Mars Petcare
Topeka, KS
Estimated pay: Est. $19–$28/hr (market estimate, not employer-stated)
Shift: Full time
Job Description: Job Title: Maintenance Technician Location: Topeka, KS Shift: Various Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent Join Our State-of-the-Art Team in Topeka, KS Being a Mars Associate is all about opportunity. We are looking to hire a highly skilled Maintenance Technician to maintain, repair, and optimize our advanced packaging and processing equipment at our state-of-the-art facility in Topeka, Kansas. Whether you are an experienced industrial maintenance professional or a transitioning military Veteran, Reservist, or National Guard member, we welcome your technical and diagnostic expertise! At Mars, we highly respect and value the dedication, safety compliance, and troubleshooting skills you developed during your service. We provide exceptional training, tools, and technical resources to help you seamlessly translate your military mechanical or electrical background into a rewarding, lifelong civilian career. What We Offer (Total Rewards Benefits) Mars is proud to offer an industry-leading total compensation and benefits package starting on your very first day: Health Wellness: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance starting on Day One. Financial Security: Competitive base salary, annual company bonus earning potential, and a highly competitive 401(k) match. Work-Life Balance: Immediately eligible (based on hire date) for up to three weeks of paid vacation, 12 Paid Holidays per year, and accrued Sick Pay. Family Support: Paid Maternity Parental Leave, plus Short-Term and Long-Term Disability. Professional Development: Access to best-in-class continuous learning from day one, including our in-house Mars University programs. Key Responsibilities As a Maintenance Technician, you will ensure our high-speed manufacturing lines run safely, efficiently, and at peak reliability. Preventative Maintenance (PMs): Perform routine mechanical and electrical PMs on packaging equipment, processing systems, and electrical panels, documenting all activities in our Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). Technical Troubleshooting: Diagnose and repair routine mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical component failures (e.g., motor starters, switches, sensors, sorting systems, and palletizing robots). Continuous Improvement (MSE): Participate on Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) teams, train production operators on Autonomous Maintenance (AM) activities, and conduct breakdown analyses. System Ownership: Own preventative maintenance systems for your assigned line, focusing on Maintenance Planning, Scheduling, and Breakdown Elimination. Loss Elimination: Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to make smart business decisions and help develop the line s 90-day loss-elimination plans. FMOS Representation: Represent the maintenance team in daily FMOS (Daily Management System) meetings, presenting machine performance data and communicating action plans. Position Requirements Minimum Qualifications: Education: High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent civilian/military education. Experience Certifications: A technical degree, trade school certification, OR 2 years of equivalent technical maintenance experience (such as mechanical or electrical repairs). Technical Troubleshooting: Ability to troubleshoot AC/DC electrical components using multi-meters, amp probes, and basic electrical testing gear. Schematics Literacy: Fundamental understanding of electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics and mechanical drawings to solve problems in a timely manner. Pneumatics Drive Systems: Ability to diagnose and repair basic pneumatic and mechanical drive systems at the component level. Attributes Schedule: Ability to work a flexible night-shift schedule as needed, work in a fast-paced environment, and a willingness to develop technical skills in welding, basic machining, and fabrication. Preferred Qualifications: Associate degree in Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, or equivalent technical discipline. Advanced understanding of AC/DC electrical systems (up to 480-volt 3-phase). Strong PLC and instrumentation troubleshooting skills. Physical Requirements: Frequent lifting/carrying (10-50 lbs.) and pushing/pulling (50-200 lbs.). Frequent handling, gripping, bending, and stooping. Ability to work at elevated heights off a ladder or platform, climb stairs, and lean over equipment. Ability to stand and work on your feet for extended periods (minimum eight hours in one shift). Military Veteran Technical Equivalency Guide At Mars, your technical training and hands-on maintenance experience are highly respected. If you served in any of the following fields (or a related occupational specialty), your military background is a direct match: U.S. Army: Allied Trade Specialist (91E), Wheeled Vehicle Repairer (91B), Track Vehicle Repairer (91H), Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Maintainer (91M), Artillery/Missile System Maintainer (94-series), Utilities Equipment Repairer (91C). Your experience with PMCS, safety tags,