Maintenance Technician – Fresh Kitchen (Lakeland)

About the role

Publix is seeking a Maintenance Technician to support its Lakeland Fresh Kitchen, a high‑volume food‑production area that serves over 500 associates. You will keep a wide range of equipment running smoothly, ensuring product quality and meeting demanding production schedules.

Key responsibilities

• Perform preventive and condition‑based maintenance on mechanical, electrical, electro‑mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Troubleshoot and repair PLCs, PLC networks, HMIs, instrumentation, and micro‑processor‑controlled devices.
• Fabricate and weld steel, stainless steel, and aluminum components using stick, TIG, sanitary TIG, and MIG processes.
• Create requisitions for parts and supplies, and manage inventory as needed.
• Conduct minor plumbing, building repairs, and general housekeeping in the work area.
• Operate forklifts, high lifts, and other powered lift equipment safely.
• Train fellow team members and assist with additional duties as assigned.

Required profile

• At least 18 years old with basic mechanical and electrical aptitude.
• Willingness to complete a mechanical aptitude test before hire.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lift more than 50 lb and work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Team‑oriented, self‑motivated, and flexible to work nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Required skills

• Basic hand‑tool usage and mechanical/electrical troubleshooting.
• Welding (stick, TIG, sanitary TIG, MIG).
• PLC programming, networking, and HMI operation.
• Hydraulic, pneumatic, and electro‑mechanical system maintenance.
• Process instrumentation knowledge.
• Fabrication of steel, stainless steel, and aluminum components.
• Operation of forklifts, high lifts, and other powered lift equipment.