Feed Mill Maintenance Associate

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

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. Apply Now!

YOUR OPPORTUNITY Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages:

• $26.00/hr - $30.00/hr

• Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More

• Education benefit available to full and part-time Smithfield team members upon meeting eligibility requirements

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

The ideal Feed Mill Maintenance Associate has a working knowledge of and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of maintenance and repairs of machinery and mechanical equipment, including but not limited to, screw conveyors, bucket belt elevator, drag conveyors, boilers, pellet mills, hammer mills, VFD drives, and any other specific items related to the mechanical operation of the feed mill. Evaluates, repairs and ensures precise equipment maintenance records are maintained.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

The below 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.

• Hourly Competitive Starting Pay $26.00/hour

• Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More.

• Education benefit available to full- and part-time Smithfield team members upon meeting eligibility requirements.

• Perform daily preventive and corrective maintenance activities on assigned feed mill equipment, ensuring equipment reliability and minimal downtime.

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical equipment issues using sound engineering and maintenance principles.

• Follow all standard operating procedures, maintenance instructions, GMPs, and safety practices when performing maintenance tasks, including installing, adjusting, repairing, and replacing equipment.

• Continuously identify maintenance issues and develop corrective and preventive solutions to eliminate recurring problems and reduce unscheduled downtime.

• Support the development, execution, and continuous improvement of a cost‑effective Preventive and Predictive Maintenance (PM/PdM) program in partnership with the Maintenance Supervisor and Maintenance Manager.

• Ensure all assigned daily, weekly, and scheduled PMs are completed and properly documented.

• Read, interpret, and evaluate engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, piping sketches, repair manuals, and parts catalogs to support troubleshooting, repairs, and equipment modifications.

• Analyze mechanical and electrical problems, document findings, and recommend equipment or process improvements to enhance safety, efficiency, and production performance.

• Plan, fabricate, assemble, test, and install new or modified mechanical components, machinery, and equipment as required.

• Set up and conduct equipment and component testing, record results, compare outcomes to specifications, and recommend corrective actions or design changes.

• Monitor, inspect, and test machinery and production lines to ensure they remain in safe and optimal operating condition.

• Coordinate maintenance activities, safety procedures, equipment servicing, and material requirements to align with production schedules.

• Establish, communicate, and follow consistent parts replacement and repair standards.

• Manage and monitor critical spare parts inventory based on equipment usage, maintenance history, and operational needs.

• Maintain accurate maintenance records and reports, including work orders, PM activities, inspections, bearings maintenance, and parts replacement using the CMMS/CAM system.

• Promote and actively participate in a strong safety culture, including proper housekeeping practices for tools, equipment, and facilities.

• Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations, ISO 14001 standards, EMS policies, and company procedures.

• Immediately report any environmental, food safety, or compliance issues to the Mill Manager.

• Provide technical support and assistance to Production, Quality, and other departments as needed.

• Maintain the safety of all employees, contractors, and company assets during maintenance activities.

• Acquire, maintain, and comply with all required certifications (e.g., Forklift, LOTO, Confined Space).

• Understand and follow the company’s emergency notification and response procedures and ensure familiarity with site‑specific requirements.

• Perform general housekeeping and other duties as assigned by management.

WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:

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.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance Engineering, or a related field

• Minimum of 1+ years of relevant experience in an industrial mechanical maintenance, engineering, or food manufacturing environment.

• Strong working knowledge of mechanical systems, industrial equipment, and maintenance engineering principles.

• Welding and electrical skills required, including experience with 3‑phase power (480 volts).

• Knowledge of PLC automation systems.

• Ability to read, interpret, and apply information from engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, safety rules, operating manuals, and maintenance procedures.

• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; basic computer and CMMS usage skills required.

• Ability to operate or obtain certification to operate forklifts, scissor lifts, genie lifts, bobcats, and other powered industrial trucks (PIT).

• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic manufacturing environment.

• Willingness and ability to work extended hours, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

• Ability to stand, walk, use hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and communicate effectively in a manufacturing environment.

• Ability to read, write, and speak English and follow detailed technical instructions.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively and build strong working relationships across Maintenance, Engineering, Production, and Quality teams.

• Demonstrated ability to be respectful, approachable, and team‑oriented, contributing to a positive work environment.

• Supportive of the mission of producing high‑quality pellet feed and operating in compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards.

• Forklift, Bobcat, LOTO, and Confined Space certifications preferred or required to obtain.

• Currently authorized to work in the U.S.; visa sponsorship available if needed

Relocation Package Available

Yes

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.

Check out this video to learn more about this role!