Maintenance Specialist

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Local Applicants Welcome 
Job Title: Maintenance Specialist

Location: Danville, Virginia 

Contract Type: Permanent

Maintenance Specialist

What is this role about?

The Maintenance Specialist ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all facility equipment, systems, and infrastructure within an assigned shift at the JTI Leaf Services complexes. This role performs hands‑on preventive and corrective maintenance on processing equipment, plant vehicles, and building and grounds systems, while also supporting troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical issues to minimize downtime and maintain operational continuity.
The Maintenance Specialist serves as a link between plant operations and external service providers if there is a need to coordinate maintenance activities and guide contractors during assigned shift. The role is responsible for maintaining tools, equipment, and work areas in a clean and orderly manner; completing daily, weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance checklists; and ensuring accurate submission, follow‑up, and closure of work orders within the SAP maintenance system in collaboration with the Spare Parts Specialist.

Responsibilities

• Maintenance Support: Perform hands-on mechanical and electrical repairs on processing equipment, including both preventive and corrective maintenance activities.
  Provide proactive mechanical and electrical support to Processing Supervisors during production, responding quickly to equipment breakdowns and restoring product flow with minimal disruption. Ensure all maintenance tasks are completed safely, professionally, and within expected timelines to prevent downtime and eliminate the need for rework. Conduct required maintenance-related CILs (Clean, Inspect, Lubricate) in accordance with the IWS framework to support equipment reliability and operational standards.
• External service provider coordination: Serve as the primary point of contact between the leaf processing team and external maintenance service providers during the assigned shift.Inspect and diagnose equipment issues, determine root causes, and communicate repair requirements to external service providers when their support is needed. Assess vendor safety readiness and provide clear instructions regarding equipment failures, repair expectations, and site requirements. Support and oversee vendors during on‑site repairs to ensure compliance with safety standards, maintenance procedures, and repair effectiveness.
• Work Orders: Ensure timely and accurate completion of all daily, weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance checklists. Create, submit, and actively follow up on work orders in the SAP maintenance system, ensuring proper documentation and closure in collaboration with the Spare Parts Specialist. Verify that all work order activities are completed as required, including accurate recording of labor hours, parts consumption, corrective actions, and any additional relevant documentation.
• Team Collaboration & Communication: Collaborate closely with IWS Team Leads and the Maintenance Lead to align on maintenance priorities, planned activities, and emerging operational needs. Foster a respectful, cooperative, and solutions‑focused team environment to support optimal mechanical performance and reliability of processing equipment. Share technical knowledge and provide constructive feedback to the Leaf Processing team on opportunities to reduce downtime, prevent equipment failures, lower costs, and enhance the overall efficiency of the processing facility. Participate in investigating equipment or contamination issues and support the identification and implementation of effective, timely corrective solutions.
• Compliance & Safety: Comply with all EHS standards, including labor safety, fire protection, environmental and hygiene requirements, equipment safety, and all related company policies. Use required PPE correctly when performing tasks, install appropriate safety guards during maintenance, and ensure all tools are properly selected, cleaned, stored, and inspected before and after use. Monitor contractor safety practices and provide immediate feedback when unsafe behaviors or conditions are observed, recommending additional safety measures when needed. Adhere to all Federal, State, Local, and JTI safety regulations and procedures. Ensure all safety equipment is properly maintained, inspected, and compliant with regulatory and company standards. Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a clean, organized, and hazard‑free condition.
• Other: Manage various tasks and projects as they arise and upon manager’s request.

Requirements

• Mechanical or electrical associate degree. High School Diploma or equivalent experience with 5 years of mechanical or electrical hands on experience in an industrial environment.
• 5+ years of proven experience in industrial maintenance, preferably in a processing or manufacturing environment.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Advanced computer skills, familiarity with SAP or other CMM (Computerized Maintenance Management) systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong time management skills.
• Commitment to safety and continuous improvement.
• Possess strong communication and writing skills in English for effectively interacting with individuals.
• Self-Motivated, ability to work in a team environment. Perficient computer skills, open minded.

Benefits - What we offer:

Enjoy a competitive salary commensurate with the experience and responsibility requirements.

Excellent employee environment with a competitive benefits package including:

• Annual Merit Increase.

• Healthcare.

• Dental + Vision .

• Voluntary benefits.

• Paid Time Off.

• Paid family leave benefit.

• 401k Plan + Company Contributions.

• Life Insurance.

• Disability.

Please note that VISA Sponsorship is not available.

Located in the beautiful city of Danville, VA, USA, this position offers a phenomenal work environment and the opportunity to work with a team that consistently demonstrates strong work behaviors. At JTI, we believe in promoting a culture of inclusion and collaboration, where every employee's unique perspective and ideas are valued and respected.

Are you ready to join us? Build your success story at JTI. Apply now!

Next Steps:

After applying, if selected, please anticipate the following within 1-3 weeks of the job posting closure: Phone screening with Talent Advisor > Assessment tests > Interviews > Offer. Each step is eliminatory and may vary by role type.

At JTI, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you need any specific support, alternative formats, or have other access requirements, please let us know.