Maintenance Engineer

GPAC · Waconia, MN

Level: Engineer
Team: Reliability
Degree: Preferred
Experience asked: 3+ years
Industry: Industrial
Posted: 25 days ago

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level reliability role at GPAC (industrial) in Waconia, MN. Troubleshoot equipment, perform maintenance activities, assist with machine setup and changeovers, and develop expertise in how complete processing systems work together.

They ask for: 3+ years · degree preferred
Tools it names: PLC, Automation

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026

Reliability Engineer roles in Minnesota: typical posted base $95k–$130k.

Median of the low and high ends of 4 live postings that list pay, out of 5 reliability engineer openings in Minnesota, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Minnesota plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 429 other live reliability postings in the US.

Base pay: Not listed in this posting
Experience asked: Less than usual (3+ vs 5+)

Skills these teams ask for most

Root cause 53%
Team leadership 31%
✓ Automation 26%
FMEA 25%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 3+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

1
Pick 2–3 people on the Reliability team at GPAC
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

Full description from GPACAs posted on their careers site.Show

Responsibilities

◆Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, and automation-related equipment issues
◆Support equipment setup, changeovers, and preventative maintenance activities
◆Assist with customer trials and product testing initiatives
◆Read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical documentation
◆Work with PLC-controlled equipment and automated processing systems
◆Follow SOPs and ensure equipment is properly configured for testing and production activities
◆Identify opportunities for equipment reliability and process improvements
◆Partner with engineering, operations, and technical teams to support customer success

Qualifications

✓3+ years of maintenance experience in a food, beverage, or industrial manufacturing environment
✓Associate degree in Maintenance Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred
✓Experience troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems
✓Familiarity with PLCs, automation systems, and industrial controls
✓Ability to read electrical schematics and equipment layouts
✓Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
✓Customer-focused mindset and strong communication abilities

Why Consider This Opportunity?

✓Day-shift schedule with minimal overtime expectations
✓Clean, highly technical modern food processing environment
✓Exposure to advanced processing and automation technologies
✓Direct mentorship and cross-training with an experienced technical professional
✓Opportunity to develop into a Process Engineering or Technical Applications role
✓Excellent benefits package including generous PTO, paid birthday off, strong retirement contributions, and comprehensive healthcare coverage

If you're looking for an opportunity to combine hands-on troubleshooting with long-term engineering growth, please reach out directly with an updated resume to:

Alex Finstad Search Consultant Call/Text: (763) 297-3805 Email: alex.finstad@gogpac.com www.linkedin.com/in/alex-finstad-ab8b95159

Show full description ↓

Maintenance Engineer

Greater Minneapolis Area | Day Shift | Full-Time

A global leader in food processing technology is seeking a Maintenance Engineer to join its technical applications team.

This is a unique opportunity for a maintenance professional who wants to expand beyond regular plant maintenance and gain exposure to process engineering, customer applications, and advanced food processing equipment.

In this role, you'll support specialized milling and food processing systems used for product development, process optimization, and customer trials. You'll troubleshoot equipment, perform maintenance activities, assist with machine setup and changeovers, and develop expertise in how complete processing systems work together.

This position offers significant growth potential as the organization looks to develop this individual into a technical expert capable of advising customers on equipment and process performance.

How this role compares

At a glance

How to get in at this plant

Responsibilities

Qualifications

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