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

Join our production team and help craft high-quality cider in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. As a Production Technician I, you will operate production equipment, perform routine equipment maintenance, support troubleshooting efforts, and help ensure our production process runs safely, efficiently, and consistently. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong work ethic and mechanical aptitude who enjoys hands-on work and wants to build a career in food and beverage manufacturing.

What You'll Do

• Operate production equipment safely and efficiently.
• Perform routine inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and basic maintenance on production equipment.
• Assist with troubleshooting equipment issues and minor repairs under supervision.
• Support pressing, filtration, bottling, packaging, and sanitation operations as needed.
• Monitor equipment performance and promptly communicate mechanical or operational concerns.
• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety requirements, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures when applicable.
• Complete production, maintenance, sanitation, and quality records accurately.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment throughout each shift.
• Work collaboratively with production and maintenance team members to minimize downtime and meet daily production goals.
• Participate in safety meetings, training, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Help identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, product quality, and production efficiency.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong work ethic and dependable attendance.
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Basic math and reading skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, climb ladders, and perform physical work throughout the shift.
• Comfortable working around machinery in wet, cold, and fast-paced production environments.

• Previous manufacturing, production, food processing, agricultural, automotive, mechanical, or maintenance experience.
• Experience using hand and power tools.
• Forklift experience is a plus but not required.

What Success Looks Like

A successful Production Technician I arrives ready to work, follows safety and quality standards, completes assigned tasks with attention to detail, and works well with the production team. They demonstrate reliability, take initiative to learn new equipment and processes, and steadily build the skills needed to operate independently and advance within the organization.

Growth Opportunity

This position is the first step in our Production Technician career path. Employees who consistently demonstrate reliability, technical competency, teamwork, and a commitment to safety may be considered for advancement to Production Technician II after a minimum of 90 days based on performance and demonstrated proficiency.