Processing Mechanic Crew Leader - 1st Shift & 2nd Shift

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Kinston (NC); On-site; USD 47,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Education benefit on first day of work

Retirement Benefits

Job summary

Maintenance Technician Crew Leader at Smithfield Foods, Inc. leads the team responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing electric and mechanical systems in a food processing environment.

You will review work orders, read blueprints, and coordinate parts, tools, and technicians to keep equipment running safely and efficiently. This role requires strong hands-on skills in electrical controls, fluid power, welding, and manufacturing processes, plus the ability to train staff, inspect

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 1+ years of related experience in industrial mechanical maintenance or 4 years in similar environment.
• Vocational or technical diploma/associate degree preferred.
• Ability to work in a team and coordinate with contractors.
• Ability to operate forklifts, scissor lifts, or PIT equipment.
• Read and execute work orders and manuals.

Responsibilities

• Review work orders to determine tools, equipment, time, manpower, parts, and supplies.
• Respond to crisis calls with basic tools to perform work.
• Read blueprints and schematics.
• Disassemble and repair mechanical equipment; replace parts and test.
• Perform preventive maintenance on various systems and equipment.

Skills

Teamwork

Reading manuals

Troubleshooting

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Vocational/ Technical Diploma or Associate degree (Preferred)

Tools

Forklift operation

Job description

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefit packages.

Hourly compensation starting at $34.20/hour – $38.20/hour $1.00/ hour shift differential for 2nd shift positions.

Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and more.

Education benefit available to full and part-time Smithfield team members on their first day of employment.

In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth and professional development.

The Maintenance Technician Crew Leader has responsibilities to organize the work and oversee the work of Processing Mechanics who maintain, troubleshoot and repair a variety of electrical and mechanical equipment in a food processing environment. This position requires proficiency in multiple skill clusters, such as electrical controls, fluid power, mechanical systems, welding, fabrication and manufacturing processes. This person will perform medium-to-high-level machine systems troubleshooting and repair and provide technical support for all phases of the operation. This work will be of average to considerable difficulty in the accomplishment of a variety of mechanical maintenance actions.

Core Responsibilities

• Receives work order/request, reviews to determine tools, equipment, time, manpower, parts, and supplies needed.
• When responding to crisis calls will always arrive at the scene with basic tools and equipment necessary to perform work.
• Read blueprints, schematics (including electrical), wiring diagrams, technical manuals, etc.
• Maintains various activity records and logs.
• Observe equipment or machinery while in operation to detect malfunctions.
• Disassemble mechanical equipment, identify faulty/worn parts, replace, reassemble, and test.
• Test major subsystems or components to localize problems using specialized equipment.
• Fabricate replacement parts which may require welding, cutting, or sheet metal work.
• Perform preventive maintenance on various mechanical systems and equipment.
• Install new equipment/appliances including utilities (i.e., electrical, water, gas, or drain lines).
• Responsibilities include installing, trouble shooting, and maintaining, mechanical equipment, piping systems, electrical controls/components in accordance with manufacturer’s specification, local regulations and Smithfield safety policies.
• Performs preventive and predictive maintenance schedules on mechanical equipment such as pumps, packaging and slicing equipment, harvest and cutting equipment used in manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge and skills in operating a variety of small hand tools and devices used in general mechanical maintenance operations.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and 1+ years of related experience and/or training in an industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing environment; or 4 years’ direct experience in an industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing maintenance environment.
• Vocational Diploma, Technical Diploma or associate degree from a technical maintenance or vocational school. (Preferred).
• Possess the ability to function effectively in a team environment and interact productively with all levels of team personnel and outside contractors.
• Ability to operate a forklift, genie lift or scissor lift or other powered industrial trucks (PIT).
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read and execute work orders, write daily reports, and translate equipment manuals.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

This position requires the ability to read, write and communicate in English.

English is needed to carry out the following tasks: (1) read and understand procedure manuals, signs and box labels; (2) work with warehouse computer systems; (3) complete written documents relating to company procedures; and (4) communicate clearly with co-workers and supervisors about day-to-day operations.

Previous experience in food production/packaging is highly preferred.

Ability to lift 60 pounds occasionally during shift.

Ability to consistently meet minimum production standards and company service levels.

Ability to understand and follow both written and verbal instructions.

Ability to operate pallet jack and other required materials handling equipment (MHE).

Work in wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.

Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.

Occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.

Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds utilizing the buddy system or specifically designed lifting devices.

Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

At Smithfield, good food starts with good people. "Good food. Responsibly.®" is more than just our tagline; it's what we do. We provide good jobs. We take good care of our animals. We are good stewards of the environment. We do good in our local communities. Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers. Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost. These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more. Our company invests in your future. We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential. Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on‑demand courses, professional certificates, and skill‑based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs. Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high‑potential talent. We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.

Headquartered inSmithfield, Virginia,since 1936,Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.

We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.