Lead Maintenance Technician, Automation & Controls (Bilingual)

Build, lead, and optimize — your blueprint for impact

Since 1994, Dr. Praeger’s has crafted frozen foods with a purpose. Founded by two heart surgeons, our mission is simple: make nutritious, simple-ingredient, delicious products that are easy to prepare. That spirit still drives our family business today. Learn more at drpraegers.com .

Why this role

• Own uptime on critical production assets while mentoring a high-performing crew.
• Apply deep electro-mechanical know-how to PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, motors, pneumatics, and conveyors.
• Be the bilingual (English/Spanish) connector who aligns Maintenance with Production.

What you will do

• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, and controls issues using meters and diagnostic tools.
• Execute PMs from schematics, prints, manuals, and engineering guidance.
• Tune, calibrate, and program control systems (PLCs, VFDs, HMIs) to spec.
• Perform high-voltage work safely; complete complex repairs to standard.
• Fabricate parts as needed to shorten downtime and protect throughput.
• Stay current via ongoing technical training and workshops.

Lead the team

• Assign work, verify completion, and remove roadblocks for mechanics.
• Coach teammates through advanced troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.
• Support onboarding and skills development for new hires.
• Partner with supervisors to build balanced schedules that respect production needs.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate priorities and equipment status to Production and leadership.

Drive operations

• Create/refine maintenance procedures and calendars.
• Monitor spare parts and tooling; coordinate orders with the Maintenance Coordinator.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality standards, SOPs, and GMPs.
• Lead safety inspections; assist with incident investigations and corrective actions.
• Capture daily logs, reports, and updates in the CMMS.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on maintenance experience in mechanical and electrical systems.
• Technical or university degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Demonstrated leadership: train, guide, and inspire team members.
• Bilingual English/Spanish communication.
• Proficiency with PLC hardware/troubleshooting and programming; control circuits; high-voltage.
• Familiarity with building systems (plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration) is a plus.
• Comfort with Microsoft Office and CMMS platforms.
• Strong safety and quality mindset.

Physical demands

• Facility walk-throughs to assess and diagnose equipment.
• Capable of performing hands-on repairs and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Operate in a fast-paced production environment for extended periods.

Role distinctions

• Mechanic: Executes maintenance tasks and repairs; limited leadership.
• Team Lead: Blends advanced hands-on work with people leadership; aligns mechanics and supervisors.
• Manager: Oversees department operations, admin, and performance management.

**Disclaimer:

**Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodation will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

*Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate based on actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.