Maintenance Technician III (1st shift)

Novozymes (part of Novonesis); Madison (WI); On-site; USD 37,195 - 52,348; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Vacation and holidays

Health insurance

Healthcare savings account (HSA)

Employee assistance program

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Benefits from day one

Job summary

Novozymes (Novonesis) in Madison, Wisconsin seeks a Maintenance Technician III (1st Shift) to perform high‑level maintenance on process equipment in a food manufacturing setting. The role emphasizes troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and cGMP compliance to ensure continuous operations.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in a regulated environment, strong problem-solving skills, and ability to train others while supporting safety initiatives and continuous improvement projects.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in FDA-regulated or controlled manufacturing environment (food ingredients, live cultures, or pharma preferred).
• Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and follow-up skills.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair production equipment while executing preventive maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of machinery, process equipment, and facility systems in a food manufacturing environment.
• Diagnose root causes of equipment failures and implement corrective actions with cross-functional teams.
• Complete maintenance documentation (paper and electronic) in compliance with cGMP, including CMMS entries and lifecycle activities.
• Maintain and ensure reliable operation of utility systems (HVAC, dust collection, pumps, valves, compressors, plumbing, heat exchangers, and electrical systems).
• Respond to unplanned downtime, restore operations, and document all maintenance activities.
• Identify spare parts, tools, and inventory requirements to maintain readiness.
• Train and support maintenance and operations personnel on equipment and procedures.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, efficiency, energy reduction, and cost savings.
• Follow cGMP, SOP, and quality requirements; report deviations promptly.
• Develop, review, and improve preventive maintenance procedures and work instructions.
• Promote a strong safety culture by adhering to Lockout/Tagout and Confined Space programs.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Independent work

Attendance reliability

Overtime flexibility

Job description

Maintenance Technician III (1st Shift)

Shift: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM, Monday-Friday

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

Hourly Rate: $27-$38/hour

The Role & Your Impact

• Perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of machinery, process equipment, and facility systems in a food manufacturing environment.
• Diagnose root causes of equipment failures, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrence in collaboration with cross‑functional teams.
• Accurately complete maintenance documentation (paper and electronic) in compliance with cGMP requirements, including CMMS entries, parts requests, and lifecycle activities.
• Maintain and ensure reliable operation of utility systems including HVAC, dust collection, pumps, valves, compressors, plumbing, heat exchangers, and electrical systems.
• Respond to unplanned downtime, restore operations efficiently, and document all maintenance activities.
• Identify and communicate spare parts, tools, and inventory requirements to maintain operational readiness.
• Train and support maintenance and operations personnel on equipment, procedures, and best practices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, efficiency, energy reduction, and cost savings.
• Follow all cGMP, SOP, and quality requirements, and promptly report deviations.
• Develop, review, and improve preventive maintenance procedures and work instructions.
• Promote a strong safety culture by adhering to policies such as Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and Confined Space programs.

What You'll Need to Be Successful

• 5+ years of experience in an FDA‑regulated or controlled manufacturing environment (food ingredients, live cultures, or pharmaceutical preferred).
• Strong communication, organization, problem‑solving, and follow‑up skills.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair production equipment while executing preventative maintenance programs.
• Advanced knowledge of industrial maintenance systems including motors, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, instrumentation, boilers, chillers, and related equipment.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player while also operating independently when needed.
• Positive attitude with a willingness to teach and support operators and team members.
• Strong commitment to attendance, reliability, and adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, holidays, or varying shifts as required.
• Ability to participate in an on‑call rotation.

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

• 10+ years of experience in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of cGMP, sanitation standards, food safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience working independently in low‑support or off‑shift environments.
• Proficiency using lifts (scissor lift, boom lift), forklifts, rigging, and overhead hoists.
• Experience with root cause analysis and structured problem‑solving methods.
• Ability to read and interpret PLC logic, control wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and equipment drawings.
• Hands‑on technical skills such as welding, pipe fitting, machining, fabrication, pump/valve rebuilds, and basic electrical work.
• Experience in water treatment, boiler operation, vibration analysis, or oil analysis.
• EPA certification and experience with refrigerant systems (preferred).

What We Offer

We offer the opportunity to work in a collaborative, high‑performing environment where your expertise directly impacts production reliability and product quality. You'll contribute to meaningful continuous improvement initiatives while expanding your technical skills and mentoring others. Our culture emphasizes safety, teamwork, and professional growth.

Ways of Working / Working Conditions

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, humidity, moving equipment, fumes, and chemicals.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures including freezer conditions (-55°C) and warm environments such as boiler rooms.
• Required use of company‑issued uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and respirators as needed.
• Physically active role requiring standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, bending, crouching, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Work may involve both independent tasks and team‑based activities.
• Overtime, weekend work, and on‑call responsibilities may be required.

Compensation & Benefits

Expected pay range: $27-38/hour

• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution.
• Minimum of 3 weeks vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of wellness time.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Healthcare savings account with generous employer contribution.
• Employee assistance program.
• Parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Benefits effective from day one.

We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.