Lead Maintenance Mechanic

Topaz HR•Middletown, NY

11h

About The Position

A well-established food packaging and co-packing organization is seeking a full-time, experienced Lead Maintenance Mechanic for its new facility. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for maintaining and repairing packaging machinery while leading the maintenance shop and team of mechanics. The position reports directly to the CEO and works closely with Production and R&D to maximize equipment reliability, support new product initiatives, and drive continuous operational improvement. The organization supports leading food, snack, and consumer product brands in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with sophisticated packaging equipment and automation systems. It emphasizes operational excellence, quality, customer success, investment in its facilities and team, and a collaborative culture focused on innovation, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Proven experience as an industrial or maintenance mechanic, preferably working with packaging machinery.
Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience managing maintenance personnel.
Strong mechanical, pneumatic, and basic electrical troubleshooting skills.
Experience troubleshooting and maintaining packaging equipment, conveyors, and automated production systems.
Familiarity with Baggers, FFS, HFFS, and VFFS equipment.
Ability to read and interpret equipment manuals, schematics, and technical documentation.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively across maintenance, production, and R&D teams.
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple maintenance projects in a fast-paced environment.
Commitment to safety and OSHA compliance.

Responsibilities

Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain packaging equipment, conveyor systems, and related production machinery.
Perform preventive maintenance to minimize downtime and keep production running efficiently.
Lead and mentor a team of maintenance mechanics and oversee day-to-day maintenance operations.
Partner with Production leadership to maximize equipment uptime and support manufacturing schedules.
Collaborate with R&D on product launches, packaging trials, and equipment modifications.
Diagnose and resolve mechanical, pneumatic, and basic electrical issues on production equipment.
Follow and enforce safe work practices and ensure compliance with OSHA requirements.
Maintain equipment records, maintenance schedules, and spare parts inventory.
Coordinate with outside vendors and service providers for specialized maintenance and equipment support.
Identify opportunities to improve reliability, efficiency, and overall equipment performance.