1st Shift Production Mechanic

Universal Corporation•Lancaster Township, PA

3h•Onsite

About The Position

Universal Ingredients is a global supplier of high-quality, plant-based specialty ingredients for human and pet consumption. With thousands of products and global sourcing capabilities, we provide customized, value-added solutions – including fruit and vegetable juices and concentrates, dehydrated ingredients, botanical extracts, flavors, and beverage systems – for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide. Our advanced production capabilities, including aseptic beverage processing and flexible packaging solutions, enable safe, shelf-stable products with no preservatives. At the heart of our innovation is our Application Capabilities Lab, where food science experts collaborate with customers to develop market-ready solutions through product development, flavor analysis, sensory testing, and commercialization support. Driven by innovation, sustainability, and partnership, Universal Ingredients helps customers stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences while delivering consistent quality, functionality, and performance across global markets. Shank’s, a subsidiary of Universal Ingredients, is a premier manufacturer of vanilla extracts, other extracts, natural and artificial flavors, food colors, syrups, and sauces. Shank’s quality products are widely distributed to industrial, private-label, and grocery customers worldwide. The Production Mechanic is to be responsible for all equipment for the production line; including set up, repairs, preventative maintenance, and making adjustments to keep the manufacturing equipment running.

Requirements

Communication, time management, team-oriented, self-motivated, organized, and uses good judgment.
Ability to use basic tools for the set-up and operation of manufacturing equipment.
Ability to use basic shop mathematics, and the ability to identify electrical components.
Ability to be trained on forklift, pallet jack, scissor lift, and boom lift.
English comprehension including speaking, reading, and writing is required for our business's necessity to ensure a safe and effective work environment.
High School Diploma or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

Lock Out/Tag Out knowledge, preferred.
Prior experience in a food manufacturing facility preferred.
Knowledge and familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) preferred.
Required >1 year of maintenance experience or industrial certification.
Acquire/possess one of the following: PACE Equipment Certification.
TRIPAC or equivalent sleever equipment training Certification or HMC pouch machine Certification.
Required > 1 year employment with Shanks or >2 years of Maintenance Experience.
Acquire/possess two of the following: PACE Equipment Certification. TRIPAC or equivalent sleever equipment training Certification or HMC pouch machine Certification.

Responsibilities

Responsible for upholding company policies and procedures including but not limited to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), production lines, sanitation, cleanliness, equipment verification, and process validation.
Promote healthy communication between workers and management.
Perform changeovers and setups.
Performing adjustments to the line to ensure continuous run of the line.
Performs preventative maintenance on equipment as needed.
Works closely with the Production Team Lead and assists production as needed.
Works with Safety to ensure organizational standards.
Maintains a safe and clean work environment.
Operate equipment in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
Ensure products meet quality standards using visual inspections.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Inspect machines and equipment to locate problems, replace defective parts, and make machine adjustments and repairs to ensure a continuous production operation.
Understand and demonstrate safe work practices at all times. Must stay focused on maintaining a safe work environment.
Comply with all continuous improvement initiatives.
Use repair manuals, parts manuals, and parts diagrams to troubleshoot and repair the most common machine failures.
Perform preventive maintenance on assigned equipment.
Must be trainable and willing to work with others to accomplish maintenance tasks.
Perform changeovers and setups with >80% assistance from lead technician on assigned packaging equipment and/or lines.
Perform minor machine adjustments and repairs with assistance.
Troubleshoot minor machine issues and repair common machine problems with assistance.
Perform changeovers and setups with <50% assistance from lead technician on assigned packaging equipment and/or lines.
Have the ability to enter and modify codes in all printers.
Troubleshoot electrical issues using a multi-meter and perform electrical component replacement for minor issues.
Analyze and resolve machine downtime. Assist co-workers in solving machine issues.
Ability to make minor adjustments to machines as needed by production with little to no direction.
Ability to make recommendations for process and/or machine improvements.
Confidently demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot machines mechanically.
Perform changeovers and setups with <20% assistance from lead technician on assigned packaging equipment and/or lines.
Confidently demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot machines electrically.