Mechanical Engineering Tech IV

Job Summary
Read and review blueprints, schematics, and project designs to determine test specifications and procedures. Investigate and evaluate machinery and equipment used by America’s Heartland Packing to diagnose faulty operation and report conclusions to the plant engineer to ensure continued operations. Analyze test results related to design or rated specifications and make modifications as necessary. Repair, rework or calibrate hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Use tools ranging from precision measuring instruments, electrical, and electronic testing devices to common hand tools. Perform work to keep machines, machine parts, mechanical or electrical equipment, wiring, structures, or building systems in good repair. Pipe fit, insulate, weld, plumbing, machine, align, balance, assemble, disassemble, reassemble, install, maintain, replace, change, connect, disconnect, repair, test, inspect, operate, diagnose, troubleshoot, clean, lubricate, adjust, replace, setup, teardown, carpentry, routine or preventative maintenance. Use tools ranging from common hand and power tools such as hammers, hoists, saw, drills, screwdrivers, wrenches to precision measuring instruments and electrical and electronic testing devices. Perform other duties as assigned. Must be able to perform all job functions safely in accordance with food safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures
• Ensure all assigned daily PM’s are completed
• Ensure production lines are in good mechanical order
• Aid other teams (Production, Quality- when needed)
• Setup and visually inspect and tests machinery and equipment and tear down
• Listens for unusual sounds from machines or equipment to detect malfunction and discusses machine operation variations with supervisors or other personnel to diagnose problems or repair machine
• Dismantles defective machines and equipment and installs new or repaired parts
• Cleans and lubricates shafts, bearings gears, and other parts of machinery
• Repairs and maintains the physical structures of the establishment
• Read and interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings
• Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign
• Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval
• Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress
• Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods
• Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops
• Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications
• Prepare specifications, designs, or sketches for machines, components, or systems related to the generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy
• Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems
• Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation
• Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance
• Design molds, tools, dies, jigs, or fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.
• Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing
• Design specialized or customized equipment, machines, or structures
• Conduct failure analyses, document results, and recommend corrective actions
• Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance
• Assist engineers to design, develop, test, or manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, or other equipment
• Prepare layouts of machinery, tools, plants, or equipment
• Prepare equipment inspection schedules, reliability schedules, work plans, or other records
• Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results
• Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills
• Devise, fabricate, or assemble new or modified mechanical components for products such as industrial machinery or equipment, and measuring instruments
• Discuss changes in design, method of manufacture and assembly, or drafting techniques and procedures with supervisor and appropriate personnel
• Monitor, inspect, or test mechanical equipment
• Other duties as needed

NOTE: this description is not intended to be all inclusive. An employee may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization; these duties are considered marginal.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• BS Engineering (Mechanical, industrial, electrical, mechatronics)
• Ability to learn mechanical systems and food manufacturing processes.
• Possess the ability to function effectively in a team environment and interact productively with all levels of team personnel and outside contractors.
• Ability to operate a forklift, genie lift or scissor lift or other powered industrial trucks (PIT).
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read and execute work order, write daily reports, and translate equipment manuals.
• Read, write, and orally communicate in English and ability to work with no or little supervision.
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends and holidays as scheduled

Preferred Qualifications:

• Metal fabrication skills
• 1+ years of related experience and/or training in an industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing environment; or 4 years’ direct experience in an industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing maintenance environment.
• Vocational Diploma, Technical Diploma or associate degree from a technical maintenance or school (Preferred)
• Previous management experience in meat slaughter facility
• Bilingual English / Spanish

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Plumbing
• Welding
• Industrial electrical
• Mechanical systems
• Hydraulic and Pneumatic systems

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk or sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and color vision.

• Occasionally lift and or move up to 70 pounds
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds utilizing the buddy system or specifically designed lifting devices
• Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.

American Foods Group, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Learn more: EEO is the Law and EEO is the Law Supplement. Applicants with a disability who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process can contact Human Resources at the location(s) where you are applying. American Foods Group, LLC will not discriminate against applicants who inquire about, disclose or discuss their compensation or that of other applicants. Learn more: Pay Transparency. American Foods Group, LLC participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Learn more: E-Verify

America's Heartland Packing is set to open its doors in early 2025. The 775,000 sq. ft. greenfield project will include a harvest floor, carcass chillers, fabrication area, rendering, further processing area, storage coolers, freezers, and loading docks.

What we offer:

• Competitive total compensation package for you and your family.
• Excellent benefit plan.  Benefits include: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flex Spending Accounts, Voluntary Benefits, PTO, 401k, Long & Short Term Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, Discount Meat Purchase Program, and more!