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General Mechanic - 2nd shift

Smithfield Foods · Monmouth, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you fixed a problem that others couldn't figure out.

What they are checking: Whether they have real troubleshooting skill and persistence.

How have you handled working second shift with fewer people to help?

What they are checking: Whether they can work independently and make good decisions on a smaller crew.

How do you keep track of what you've done so the next shift knows what happened?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate across shifts so repairs are not repeated or lost.

What would you do

Production wants a machine back running before you've finished the repair. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they protect safety and quality instead of releasing equipment too early.

About the work

When you get a work order, how do you figure out what tools and parts you need before you head out?

What they are checking: Whether they plan ahead so repairs go faster and the line is down less.

Walk me through how you'd troubleshoot a conveyor that keeps stopping.

What they are checking: Whether they can find the cause step by step instead of swapping parts at random.

What experience do you have with hydraulics, pneumatics, gearboxes and bearings?

What they are checking: Whether they have the core mechanical skills a meat plant needs.

How do you lock out a machine before working on it?

What they are checking: Whether they follow lockout/tagout every time, which prevents serious injuries.

In a food plant, how do you keep your repair work from contaminating product?

What they are checking: Whether they know to control tools, parts and debris and to have the area cleaned before restart.

Do you have any welding or fabrication skills?

What they are checking: Whether they can do the fabrication work that often comes with general plant maintenance.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Smithfield Foods.

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now! Your Opportunity Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages: • Competitive Starting Pay - $26.25/hr • $0.50/hr Shift Differential for 2nd Shift • Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More • Education benefit available to full and part-time Smithfield team members upon meeting eligibility requirements In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth, professional development, and tuition assistance. Core Responsibilities • Receives work order/request, reviews to determine tools, equipment, time, manpower, parts, and supplies needed. • When responding to crisis calls will always arrive at the scene with basic tools and equipment necessary to perform work. • Read blueprints, schematics (including electrical), wiring diagrams, technical manuals, etc. • Maintains various activity records and logs. • Observe equipment or machinery while in operation to detect malfunctions. • Disassemble mechanical equipment, identify faulty/worn parts, replace, reassemble, and test. • Test major subsystems or components to localize problem using specialized equipment. • Fabricate replacement parts which may require welding, cutting, or sheet metal work. • Perform preventive maintenance on various mechanical systems and equipment. Install new equipment/appliances including utilities (i.e., electrical, water, gas, or drain lines). • Responsibilities include installing, trouble shooting, and maintaining, mechanical equipment, piping systems, electrical controls/components in accordance with manufacturer’s specification, local regulations and Smithfield safety policies. • Performs preventive and predictive maintenance schedules on mechanical equipment such as pumps, packaging and slicing equipment, harvest and cutting equipment used in manufacturing environment. • Working knowledge and skills in operating a variety of small hand tools and devices used in general mechanical maintenance operations The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and 1+ years of related experience and/or training in an industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing environment; or 4 years’ direct experience in an industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing maintenance environment. • Vocational Diploma, Technical Diploma or associate degree from a technical maintenance or vocational school. (Preferred). • Possess the ability to function effectively in a team environment and interact productively with all levels of team personnel and outside contractors. • Ability to operate a forklift, genie lift or scissor lift or other powered industrial trucks (PIT). • Understand and follow oral and written instructions. • Ability to read and execute work order, write daily reports, and translate equipment manuals. Work Environment & Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. • Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area. • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds • Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds utilizing the buddy system or specifically designed lifting devices • Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. • Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. 





 EEO Information Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595. Check out this video to learn more about this role!

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