Interested in a career that matters?

Join us as our new Maintenance Mechanic

The Maintenance Mechanic plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the facility by performing preventive and corrective maintenance on production equipment, utilities, the facility itself, and the grounds. This includes troubleshooting and repairing mechanical and electrical systems, addressing equipment downtime, and maintaining cGMP utility systems such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure.

This role involves identifying root causes of failures, implementing solutions to improve efficiency, managing inventory, coordinating with contractors, documenting activities, and adhering to safety protocols and regulatory standards. The Maintenance Technician reports to the Maintenance Manager and plays an active role in team training and continuous improvement initiatives. This position works Monday-Thursday with 2nd shift hours (3pm-1am).

In this role you'll make an impact by:

• Performing preventive and corrective maintenance on equipment, machinery, and cGMP utility systems (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, electrical).
• Troubleshooting and resolve equipment issues promptly.
• Identifying root causes of equipment failures and implementing solutions.
• Supporting efficiency improvements and cost-saving initiatives.
• Managing inventory of machine parts and supplies.
• Coordinating with contractors and suppliers for repairs and services.
• Following safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and PPE requirements.
• Responding to emergencies such as equipment failures or power outages.
• Completing required maintenance documentation in compliance with cGMP and SOPs.
• Reporting any discrepancies or deviations immediately.
• Tracking and recording maintenance metrics (e.g., Key Performance Indicators).
• Training staff and provide setup/start-up support as needed.

To succeed you must hold:

• Associate degree in a technical field or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Strong understanding of and hands-on experience with mechanical and electrical components, including motors, pumps, valves, bearings, gears, chains, breakers, relays, sensors, instrumentation, etc.
• Proficiency with tools and techniques such as gear pullers, drilling, milling, tapping new threads, lubrication, alignments, seal replacements, stainless-steel welding, machining, fabrication, oil and vibration analysis, etc.
• Knowledge of maintenance processes, including planning, scheduling, storeroom operations, and use of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, including control wiring diagrams, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and general arrangement drawings for manufacturing equipment and utilities.
• Positive attitude, strong safety mindset, respect for people, and a focus on continuous improvement.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively as a team player, contribute across teams, and continuously learn.
• Excellent organizational, planning, problem-solving, and follow-up skills.
• Provide "on-call" support on an as-needed basis.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Comfortable working in confined spaces, at heights, or in varying environmental conditions (e.g., heat, cold, outdoors).
• Ability to stand, bend, crouch, or climb ladders for extended periods.

Preferred Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in an FDA-regulated or controlled manufacturing environment, preferably in food ingredients, live cultures, or pharmaceuticals.
• Relevant certifications such as OSHA Safety Certification, EPA Refrigerant Handling Certification, or trade licenses (e.g., electrician’s license).
• Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), including basic troubleshooting skills and ability to read and understand logic diagrams for PLC and automation equipment.
• Knowledge of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), inspection guidelines, sanitation protocols, food regulations, and product safety.
• Understanding of root cause analysis and other structured problem-solving methods.
• Practical knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, procedures, and tools applied to the design, operation, and maintenance of manufacturing systems.

Location: Wausau, WI (On-Site)  
Application deadline:6/30/26

Expected salary range:   $30-$35 an hour based on experience plus shift premium

Benefits you will enjoy:  

• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution 
• Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time  
• Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance   
• Healthcare savings account option  
• Employee assistance program  
• Parental leave 
• Tuition reimbursement  
• All benefits begin on your first day 

Our purpose guides the way

In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It’s how we've gotten so far. And it’s how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.

Opportunities for everyone

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.

We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

Explore other openings

If this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career