Feed Mill Maintenance Associate

Smithfield Foods • Waverly, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Smithfield is seeking a Feed Mill Maintenance Associate to join their team. This role involves performing daily preventive and corrective maintenance on feed mill equipment to ensure reliability and minimize downtime. The associate will diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical issues, adhering to standard operating procedures, GMPs, and safety practices. The position also supports the development and execution of a Preventive and Predictive Maintenance (PM/PdM) program, ensuring timely completion and documentation of PM tasks. Responsibilities include interpreting engineering drawings, analyzing problems, recommending improvements, and fabricating/installing components. The role requires monitoring equipment, coordinating maintenance with production schedules, managing spare parts inventory, and maintaining accurate maintenance records using a CMMS/CAM system. A strong emphasis is placed on promoting and participating in a safety culture, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and providing technical support to other departments. The associate must maintain the safety of all individuals during maintenance activities and comply with required certifications. General housekeeping and other duties as assigned are also part of the role.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• Competitive Starting Pay $26.00/hour
• Comprehensive Health Insurance
• Retirement Benefits
• Education benefit available to full- and part-time Smithfield team members upon meeting eligibility requirements.
• Relocation Package Available

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level