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Maintenance Mechanic - 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Shift

Smithfield Foods · St Charles, IL · $30.77–$40.05 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 18, 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 found a creative solution to a mechanical problem.

What they are checking: Whether they can think through unusual problems instead of waiting for someone else to solve them.

How do you share what you know with newer mechanics?

What they are checking: Whether they help build a stronger team rather than keeping knowledge to themselves.

What would you do

A line goes down during production and the supervisor is pressuring you. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm, work methodically and keep communication open under pressure.

Which shift would you prefer, and how flexible can you be if we need you on another?

What they are checking: Whether they can fill the plant's needs across three shifts.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd troubleshoot a smokehouse or oven that isn't holding temperature.

What they are checking: Whether they can work on cooking equipment that is critical to food safety in a processed meat plant.

What experience do you have with PLCs, sensors and motor controls on production equipment?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the electrical and controls side of modern lines, not just mechanical repairs.

How do you lock out a machine before working on it, and how do you check it's safe?

What they are checking: Whether they follow the full lockout process, including trying to start the machine before touching it.

How do you keep maintenance work from creating food safety problems?

What they are checking: Whether they control tools, use food-grade lubricants and get equipment cleaned before restart.

What's your approach to preventive maintenance on equipment that runs most of the day?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how to schedule and do PM work on busy equipment.

How do you document repairs in a work order system?

What they are checking: Whether they keep clear records that help the team find patterns and plan maintenance.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Smithfield Foods from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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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: • Hourly Maintenance Competitive Starting Pay - $30.77-$40.05/hr • $1.00/hr. Shift Differential for 2nd and 3rd Shift • Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More • Education benefit available to full and part-time Smithfield team members upon meeting eligibility requirements • Open to moving? We will help! Ask about our Relocation Assistance packages! In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth, professional development, and tuition assistance. The Maintenance Mechanic must have basic knowledge of General Maintenance, Hydraulic Systems, Electrical and Electronic Systems, and Welding (TIG, MIG). Mechanic must be able to work as a team or individually. Must comply with all Company SAFETY rules (LOCKOUT/TAGOUT, ETC) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s). Core Responsibilities • Ensure all assigned daily PM’s are completed. • Ensure production lines are in good mechanical order. • Aid other teams (Production, Quality- when needed). • Always follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s) and Safety Practices. • Setup and visually inspect and tests machinery and equipment • Listens for unusual sounds from machines or equipment to detect malfunction and discusses machine operation variations with supervisors or other personnel to diagnose problem or repair machine. • Dismantles defective machines and equipment and installs new or repaired parts. • Cleans and lubricates shafts, bearings gears, and other parts of machinery. • Repairs and maintains physical structure of establishment. • Follow all ISO 14001 procedures • Other duties as needed. 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. IndSPR-M/E 

Relocation Package Available

Yes

 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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