Machinist - Cannery

Silver Bay Seafoods • False Pass, AK

24d • Onsite

About The Position

As the Machinist at one of our Alaskan processing facilities, you'll be responsible for the mechanical integrity, custom fabrication, and operational uptime of high-speed seafood processing lines. This role requires a "Swiss Army Knife" mechanical aptitude, combining precision manual machining and sanitary welding with the ability to troubleshoot complex hydraulic and pneumatic systems under extreme time constraints. Operating in remote Alaskan environments, the Cannery Machinist must be a self-sufficient problem-solver capable of maintaining peak production efficiency through both rigorous preventative maintenance and rapid emergency repair, all while adhering to the highest standards of food safety and industrial compliance.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred but not required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a manual machinist or millwright, preferably within a high-speed food processing or maritime environment.
• Proven experience in TIG/MIG welding and the operation of manual lathes, mills, and drill presses to fabricate custom parts, preferred, but not required.
• Prior experience with Iron Butchers, fillers, or seamer machinery is highly desirable.
• Machinist certifications such as a forklift which in turn requires a valid driver’s license.
• Previous experience in seafood industry or manufacturing not required but preferred.
• Mastery of manual lathes, mills, and grinders to produce machine components within tight tolerances (±.001").
• Advanced ability to perform root-cause analysis on complex mechanical failures under time-sensitive production constraints.
• Deep understanding of material properties (specifically stainless steel and aluminum) and proficiency in TIG/MIG/Stick welding for food-grade environments.
• Expertise in the physics and repair of fluid power systems, including valve banks, actuators, and high-pressure pumps.
• Proficiency in trigonometry and geometry for layout work, thread cutting, and gear calculations.
• Knowledge of food-safety design principles (HACCP/GMP) to ensure repairs do not compromise product integrity.
• Skill in identifying and resolving issues related to production, quality, or safety.
• Ability to inspire and motivate team members to achieve goals.
• Effective communication skills to interact with team members, management, and customers.
• Ability to make informed decisions quickly and effectively.
• Skill in resolving disputes and maintaining a positive work environment.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing work conditions and priorities.
• Constantly looking for ways to modify equipment to increase yield, reduce waste, or improve operator ergonomics.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with Iron Butchers, fillers, or seamer machinery is highly desirable.
• Previous experience in seafood industry or manufacturing not required but preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-season overhauls and mid-season repairs on high-speed canning lines, including iron butchers (fish headers), fillers, seamers, and clinchers.
• Set up, adjust, and calibrate machine parts to exacting tolerances to ensure consistent seam integrity and product quality.
• Diagnose mechanical failures under high-pressure "peak-run" conditions and execute rapid repairs to minimize production downtime.
• Utilize lathes, mills, drill presses, and welding equipment to fabricate custom replacement parts or modify existing machinery for improved efficiency.
• Maintain and repair complex hydraulic pumps, cylinders, and pneumatic actuators used throughout the processing facility.
• Conduct routine inspections, lubrication, and belt/bearing replacements according to strict maintenance schedules.
• Adhere to strict OSHA standards, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, and food safety (HACCP) regulations while working in wet and corrosive environments.
• Work closely with the maintenance crew and production supervisors to identify equipment bottlenecks and train seasonal operators on basic machinery handling.
• Operate machine tools such as lathes, mills, and grinders to fabricate and repair parts.
• Use welding techniques to repair and fabricate metal components.
• Diagnose and repair hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Ensure adherence to safety regulations and industry standards.
• Maintain inventory of spare parts and tools.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical issues.
• Provide training and guidance to team members.
• Other duties are to ensure the kitchen and Team is fully supported and successful.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Seasonal Employees, as well as their families, are eligible for health benefits that include medical, dental and vision benefits once the employee meets the required 1560 hours worked to become benefit eligible.
• Employees are also eligible to receive basic life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program: Available for employees and their families.
• Other Compensation: Employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED