Sales June 16, 2025 Operation & Maintenance Technician Janesville , United States of America

GEA Group; Janesville (WI); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

GEA Group is seeking an Operations & Maintenance Technician to support its North American Application & Technology Center of Excellence. The role involves operating pilot plant equipment, performing maintenance, and ensuring adherence to hygiene standards for food-grade processes. Join a global leader in engineering solutions to make a significant impact in innovative projects.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

12 paid holidays and 136 hours of PTO

7% 401(k) employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness incentive program

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in maintenance preferred.
• 1 year operating automated production equipment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate pilot plant equipment to meet testing requirements.
• Perform routine maintenance of mechanical and utility equipment.
• Ensure compliance with QHSE standards.

Skills

Mechanical assembly

Communication

Collaboration

Multi-tasking

Education

Technical degree in mechanical trades

Experience in food/beverage/pharmaceutical/biotech

Tools

MS Office

Job description

GEA is one of the largest suppliers for the food and beverage processing industry and a wide range of other process industries. Approximately 18,000 employees in more than 60 countries contribute significantly to GEA’s success – come and join them! We offer interesting and challenging tasks, a positive working environment in international teams and opportunities for personal development and growth in a global company.

400 S Wuthering Hills Dr, Janesville, WI 53546

Your responsibilities and tasks:

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 8 + years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

• Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
• Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore
• Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster
• Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset
• Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits
• Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance
• Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $30- $32 per hour. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States.

The pay range is not guaranteed compensation or salary. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons. You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as a discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

At GEA, we don’t just offer jobs, we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact.

The Operations & Maintenance Technician plays a dual role, combining mechanical and operational responsibilities to support the success of the North American Application & Technology Center of Excellence. This hands-on position works in close collaboration with the Test Engineer, Test Center Supervisor, Senior Biotechnologist, Laboratory Technologist, and New Food Technical Director. The technician is responsible for setting up equipment, supporting experimental test execution, conducting routine maintenance, and ensuring hygienic conditions of all pilot plant systems and workspaces.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate pilot plant equipment to meet testing requirements, including but not limited to:
  • Bioreactors, fermenters
  • UHT and thermal processing systems
  • Vacuum mixers, dryers, membrane filtration systems
  • Aseptic processes and specialized equipment
  • Utility systems (water softeners, RO systems, air compressors, boilers, chillers)
• Disassemble, reconfigure, and reassemble systems and components per test specifications or engineer instructions.
• Perform cleaning of pilot plant equipment and areas according to food-grade hygiene standards.
• Execute routine maintenance of mechanical and utility equipment, including:
  • Seal and gasket replacement (pumps, valves, agitators)
  • Mechanical inspections
  • Logging equipment observations and coordinating external service providers when needed
• Monitor and document inventory of plant consumables and safety equipment; support parts ordering as needed.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) standards including training, waste management, and documentation.
• Contribute to team success by supporting additional tasks as directed by the supervisor.

Your profile and qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Technical degree in mechanical trades or a minimum of 3 years of experience in maintenance within a food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or biotech production environment
• At least 1 year of experience operating automated production equipment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment
• Proficiency in basic mechanical assembly and maintenance of sanitary liquid processing components
• Ability to manage multiple operations simultaneously
• Basic proficiency with control systems and MS Office (Excel, Outlook, Word)
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and upholding safety standards

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in sanitary welding
• Familiarity with pilot plant operations and experimental testing environments

Note: This job description outlines the general nature and key duties of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, or working conditions. Duties may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

GEA Group is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all clients and employees feel welcomed, accepted, and valued.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.

GEA careers

Join a top employer

GEA is certified as a Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute for Europe. We have high scores for Leadership, Ethics & Integrity and Sustainability.

GEA careers

A world of opportunities

We’re a global industrial engineering company and one of the world’s largest systems suppliers for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors, and many others. GEA offers exciting and diverse training and career opportunities around the world.

GEA’s heritage stretches back more than 140 years. Today, we operate in resilient customer industries with a dedicated workforce of more than 18,000 employees and conduct business with more than 150 countries.

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GEA is one of the world’s largest systems suppliers for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. Our portfolio includes machinery and plants as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. Used across diverse industries, they enhance the sustainability and efficiency of production processes globally.

GEA is listed in the German MDAX and the STOXX Europe 600 Index and is also among the companies comprising the DAX 50 ESG and MSCI Global Sustainability Indices.