Lead Maintenance Technician

Who we are:

Easton & Co is a specialty chocolate company. For over 20 years we have focused on collaborative development with customers to deliver innovative artisanal confections at scale. 

We believe food is an important connection point, and that chocolate is a wonderful celebration of connection. We’re serious about celebrating and creating products that are visually and tastefully exceptional. We take a quality first approach: responsibly sourcing the finest ingredients, investing in innovation, R&D and quality processes – so we can deliver the finest luxury products to our clients and their customers. Our tremendously talented team is what sets us apart. Our team is composed of dynamic people who love what they do and are committed to pushing boundaries, creating value, and working together. Join Easton & Co today!

Position Overview:

The Lead Maintenance Technician is responsible for overseeing our principal manufacturing line, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and operational upkeep of all facility and production equipment. This role requires a deep understanding of our end-to-end production processes, and the machinery involved. While this position does not have direct reports, it requires close collaboration with lead machine operators and line leads, providing instruction and guidance on monitoring and responding to equipment-related matters.

This is a full-time, non-exempt, non-supervisory position based out of our Richmond, California Facility.

What You’ll Do:

Production Process & Team Collaboration

• Oversee and operate our principal manufacturing line in partnership with the machine operators.
• Set up production department machinery each morning to ensure equipment is operating and ready for use.
• Provide ongoing guidance and training to machine operators and line leads on equipment and maintenance best practices.
• Work closely with production teams on troubleshooting, and problem resolutions to ensure seamless operations, and minimize downtime.
• Partner with QA to ensure SQF certification and food safety compliance standards are upheld.
• Actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and equipment reliability.

Equipment Operations, Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Maintain and troubleshoot facility systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.
• Oversee production line machinery, including but not limited to chillers, melters, kettles, temperers, bar lines, wrappers, metal detectors, air compressors, box tapers, conveyors, and associated equipment.
• Support R&D product development and new product introductions to the process
• Coordinate with external vendors for specialized servicing where required.

Preventative Maintenance & Parts Management

• Execute Easton and Co’s comprehensive preventative maintenance program.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance schedules, service logs, and equipment performance.
• Identify, source, and recommend parts for replacement and upgrades.
• Manage parts ordering, ensuring cost-effectiveness and reliability of suppliers.

Seasonal Support & Project-Based Work

• Provide hands-on troubleshooting for seasonal production changes and projects.
• Adapt to time-specific maintenance demands to support operational efficiency.
• Assist in the planning and execution of equipment upgrades or installations as required.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer
• Ability to prioritize competing demands and time sensitive situations
• Ability to stand and walk throughout scheduled work shift
• Frequent bending, twisting, power-gripping, stooping required
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs

What You Bring:

• 5+ years of electrical/mechanical maintenance experience within food manufacturing operations
• Experience operating production lines/machinery
• Proven experience leading trainings and supporting the development/growth of operators and other frontline staff
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair food industry machinery
• Electrical system troubleshooting and repair
• Mechanical system maintenance, including motors and changeouts
• Preventative maintenance execution (lubrication, parts replacements, heating/cooling systems, pumps, air compressors, and associated equipment)
• Basic plumbing skills for facility and production needs
• Ability to flex your schedule based on the needs of the business
• Strong collaboration and teamwork mindset
• Ability to coach and teach machine operators on maintenance best practices
• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and planning skills
• Accountability-driven, with a proactive approach to maintenance solutions
• Ability to analyze and communicate operational strengths and weaknesses effectively
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives, including bonus
• Monthly Medical Stipend of $1000
• 401(k) + company match
• Generous Paid Time Off program
• Company meals, snacks and other perks
• Professional growth and development opportunities

Compensation Range: $33.65 - $38.46 ($70,000 - $80,000 annualized) + bonus

Easton & Co is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Easton & Co is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If you require accommodation(s), please contact the Talent Representative (HR) at recruiting@easton-co.com