inspection and reliability technician

Job Summary / Basic Function

We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Inspection and Reliability Technician to join our industrial maintenance team in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This role involves performing routine inspections of plant machinery, assisting with preventive and predictive maintenance tasks, and helping to keep our production equipment running smoothly. The position requires a basic understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, a willingness to learn troubleshooting skills, and a commitment to following food safety and regulatory standards.

Organizational Relationships

• Reports to: Director of Maintenance
• Coaches: This position has no direct reports.

Key Responsibilities and Specific Duties

Predictive Maintenance (PdM) Activities:

• Assists with performing vibration analysis on rotating equipment to help identify potential issues (e.g., misalignment, unbalance, bearing defects).
• Assists with utilizing thermography to help detect electrical hot spots, motor overheating, and other thermal anomalies.
• Conducts basic ultrasonic testing for leak detection (air, steam, vacuum) and assists with lubrication assessment.
• Assists with motor circuit analysis (MCA) to help assess motor health.
• Performs infrared inspections and ultrasonic air leak detection routes.

Preventive Maintenance (PM) Activities:

• Performs multiple plant inspection routes and documents any deficiencies found through the use of the maintenance work order system.
• Reads and interprets equipment manuals and work orders to understand required maintenance and service requirements of plant equipment.
• Performs ultrasonic lubrication routes, basic gear oil changes, and prepares equipment for oil analysis.
• Inspects and replaces filters as necessary.
• Performs TLC (Tighten-Clean-Lubricate) preventative maintenance when assigned.
• Follows detailed PM procedures and checklists accurately and completely.
• Identifies and documents equipment deficiencies and reports them to supervision for corrective actions.

Troubleshooting and Repair:

• Assists with diagnosing basic mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic issues on production machinery.
• Assists experienced technicians with repairs to minimize downtime and ensure equipment reliability.
• Utilizes schematics, diagrams, and technical manuals as guided for troubleshooting and repair.
• Detects faulty operations, defective material, and reports those and any unusual situations to proper supervision.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Collects and records PdM data to support trend analysis and identify potential failures.
• Assists in generating reports on equipment condition and maintenance activities.
• Maintains accurate records of all maintenance work performed in a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).

Safety and Compliance:

• Adheres to all safety regulations, company policies, and food safety standards (e.g., GMPs, HACCP).
• Ensures all work is performed in a safe manner, utilizing proper PPE and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Maintains a clean and organized work environment.
• Complies with company's safety regulations and maintains clean and orderly work areas.

General Duties:

• Performs all other duties as assigned or needed.

Standards of Performance

• Provides informative and professional assistance when working with the public/customers and co-workers.
• Ability to overcome minor issues within established procedures.
• Accurate and timely completion of projects and/or reports.
• Initiative to maintain the flow of work with established practices.
• Effective oral and written communicative skills.
• Successful performance of duties with frequent interruptions and time pressures.
• Successful performance of duties within a team environment.
• Maintenance of Company information in a confidential manner.
• Maintenance of Company information in a confidential manner.

Mental and Physical Requirements

• Ability to maintain considerable concentration with frequent time pressures and interruptions.
• Must be highly motivated and able to work independently.
• Ability to lift, move, or carry objects up to 50 pounds consistently with heavier weight necessary at times.
• Ability to occasionally reach, squat, kneel, climb, push, or pull.
• Ability to maintain visual attention for extended periods of time.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to occasionally stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to manipulate necessary office equipment, computer software, hardware, and equipment.

Working Environment and Conditions

• This position primarily works in a manufacturing plant environment with exposure to noise, varying temperatures, and moving machinery.
• May require working in confined spaces, at heights, and with various chemicals.
• The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, extreme heat, extreme noise, and the risk of electrical shock.
• May require occasional off-shift or weekend work to support production schedules and critical repairs.

Education, Experience, and Training

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1-2 years of industrial maintenance or manufacturing experience preferred; basic understanding of hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical systems.
• Basic HACCP and SQF training preferred, or willingness to obtain.
• Forklift Certification or attainment of certification within a six-month timeframe.

Technical Skills

• Basic understanding of vibration analysis, thermography, ultrasonics, and oil analysis concepts.
• Hands-on experience with basic industrial machinery and tools.
• Basic understanding of electrical systems and controls.
• Familiarity with using CMMS software for data entry.
• Ability to read and interpret basic blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Uses inspection tools including ultrasonic lubrication and ultrasonic air leak detectors, infrared camera, and electric meters as guided.

Soft Skills

• Good problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proactive and self-motivated with a strong work ethic.
• Adaptability to a fast-paced and changing environment.