Production Maintenance Technician
Armada, MI Facilities and Maintenance
Job Type
Full-time
Description

 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


Requirements

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