Machinist

Job Description

The Machinist is responsible for the operation, repair, fabrication, modification, and maintenance of mechanical components, machine parts, and production equipment used in food manufacturing operations.

The position ensures that all machinery and equipment remain in safe, efficient, and reliable working condition to support uninterrupted production while complying with company standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Food Safety Management System requirements, occupational health and safety procedures, and applicable regulatory standards.

The Machinist plays a critical role in preventing equipment-related production issues, minimizing downtime, and ensuring that all maintenance activities do not compromise product quality, hygiene, and food safety.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

A. Equipment Maintenance and Repair

· Perform preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance activities on food processing, packaging, utility, and facility equipment.

· Conduct regular inspection of machines and equipment to identify signs of wear, damage, misalignment, leaks, abnormal vibration, or potential failure.

· Troubleshoot mechanical breakdowns and perform necessary repairs to restore equipment functionality.

· Repair, replace, and fabricate machine components such as shafts, gears, brackets, rollers, bushings, guards, and other mechanical parts.

· Perform machine adjustments, alignment, lubrication, and calibration as required.

· Assist in equipment installation, relocation, commissioning, and modification projects.

· Ensure repaired equipment meets operational requirements before endorsement to Production.

B. Machining and Fabrication Activities

· Operate machining equipment including:

o Lathe machine

o Milling machine

o Drill press

o Grinding machine

o Cutting and fabrication tools

· Manufacture and modify machine parts based on approved specifications, drawings, samples, or measurements.

· Perform welding, cutting, grinding, and metal fabrication activities as required.

· Verify dimensions and quality of fabricated parts using measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges.

· Ensure fabricated parts are suitable for food manufacturing applications and comply with sanitation requirements.

C. GMP and Food Safety Responsibilities

· Follow and maintain compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), sanitation procedures, and food safety policies.

· Ensure maintenance activities are performed without introducing contamination risks to production areas.

· Apply proper hygienic practices before, during, and after performing maintenance work inside production areas.

· Use appropriate tools, protective equipment, and materials suitable for food manufacturing environments.

· Ensure removed parts, tools, lubricants, and maintenance materials are properly controlled and accounted for.

· Prevent foreign material contamination by properly managing bolts, nuts, metal fragments, tools, and spare parts during maintenance activities.

· Use only approved food-grade lubricants and maintenance chemicals when required.

· Immediately report any maintenance activity that may affect product safety or quality.

D. Preventive Maintenance System Compliance

· Follow the approved preventive maintenance schedule and work orders.

· Complete maintenance records accurately and on time.

· Document:

o Work performed

o Parts replaced

o Machine condition

o Root cause of failure

o Recommendations for improvement

· Maintain equipment history records to support reliability improvement.

· Assist in identifying recurring equipment issues and recommend corrective actions.

E. Quality Management System Compliance

· Follow company procedures, work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

· Participate in internal audits, GMP inspections, and maintenance-related improvement programs.

· Support corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities related to equipment concerns.

· Ensure maintenance activities comply with quality and food safety requirements.

F. Safety Responsibilities

· Follow company safety rules, lockout/tagout procedures, and permit-to-work requirements.

· Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.

· Maintain safe working conditions within the machine shop and production areas.

· Report unsafe conditions, equipment hazards, and incidents immediately.

· Ensure tools and equipment are properly maintained and safely stored.