Autonomous Maintenance Operator

Bolthouse Farms•Bakersfield, CA

34d•$27 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

An Autonomous Maintenance Operator plays a vital, hands-on role in ensuring that an organization's machinery and equipment operate at peak efficiency and are consistently being enhanced. This position blends the technical expertise of a traditional machine technician with the principles of continuous improvement methodologies to drive productivity, improve quality, reduce waste, and increase safety. The core of their responsibility is to move beyond reactive repairs and embrace a proactive approach to machine maintenance and optimization. They are the frontline implementers of Cl principles directly on the production floor. This practice reduces unplanned downtime, increases equipment reliability, improves product quality, and builds operator ownership of the production process. By integrating operation, maintenance, and quality checks, the role strengthens the link between productivity and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Strong Technical Aptitude: Proficiency in mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems is fundamental for effective troubleshooting and repair.
Knowledge of Cl Methodologies: A solid understanding of concepts such as Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, and Root Cause Analysis.
Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to systematically diagnose complex problems, analyze data, and develop effective and sustainable solutions.
Data-Driven Mindset: The ability to use data to inform decisions and validate the impact of improvement efforts.
Excellent Communication and Teamwork Skills: The capacity to work effectively with diverse teams and clearly communicate technical information.
Proactive and Initiative-Taking Attitude: A continuous drive to identify opportunities for improvement rather than simply reacting to issues as they arise.
High school diploma or GED required; technical or vocational training.
5 - 7 years of experience in equipment operation, mechanical maintenance,or related industrial/manufacturing roles.
Strong knowledge of preventive and autonomous maintenance practices.
A strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
Ability to read and interpret manuals, schematics, and work instructions.
Familiarity with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) for troubleshooting automated machinery.
Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
Basic computer literacy for logging maintenance and quality data.
Ability to train and mentor team members in equipment operation and basic maintenance practices.
Previous training or certification in workplace safety (e.g., OSHA 10/30, Lockout/Tagout, confined space).
Willingness to work in a fast-paced production environment with rotating shifts if required.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree, trade school certification, or equivalent in mechanical, industrial, or electrical technology.
Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician (CMRT)
Manufacturing Technician Level 1 (MTl)
Prior experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) environments.
Experience with SS, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Proactive and Preventive Maintenance: A primary focus is on preventing equipment failures before they happen. This involves executing scheduled preventive maintenance tasks, as well as utilizing predictive maintenance techniques to anticipate and address potential issues, thereby minimizing unplanned downtime.
Troubleshooting and Root Cause Analysis (RCA): When a breakdown occurs, a Cl Machine Technician's role extends beyond simply fixing the immediate issue. They are tasked with investigating the fundamental cause of the problem using methodologies like the "5 Whys." This ensures that corrective actions are implemented to prevent the same failure from recurring.
Machine Optimization and Enhancement: They are actively involved in identifying and implementing improvements to the machinery. This can include modifications to decrease cycle times, enhance the quality of the output, reduce energy consumption, and improve the ergonomics and safety for operators.
Data Collection and Analysis: A crucial aspect of this role is the collection and analysis of data related to machine performance. Key metrics often include Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), and Mean Time to Repair (MTTR). This data is used to identify trends, pinpoint areas for improvement, and measure the success of implemented changes.
Collaboration and Communication: Cl Machine Technicians work closely with a variety of stakeholders.
Implementation of Lean and TPM Principles: This role is often integral to the successful implementation of Lean Manufacturing and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives.
5S Implementation: Championing the 5S methodology (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) to ensure a clean, organized, and efficient work environment around the machinery.
Autonomous Maintenance: Assisting in the training and empowerment of machine operators to perform basic maintenance tasks on their own equipment, fostering a sense of ownership.
Kalzen Events: Actively participating in or leading Kaizen events, which are short, focused projects aimed at making incremental improvements to a process or machine.
Documentation and Standardization: They are responsible for creating, updating, and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintenance logs, and other critical documentation. This ensures that improvements are sustained and that best practices are followed consistently.