Plant Maintenance Technician

Position Summary

At Hudsonville Ice Cream, our Plant Maintenance Technicians play a vital role in keeping our highly automated production and packaging operations running smoothly. This position is responsible for performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems, and supporting essential plant utilities—including refrigeration, steam, and compressed air systems. It requires strong technical skills, a proactive approach, and effective collaboration with production and sanitation teams to minimize downtime and maintain the high standards of our product.

Success in this role goes beyond technical know-how—it requires a commitment to The Hudsonville Way by demonstrating teamwork, a positive approach, and a strong work ethic in all aspects of the job. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, safety-focused, and eager to grow in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, where their expertise directly contributes to the production of high-quality ice cream.

Duties & Responsibilities

Equipment Maintenance & Repair

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on production and packaging equipment to ensure reliable and efficient operations.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems to minimize unplanned downtime.
• Maintain, adjust, and optimize automated machinery to enhance production efficiency.

Refrigeration & Utilities Support

• Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot plant utilities, including ammonia refrigeration and steam systems, compressed air, and water treatment systems.
• Ensure HVAC systems function properly to maintain temperature control within the facility.
• Comply with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements related to refrigeration and utility systems.

Electrical & Control Systems

• Perform routine electrical maintenance, including motor wiring, sensor calibration, and completing minor industrial electrical repairs.
• Assist in troubleshooting PLCs and provide basic programming support.
• Reset breakers, replace fuses, and diagnose control system issues.

Facility Maintenance & Safety Compliance

• Follow all safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), proper use of PPE requirements, and OSHA regulations.
• Ensure equipment and facility compliance with food safety and sanitation standards through active participation in inspections, audits, and adherence to company policies.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, work orders, and equipment performance using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

Team Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with production, sanitation, and quality assurance teams to maintain equipment efficiency and hygiene.
• Assist with facility improvement projects, equipment upgrades, and process optimization efforts.
• Establish and maintain effective maintenance programs utilizing a CMMS system.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this role. They should not be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Team members may be required to perform duties outside of their usual responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.
• 1+ years of maintenance experience in an industrial or manufacturing setting preferred.
• 1+ years of experience servicing machines, equipment, or devices by identifying issues and replacing defective parts preferred.
• Familiarity with facility utility systems such as boilers, air compressors, and ammonia refrigeration.
• Experience with Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and other safety programs.
• Experience in ice cream manufacturing, dairy, or other food processing environments is preferred but not required.
• Proficiency in operating forklifts and scissor lifts; certified or able to obtain necessary licenses.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong mechanical aptitude with capability in using hand tools and shop equipment (e.g., welders, drills, metal cutting tools).
• Basic working knowledge of automation systems and strong computer skills, to include experience with Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Strong math skills and ability to read and interpret technical information.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision; capable of guiding or directing others when needed.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a collaborative approach to identifying and resolving issues.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to navigate conflict constructively and foster positive working relationships.
• Committed to maintaining a safe work environment and adhering to all safety standards and procedures.

Physical Requirements

• 
  Mobility: Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, in a manufacturing setting. Must be able to climb ladders and work at heights as needed.
• Temperature Conditions: Ability to work in varying temperature environments, depending on the plant's conditions.
• Physical Strength: Capable of lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds, and with the ability to handle heavier items occasionally with assistance.
• Manual Dexterity: Requires precise hand-eye coordination for handling tools, parts, and equipment, and for performing detailed mechanical work. Must be able to use both hands for repetitive grasping, lifting, and operating machinery.
• Visual and Hearing Acuity: Sufficient vision and hearing, with or without correction, to safely navigate the work environment, read gauges, identify hazards, and detect equipment alarms or other auditory signals.
• Communication and Responsiveness: Must be able to respond quickly to alarms and sounds and communicate effectively with team members in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Compliance: Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and bump or hard hats.
• Work Environment: This role primarily works in a manufacturing facility where the environment is subject to varying temperature and noise level changes, and active industrial equipment.