Maintenance Technician

Join a Mission That Matters – Enrich Lives with Butterball Farms

At Butterball Farms, we're more than a world-class food manufacturer — we're a company on a mission: to Enrich Lives. For over 60 years, we've proudly partnered with the world's premier food brands to deliver innovative, value-added butter products. But our impact goes far beyond the food industry.

Recognized globally for our excellence and named one of West Michigan's Best and Brightest Companies, we invest deeply in our people, our communities, and our future. From fostering innovation and personal growth to supporting local neighborhoods, we believe success starts with a strong, supportive workplace.

When you join Butterball Farms, you're joining a team that values growth, innovation, and making a difference — together.

What We Offer

At Butterball Farms, we believe that when our people grow, our company grows. That's why we're proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your success — both on and off the job.

• Opportunities for Growth & Advancement Build your career in an environment that encourages development and internal promotion.
• Innovative & Inclusive Culture Join a workplace that celebrates innovation, continuous improvement, personal growth, and diversity.
• Shift Premiums Competitive pay with additional premiums for 2nd and 3rd shift positions.
• Paid Time Off Enjoy paid vacation and holidays to support work-life balance.
• 401(k) with Company Match Plan for your future with our generous retirement savings program.
• Tuition Reimbursement Continue your education with financial support for approved programs.
• Access to The Source Get connected to community resources, support services, and more.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Confidential support for personal, family, or work-related issues.
• Comprehensive Benefits Plan Includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Critical Illness, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care, and Accident Insurance.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintenance & Repair:
  • Maintain and repair mechanical and electrical equipment used in butter and food production.
  • Maintain refrigeration equipment for food storage.
  • Perform preventative maintenance on equipment and facilities.
  • Repair machines or systems using appropriate tools.
  • Perform routine maintenance and determine what kind is needed.
    
• Fabrication & Installation:
  • Fabricate food-grade equipment for production or prototyping.
  • Install equipment, machines, wiring, or programs per specifications.
  • Set up equipment and train production staff in proper usage.
    
• Troubleshooting & Problem Solving:
  • Identify and solve operating errors.
  • Recognize signs of malfunction and act quickly.
  • Propose and implement efficiency improvements.

Knowledge Areas

• Machines and tools: design, use, repair, and maintenance.
• Materials and fabrication methods.
• Precision design: blueprints, technical drawings, and models.
• Arithmetic and measurements.
• General safety practices in mechanical and electrical environments.

Skills

• Cognitive/Analytical:
  • Logical reasoning and problem-solving.
  • Recognizing patterns and relationships in information.
  • Applying general rules to specific problems.
  • Monitoring systems through gauges, dials, or indicators.
    
• Communication & Training:
  • Active listening and clear communication.
  • Asking clarifying questions and being attentive to others.
  • Training production staff on equipment usage.
    
• Physical/Manual Dexterity:
  • Quick and precise hand/arm movements.
  • Steady hand and arm coordination.
  • Fine motor skills for manipulating small objects.
  • Visual acuity for close-range detail work.
    
• Adaptability & Coordination:
  • Adjusting actions based on team or machine performance.
  • Visualizing how parts fit together or move.
  • Working with urgency during downtime events.

Requirements

Education / Certificates / Licenses / Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good eye-hand coordination
• Ability to read and understand standard work instructions
• Ability to work at a consistent, fast pace for extended periods of time
• Ability to keep up with a fast-paced production line
• Flexibility to adjust work schedule to accommodate high work volumes
• General math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Ability to adhere to GMP policies and maintain product quality standards
• Previous food manufacturing experience is a plus

Equivalent combinations of education and experience that demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered on an individual basis.

Essential Physical Requirements

(This role requires the following physical activities)

Continuous (67–100% of the time):

• Seeing
• Standing (up to 8+ hours per shift)
• Reaching
• Lifting (up to 50 lbs)
• Repetitive hand motions
• Eye-hand coordination
• Working at a consistent pace for extended periods
• Reading and understanding work instructions

Frequent (33–66% of the time):

• Walking
• Talking
• Hearing
• Grasping
• Bending at the waist
• Twisting upper body
• Climbing stairs
• Problem-solving and interpreting instructions
• Using general math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)

Occasional (Up to 33% of the time):

• Stooping
• Crouching
• Pushing
• Kneeling
• Additional reaching
• Driving (if applicable)

• Frequent lifting and carrying of up to 10 lbs (sedentary)
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of up to 50 lbs (medium)
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of up to 20 lbs (light)
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of up to 100 lbs (heavy) or more (very heavy)

This position is located in a production/processing environment, which may involve:

• Cold temperatures ranging from 45°F with occasional exposure to freezer environments as low as -10°F
• Exposure to manufacturing equipment and machinery
• Standing and working on concrete floors for extended periods
• Fast-paced, physically demanding tasks in a team-oriented setting
• Adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and safety protocols

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by the employee within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of any employee assigned to this job. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Butterball Farms, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO/AA).