Production Maintenance Technician in Armada, Michigan at Blake's Orchard, Inc.

Who We Are & About This Role

Since 1946, Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill has been a cornerstone of Michigan agriculture and agritourism — an 80-year family operation with deep roots in Armada and a genuine growth ambition. We make world-class hard and sweet cider, operate tasting rooms and retail across four locations, and welcome thousands of guests to our farms each year.

The Production Maintenance Technician plays a critical role in keeping our production operations running safely, efficiently, and reliably. This position is responsible for preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and equipment reliability across our production facility — including brewing, packaging, refrigeration, utilities, and facility systems.

If you enjoy solving mechanical problems, working with industrial equipment, and being the person who keeps production moving — we want to hear from you.

Your Role With Blake’s

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair production-related equipment to high operational standards
• Perform preventative maintenance on brewhouse systems, cellar equipment, tank farm, canning and packaging lines, cartoners, keg washers, compressors, pumps, wastewater systems, refrigeration systems, and supporting facility infrastructure
• Develop and continuously improve preventative maintenance programs and schedules
• Respond quickly to equipment issues and unplanned downtime to minimize production interruptions
• Maintain accurate repair, maintenance, and work order documentation within the UpKeep maintenance management system
• Maintain and organize critical spare parts inventory
• Work closely with Production and Line Operators to identify equipment concerns before failures occur
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and PLC-controlled systems
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, technical manuals, and blueprints
• Support continuous improvement and equipment reliability initiatives, including root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized workspaces while following all safety procedures and PPE requirements
• Provide off-shift support when necessary to ensure operational continuity and equipment reliability

Performance Expectations – What Success Looks Like

Success in this role means:

• Preventative maintenance tasks are completed on schedule
• Production equipment operates reliably with minimal unplanned downtime
• Repairs and maintenance activities are properly documented and tracked
• Spare parts inventory is organized and readily available
• Communication with Production teams is proactive and consistent
• Safety procedures are followed at all times
• Problems are identified and addressed before they impact production

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a non-climate-controlled production environment with occasional outdoor exposure
• Noise levels can range from moderate to loud; hearing protection may be required
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts, temperature extremes, chemicals, and production equipment is expected
• Position requires standing, walking, climbing, crouching, lifting, and physical movement throughout the shift
• Schedule includes weekend, evening, and occasional overnight work as part of normal production operations
• Flexibility and off-shift availability are required to support production uptime and equipment reliability

Why Blake's?

Join one of Michigan’s most iconic and growing cider brands

Be part of a fast-paced production environment where your work directly impacts operations

Opportunity for growth, ownership, and continuous improvement

Work with a wide variety of industrial production equipment and systems

Employee perks, discounts, and seasonal experiences