Maintenance Lead at Pelican Brewing Company – Tillamook, Oregon

Summary of the Position:

The Maintenance Lead is a hands-on leadership role responsible for ensuring that all Pelican Brewing equipment and facilities are maintained in safe, reliable, and optimal working condition. This position provides oversight and direction to ensure the facility remains fully operational, well-maintained, and aligned with brand standards at all times.

The Maintenance Lead partners closely with the Maintenance Technician to establish and accomplish daily and weekly maintenance objectives. This role serves as a key collaborator with Brewery, Packaging, Warehouse, and other department managers to support operational efficiency and minimize downtime.

The position is accountable for executing and overseeing all repairs and preventive maintenance activities across the Tillamook facility.

Key Accountabilities: will be responsible for tracking the following but not limited to

Preventive & Corrective Maintenance

• Lead and execute preventive maintenance programs for brewery production equipment and facility systems.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and plumbing systems.
• Perform complex equipment repairs to minimize downtime and prevent operational disruption.
• Conduct routine facility inspections and daily rounds to proactively identify maintenance needs.
• Maintain all pipe, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems, including repair/replacement of valves and regulators.

Equipment Reliability & Emergency Response

• Respond promptly and effectively to emergency equipment and facility issues.
• Diagnose and repair motors, starters, fuses, disconnects, relays, instrumentation, switches, and position sensors.
• Install, modify, and support commissioning of new and existing equipment.
• Partner with brewery leadership to prioritize repairs based on production schedules and operational impact.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with Brewery, Packaging, and Warehouse leadership to establish daily and weekly maintenance priorities.
• Provide training and technical guidance to the Maintenance Technician and operational team members.
• Support a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve reliability and efficiency.
• Maintain clear communication across departments regarding maintenance timelines and project status.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion safety-first practices in all work performed.
• Ensure strict adherence to Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment.
• Ensure maintenance activities align with regulatory, safety, and operational standards.

Documentation & Systems Management

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the maintenance management system (e.g., Upkeep).
• Complete assigned work orders and recommend updates to preventive maintenance schedules.
• Document repairs, equipment modifications, and process improvements.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 3+ years of experience in industrial maintenance, preferably in manufacturing, food & beverage, or brewery operations.
• Working knowledge of industrial electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and plumbing systems.
• Proven experience troubleshooting and repairing production equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents including schematics, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, manuals, and blueprints.
• Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
• Experience in brewery or food/beverage production environments.
• Preventive maintenance program leadership experience.
• Forklift certification.
• Formal technical training or trade certification (Electrical, Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, etc.).
• Experience with CMMS systems.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 lbs.
• Ability to work at heights, use ladders and scaffolding.
• Prolonged standing, walking, kneeling, bending, and climbing.
• Ability to work in a production environment with moderate to high noise levels.
• Ability to work in varying indoor/outdoor temperatures.
• Flexibility to work non-standard hours as operational needs require.