Maintenance Mechanic

ILLES Foods Job Description 

Job Title: Maintenance Mechanic 

Reports To: Maintenance Manager 

FLSA: Permanent, Full Time, Non-Exempt 

Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday - Friday

About Us:   
Specializing in custom-crafted culinary solutions—from beverage bases and sauces to marinades and seasonings—ILLES Foods has partnered with food service chains, manufacturers, and retailers across the U.S. since 1927. Our Food Innovation expertise, creativity, and speed to market, combined with a laser focus on customer experience, make us a key partner in product development. As a family-owned, woman-run business, our growth is fueled by deeply held values: operating with integrity, maintaining intentional curiosity, and strong relationship building through the power of partnership. At ILLES Foods, we strive to be the ingredient that elevates food and enriches the lives of our partners, internal and external. 

Job Summary: 
The successful candidate conducts machine setup, troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive maintenance service. Perform computer generated maintenance work requiring maintenance skills to keep machines, mechanical equipment, and the structure of the establishment in repair. Ensure that food safety, legality, and quality standards are always maintained. Partner conducts themselves in a manner that is aligned with Illes Foods Core Values: Operate with Integrity, Stay Intentionally Curious, and Believe in the Power of the Partnership. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Complete computer-generated maintenance work order requests to repair machines, mechanical equipment, and facility structures. 

• Work from drawings and computer-generated assignments; access and interpret maintenance computer information. 

• Perform preventive maintenance on production and plant physical equipment. 

• Collaborate with maintenance team to complete assignments efficiently. 

• Generate, maintain, and close work requests using computer maintenance software. 

• Ensure processing equipment is ready for on-time production start-ups. 

• Maintain the facility and department in inspection-ready condition per MSS, AIB, and FDA standards. 

• Know vendor locations and follow purchasing procedures. 

• Maintain clean work areas and adhere to all GMP, safety, and company policies and procedures; meet safety goals. 

• Keep accurate records and documentation. 

• Actively offer improvement methods and participate in team/business improvement activities. 

• Maintain professional written and verbal communication. 

• Ensure food safety, legality, integrity, and quality standards are upheld at all times. 

• Perform additional tasks as assigned by management and maintain regular attendance for scheduled shifts. 

Required Key Skills and Qualifications: 

• Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting – Core ability to perform repairs, identify root causes, and maintain machinery for continuous operation. 

• Complex Problem Solving – Quickly assess issues and implement effective, lasting solutions under time pressure. 

• Technical Knowledge – Hands-on expertise with Programmable Logic Controls (PLC) knowledge a plus. Welding- Stainless Steel and other metals. Ability to repair electrical systems, refrigeration, hydraulics, electronics, plumbing, welding, and machining. 

• Critical Thinking & Judgment – Evaluate multiple options to make sound, efficient decisions in maintenance and safety situations. 

• Coordination & Teamwork – Collaborate effectively across departments to minimize downtime and support production goals. 

Experience & Education:  
Minimum four years’ experience in the field or a related area. Familiar with a variety of the field’s concepts, practices, and procedures. High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate or bachelor's degree in a mechanical, electrical or related field from an accredited university is a plus.  

Working Conditions & Physical Demands: 

• Lifting: Ability to continuously lift weights up to 48 lbs. vertically from heights up to 80 in (may use ladder) 

• Carrying: Ability to continuously carry up to 30 lbs. to distances up to 50ft. 

• Push-Pull: Ability to continuously transfer up to 25 lbs. horizontally on a sled to distances up to 50ft 

• Repetitive Coupling: Ability to continuously push down and squeeze up to 150 lbs. for Jamar Hand Dynamometer 

• Climbing: Able to continuously ascend and descend from heights up to 17 in with ladders up to 8 rungs 

• Confined Access: Able to continuously access a space with a width as small as 18 in and maintain within space for 2 minutes. 

• Posture: Ability to continuously forward bend, squat and kneel to reach point 0 to 14 from the floor and maintain position for 2 minutes. 

What We Offer:  
We are a core-value driven, inclusive team that values innovation, growth, and impact. We offer career development, mentorship, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits—including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with immediate match, HSA, EAP, life, disability, and more!  

Disclaimer: 
The job description provides a general overview of the work, not a detailed list of all tasks and skills. Reasonable accommodation is available for individuals with disabilities as required by law. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a health or safety risk. Employees must follow job-related instructions and perform additional duties as per federal and state laws. The listed requirements are the minimum needed to perform the job effectively. Employment is "at-will," meaning it can be terminated at any time. ILLES Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (M/F/D/V)