Arils Maintenance Lead

The Wonderful Company•Buttonwillow, CA

2h•$28 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

The Arils Maintenance Lead is responsible for leading daily maintenance activities supporting high-speed Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food production operations including extraction, arils processing, packaging, utilities, and facility infrastructure. This role oversees preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs while providing technical leadership for troubleshooting PLC controls, electrical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, automation equipment, conveyors, fillers, extraction equipment, and process utilities. The Maintenance Lead is expected to drive equipment reliability, minimize downtime, support continuous improvement initiatives, maintain regulatory compliance, and develop maintenance personnel through coaching and technical training. This position works closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, Safety, and Capital Projects teams to achieve operational targets.

Requirements

Strong working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and automated production systems, including troubleshooting and repair within a high-speed food manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot PLC-controlled equipment, automation controls, HMIs, VFDs, instrumentation, load cells, sensors, motor controls, MCCs, and high-voltage/low-voltage electrical systems (24VDC–480VAC).
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, OEM manuals, and technical documentation to diagnose failures and implement corrective actions.
Working knowledge of conveyor systems, conveyor alignment/tracking, motors, pumps, bearings, gearboxes, power transmission components, compressed air systems, and other critical production support equipment.
Experience troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, utilities, wastewater systems, and facility support equipment.
Experience utilizing Preventive Maintenance (PM), Predictive Maintenance (PdM), Root Cause Analysis (RCA), reliability methodologies, and CMMS or similar systems to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and support maintenance planning.
Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, Word), maintenance reporting systems, work order management software, and electronic documentation systems.
Knowledge of GMP, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Confined space entry, food safety requirements, and regulatory compliance within a Ready-to-Eat (RTE) manufacturing environment.
Excellent organizational, communication, leadership, and troubleshooting skills with the ability to perform basic math calculations, apply written and verbal instructions, work independently or within cross-functional teams, prioritize multiple tasks, solve problems in fast-paced environments.
Ability to safely operate mobile equipment including forklifts, telehandlers, aerial lifts, scissor lifts, and other powered industrial equipment while maintaining required certifications and following company safety procedures.
Being able to work with others; work efficiently with little or no supervision; understand and able to do basic math equations, speak the data that is being collected and open availability including evenings and weekends.
High school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate and experience in a leading capacity, Technical training; exposure to high-speed equipment
2 years of related experience in packing machines/production machines.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of welding and fabrication practices including TIG, MIG, stainless steel fabrication, equipment modifications, and installation of production equipment preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead daily maintenance operations for extraction, arils processing, packaging, utilities, and facility systems while supporting production goals, minimizing downtime, and ensuring safe plant operations, including providing emergency unscheduled repairs.
Perform and oversee troubleshooting, repair, installation, startup, alignment, maintenance, and reliability of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, automated production equipment, conveyor systems, motors, pumps, gearboxes, compressed air systems, extraction equipment, fillers, sealers, compressors, utility systems, and other critical production and facility support infrastructure to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations.
Troubleshoot PLC-controlled systems, HMIs, VFDs, motor controls, sensors, instrumentation, and automated equipment including high-voltage and low-voltage electrical systems (24VDC–480VAC).
Develop, execute, and continuously improve Preventive Maintenance (PM), Predictive Maintenance (PdM), and Corrective Maintenance programs while utilizing CMMS for work order management, scheduling, documentation, and inventory tracking.
Perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA), reliability initiatives, and continuous improvement activities focused on reducing equipment failures, improving uptime, increasing throughput, and lowering operational costs.
Lead maintenance activities during harvest preparation, seasonal startup/shutdowns, capital projects, equipment installations, and contractor oversight while supporting facility expansion and improvement initiatives.
Ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP, BRC, OSHA, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), food safety programs, and all company safety and regulatory requirements within a Ready-to-Eat (RTE) manufacturing environment.
Train, mentor, and provide technical leadership to maintenance personnel while supporting workforce development, accountability, communication, and cross-functional collaboration with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Operations teams.
Maintain accurate daily documentation including work orders, PM records, downtime tracking, maintenance logs, parts usage, shift pass-downs, and completion of required pre-operational and post-operational inspections to support equipment reliability, food safety compliance, and audit readiness.

Benefits

Access to top-notch medical coverage comprehensive vision and dental plans
401k with match eligibility
24/7 online physician consultations
virtual mental health resources
life coaching
engaging employee community groups
cash rewards for healthy habits and fitness reimbursements
library of on-demand fitness videos
clear paths for career progression and internal mobility
dedicated Learning and Organizational Development department, offering extensive resources like People Manager and leadership training, webinars, and eLearning courses.
company-wide mentorship program
Continuous Improvement Training
Wonderful Giving program
Wonderful Neighbor program