Job Description

As the Machinist at one of our Alaskan processing facilities, you'll be responsible for the mechanical integrity, custom fabrication, and operational uptime of high-speed seafood processing lines. This role requires a "Swiss Army Knife" mechanical aptitude, combining precision manual machining and sanitary welding with the ability to troubleshoot complex hydraulic and pneumatic systems under extreme time constraints. Operating in remote Alaskan environments, the Cannery Machinist must be a self-sufficient problem-solver capable of maintaining peak production efficiency through both rigorous preventative maintenance and rapid emergency repair, all while adhering to the highest standards of food safety and industrial compliance.  

Essential Functions/Qualifications

The responsibilities of the position include the following:

• Perform pre-season overhauls and mid-season repairs on high-speed canning lines, including iron butchers (fish headers), fillers, seamers, and clinchers.

• Set up, adjust, and calibrate machine parts to exacting tolerances to ensure consistent seam integrity and product quality.

• Diagnose mechanical failures under high-pressure "peak-run" conditions and execute rapid repairs to minimize production downtime.

• Utilize lathes, mills, drill presses, and welding equipment to fabricate custom replacement parts or modify existing machinery for improved efficiency.

• Maintain and repair complex hydraulic pumps, cylinders, and pneumatic actuators used throughout the processing facility.

• Conduct routine inspections, lubrication, and belt/bearing replacements according to strict maintenance schedules.

• Adhere to strict OSHA standards, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, and food safety (HACCP) regulations while working in wet and corrosive environments.

• Work closely with the maintenance crew and production supervisors to identify equipment bottlenecks and train seasonal operators on basic machinery handling.

• Operate machine tools such as lathes, mills, and grinders to fabricate and repair parts.
• Use welding techniques to repair and fabricate metal components.
• Diagnose and repair hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Ensure adherence to safety regulations and industry standards.
• Maintain inventory of spare parts and tools.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical issues.
• Provide training and guidance to team members.
• Other duties are to ensure the kitchen and Team is fully supported and successful.  

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following functional and interpersonal competencies:

Functional

• Precision Machining: Mastery of manual lathes, mills, and grinders to produce machine components within tight tolerances (±.001").

• Mechanical Troubleshooting: Advanced ability to perform root-cause analysis on complex mechanical failures under time-sensitive production constraints.

• Fabrication: Deep understanding of material properties (specifically stainless steel and aluminum) and proficiency in TIG/MIG/Stick welding for food-grade environments.

• Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems: Expertise in the physics and repair of fluid power systems, including valve banks, actuators, and high-pressure pumps.

• Industrial Mathematics: Proficiency in trigonometry and geometry for layout work, thread cutting, and gear calculations.

• Sanitary Engineering: Knowledge of food-safety design principles (HACCP/GMP) to ensure repairs do not compromise product integrity.

• Problem-Solving: Skill in identifying and resolving issues related to production, quality, or safety.

Interpersonal

• Leadership: Ability to inspire and motivate team members to achieve goals.
• Communication: Effective communication skills to interact with team members, management, and customers.
• Decision-Making: Ability to make informed decisions quickly and effectively.
• Conflict Resolution: Skill in resolving disputes and maintaining a positive work environment.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing work conditions and priorities.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Constantly looking for ways to modify equipment to increase yield, reduce waste, or improve operator ergonomics.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred but not required. 

• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a manual machinist or millwright, preferably within a high-speed food processing or maritime environment.

• Proven experience in TIG/MIG welding and the operation of manual lathes, mills, and drill presses to fabricate custom parts, preferred, but not required.

• Prior experience with Iron Butchers, fillers, or seamer machinery is highly desirable.

• The Cannery Machinist position requires driven machinery certifications such as a forklift which in turn requires a valid driver’s license.
• Previous experience in seafood industry or manufacturing not required but preferred.

Work Environment and Schedule  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and extreme cold. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Position requires onsite presence at our Alaska Processing Facility, and the ability to travel, spending a significant amount of time during the season at our various locations and processing facilities in Alaska. 

Physical Demands  

While performing the essential function and job duties associated with the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 

Mental Activities  

The employee is frequently required to set an example by consistently modeling ambitious standards of honesty and integrity. Presentation and sharing of information should be handled directly, appropriately, and helpfully. Maintains a reputation for honesty, confidentiality, reliability, and fairness. Is willing to admit mistakes and does not misrepresent him/herself for personal gain. Performs work with energy and drive; values planning, but will take quick, decisive action when an opportunity presents itself.  

Silver Bay Perks

Benefits and Perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Silver Bay and the state where you work.

• Health Insurance: Seasonal Employees, as well as their families, are eligible for health benefits that include medical, dental and vision benefits once the employee meets the required 1560 hours worked to become benefit eligible. Employees are also eligible to receive basic life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program: Available for employees and their families.
• Other Compensation: Employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

Silver Bay Seafoods is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to humanresources@silverbayseafoods.com