Maintenance Technician Lead - 1st Shift

Perdue Farms; Bridgeville (DE); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Perdue Farms is seeking a Maintenance Technician Lead to guide a team of technicians, elevate equipment reliability, and drive a culture of continuous improvement and proactive safety. You will mentor staff, plan and direct maintenance work, and contribute to Perdue’s standards for quality and efficiency across operations.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, training, and timely decision-making to support production schedules in a dynamic plant environment.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years in industrial maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs.
• Expert proficiency in hydraulics, mechanics, electrical, welding and rigging.
• Intermediate proficiency with PLC.
• Commitment to continuous learning to achieve increasing levels of expertise.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Maintain Perdue Farms QEW Certification.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a team of Maintenance Technicians and perform highly technical tasks.
• Demonstrate/achieve and maintain Maintenance Tech III proficiency within 10 months.
• Lead the team to complete all planned work; coach and onboard new hires.
• Provide real-time direction with supervisors according to policies.
• Plan and allocate resources to meet productivity and quality goals.
• Plan, evaluate and improve efficiency of processes to boost speed and output.
• Establish controls and feedback systems to monitor operations.
• Follow all safety precautions as required by Perdue.
• Maintain records and prepare clear written reports.
• Work day travel to nearby locations as needed.

Skills

Industrial maintenance

Maintenance leadership

Hydraulics

Electrical

Welding

Rigging

PLC

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Technical Degree in Engineering/Industrial Maintenance

Tools

QEW Certification

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

Step into a leadership role where your expertise makes a real impact. As a Maintenance Technician Lead, you’ll provide hands‑on maintenance support while guiding and motivating a team of Maintenance Technicians to elevate equipment reliability and performance. You’ll play a key role in shaping a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and proactive safety across the operation. If you’re passionate about leading by example, strengthening maintenance practices, and creating a safer, more reliable workplace, this role puts you at the forefront of driving meaningful change.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 6:00am - 3:00pm. Weekends/ Saturdays as business needs dictate.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform highly technically complex tasks and decision‑making while overseeing a team of Maintenance Technicians.
• Must be able to demonstrate/achieve and maintain Maintenance Tech III proficiency within 10 months of hire.
• Lead team to deliver all planned work assigned. Coach, mentor and guide the team daily, including assisting with new hire onboarding. Support a team that promotes Perdue Values and Leadership Behaviors.
• In collaboration with the supervisors, provide real time direction to the associates on the team in accordance with the organization's policies and procedures.
• Plan and allocate real time resources to effectively staff and accomplish the work to meet departmental productivity and quality goals.
• Plan, evaluate, and improve the efficiency of business processes and procedures to enhance speed, quality, efficiency, and output.
• Establish, maintain relevant controls, and feedback systems to monitor the operation of the department.
• Learn and observe all safety precautions as required by Perdue.
• Maintain records and prepare clear and concise oral and written reports.
• Work all required work schedules. Day travel to nearby locations is sometimes required.

Minimum Education And Experience

• High School Diploma or GED. High School Diploma or GED and Equivalent Experience.
• 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.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Maintain Perdue Farms QEW Certification.

Preferred Education And Experience

• 2-year Technical Degree in Engineering or Industrial Maintenance.
• Line leadership experience preferred.

Physical Requirements And Environmental 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 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing plant.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.

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.