match after 1year, criticalillness, accident insurance, dental,vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.

• Perform highly technically complex tasks, demonstrate a higher degree of independence, and may occasionally make decisions.
• Diagnose and repair complex machinery, conducts preventive maintenance, and ensures production efficiency.
• Provide Operators with support around machine overall equipment reliability. Collaborate well with production associates and other technicians to solve problems with reliability and urgency.
• May assist in troubleshooting equipment set up and production changeovers.
• Respond to equipment breakdowns in a timely manner. Recognizes andreportunusual, inefficient, or dangerous mechanical and electrical situations.
• Understand and follow all safety standards and quality protocols to ensure production exceeds the standards.
• Learn and observe all safety precautions as required by Perdue.
• Utilize appropriate safety precautions, methods, and apparatus to minimize and withstand exposure to chemicals, dust, and mechanical and electrical hazards.
• Maintain work records and prepare clear and concise oral and written reports.
• Work all required work schedules.

Minimum Education and Experience

• High School Diploma orequivalent.
• 5 - 8 Years experience in Industrial maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs on Mechanical and Electrical Equipment, and/or Equivalent Military Experience.
• Expert Proficiency in Hydraulics, Mechanics, Electrical, Welding and Rigging.
• Intermediate Proficiency with PLC.
• Commitment to Continuous Learning to achieve increasing levels of expertise.
• Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Maintain Perdue Farms QEW Certification.
• Must be able demonstrate/achieve and maintain Maintenance Tech III proficiency within 10 months of hire.

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2-year Technical Degree in Engineering or Industrial Maintenance.

Physical RequirementsandEnvironmental Factors

• Sitting, standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, reaching overhead and/or at shoulder level, lifting (50 lbs.) and/or repetitive tasks throughout the day.
• Position requires occasional moving to other offices or buildings.
• May need to access files, supplies, and equipment.

When in a plant environment:

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50dbto 110 db.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing plant.
• Mustwear and use protective and safety equipment required by the job as directed by the Company.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing plant.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.