Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Hopper Technician

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

Skilled TradesMaintenanceManufacturingAgricultureLogistics

🎯 Role Definition

As a Hopper Technician, you will be the cornerstone of our production and logistics process, responsible for the reliability and performance of our critical bulk material handling equipment. This is a hands-on role for a proactive and technically proficient individual who thrives on diagnosing complex issues and implementing effective solutions. You will be tasked with everything from preventative maintenance and emergency repairs to new system installations and continuous improvement initiatives. Your expertise will directly contribute to our operational efficiency, safety standards, and overall success. We're looking for a team player who can work independently and is committed to quality workmanship.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Industrial Maintenance Mechanic
  • Field Service Technician
  • Millwright or Welder/Fabricator
  • Automotive or Heavy Equipment Technician

Advancement To:

  • Lead Maintenance Technician or Maintenance Team Lead
  • Maintenance Supervisor or Manager
  • Maintenance Planner / Scheduler
  • Reliability Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Controls Technician (with additional training)
  • Project & Installation Specialist
  • Safety Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform routine and complex preventative maintenance (PMs) on industrial hoppers, silos, bins, and associated feeding mechanisms to ensure optimal performance and prevent unplanned downtime.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot a wide range of mechanical, electrical (up to 480v), hydraulic, and pneumatic system failures on material handling equipment.
  • Execute timely and effective repairs by dismantling, overhauling, and reassembling machinery, including replacing defective components like bearings, gearboxes, motors, belts, and actuators.
  • Read and interpret complex technical documents, including engineering blueprints, electrical schematics, maintenance manuals, and P&IDs, to guide installation and repair activities.
  • Perform skilled welding (MIG, TIG, Stick) and metal fabrication to repair structural damage, modify equipment for improved performance, or create custom guards and brackets.
  • Install, commission, and test new hopper systems and related conveying equipment, ensuring all components function according to design specifications.
  • Conduct regular safety and operational inspections on all equipment, identifying potential hazards, and ensuring compliance with OSHA, LOTO (Lockout/Tagout), and confined space entry procedures.
  • Calibrate and adjust critical instrumentation, such as load cells, level sensors, and flow gates, to ensure accurate measurement and process control.
  • Respond promptly to emergency breakdown calls during and outside of regular hours to minimize impact on production schedules.
  • Maintain a detailed and accurate log of all maintenance activities, parts used, and repair histories within the company's Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
  • Operate heavy machinery, including forklifts, aerial lifts, and cranes, to safely move, position, and install large equipment and components.
  • Collaborate with the engineering team to provide technical input on equipment design modifications and continuous improvement projects aimed at increasing reliability.
  • Manage and maintain an organized inventory of spare parts, tools, and supplies, initiating purchase requisitions as needed to prevent stockouts of critical items.
  • Assist in developing and refining standard operating procedures (SOPs) and preventative maintenance schedules for hopper-related equipment.
  • Train machine operators and junior technicians on proper equipment operation, basic troubleshooting techniques, and daily preventative checks.
  • Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) on recurring equipment failures to identify underlying issues and implement permanent corrective actions.
  • Ensure the work area is kept clean, organized, and safe at all times, adhering to 5S principles and general housekeeping standards.
  • Assess the structural integrity of hoppers and their supporting frames, performing non-destructive testing and visual inspections for cracks, corrosion, or wear.
  • Interface with external vendors and service contractors for specialized repairs, equipment procurement, and technical support.
  • Participate actively in daily team meetings, safety briefings, and training sessions to foster a culture of safety and continuous learning.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to equipment performance and failure rates.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader data strategy and roadmap by ensuring high-quality data entry in the CMMS.
  • Collaborate with various business units, including Operations and Engineering, to translate their needs into actionable maintenance and engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and other agile ceremonies within the maintenance and engineering teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Mechanical Systems Troubleshooting: Advanced proficiency in diagnosing and repairing complex mechanical systems, including gearboxes, drive trains, bearings, and conveyor components.
  • Welding and Fabrication: Skilled in MIG, TIG, and Stick welding for repairs and fabrication on steel and stainless steel.
  • Electrical Systems: Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems up to 480V 3-phase, including motor controls, VFDs, and troubleshooting with a multimeter.
  • Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems: Ability to read schematics, troubleshoot, and repair hydraulic/pneumatic circuits, pumps, valves, and cylinders.
  • Blueprint and Schematic Reading: Expertise in interpreting mechanical drawings, electrical wiring diagrams, and hydraulic/pneumatic schematics.
  • Preventative Maintenance (PM) & CMMS: Experience executing PM programs and using a CMMS (e.g., SAP PM, Maximo, Fiix) for work order management and documentation.
  • PLC Troubleshooting: Basic ability to connect to a PLC (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens), interpret ladder logic for troubleshooting I/O issues, and diagnose sensor failures.
  • Rigging and Lifting: Certified or experienced in safe rigging practices for lifting and moving heavy equipment.
  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): Deep knowledge and disciplined application of LOTO procedures for energy isolation.
  • Confined Space Entry: Training and certification in confined space entry protocols for safely working inside tanks, silos, and hoppers.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: A systematic and analytical approach to identifying the root cause of issues and implementing effective, long-term solutions.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous in performing repairs, conducting inspections, and documenting work to ensure quality and accuracy.
  • Communication: Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills for interacting with operators, managers, and vendors.
  • Self-Motivation: The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, manage time effectively, and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Safety-First Mindset: An unwavering commitment to following all safety rules and procedures to protect oneself and others.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to changing priorities, emergency breakdowns, and evolving technology.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative spirit and willingness to share knowledge and assist other team members to achieve common goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED combined with relevant technical certifications or military experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Industrial Maintenance Technology, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
  • Completion of a state-certified Millwright or Industrial Maintenance apprenticeship program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Technology
  • Welding Technology
  • Electromechanical Technology
  • Agricultural Systems Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of hands-on experience as an industrial maintenance technician, millwright, or field service technician in a manufacturing, agricultural, or heavy industrial environment.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of direct experience maintaining and repairing bulk material handling equipment, including hoppers, screw conveyors, bucket elevators, and pneumatic conveying systems. Experience in a food-grade, mining, or chemical processing facility is highly desirable.
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