About

2025-09-09 to 2025-11

Hazeldenes
Lockwood 3551 VIC
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Full-time Permanent

Mechanical Engineering Technician – Poultry Production:

Hazeldenes has been a leader in the Australian poultry industry since 1938, recognised for our strong commitment to animal welfare, sustainable farming practices, and regional community support. Supplying fresh RSPCA Approved and FREPA Accredited free-range chicken to retailers and wholesalers nationwide, we are proud to be Bendigo’s largest employer, with a dedicated team of over 1,000 people.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineering Technician to join our dynamic team and support production operations across our large-scale poultry facilities. This role is critical to maintaining, improving, and monitoring the mechanical systems that underpin a safe, efficient, and sustainable food production environment.

Key Responsibilities:
• Assemble, fit, and install new or modified mechanical assemblies, hydraulic and pneumatic lines, and machine components.
• Operate and set up machining tools (cutting, drilling, grinding, threading) to meet fine tolerances.
• Organise and supervise inspections, safety checks, and maintenance routines.
• Contribute to training and support of junior staff or apprentices, promoting a strong safety culture.
• Apply mechanical engineering knowledge to the installation, testing, calibration, and servicing of farm and processing equipment.
• Conduct preventative maintenance on automated systems, conveyors, pumps, ventilation, and refrigeration units.
• Assist engineers with design improvements, modifications, and commissioning of new plant machinery.
• Diagnose faults, perform adjustments, and ensure downtime is minimised.
• Collect, record, and interpret operational data to support efficiency and compliance with industry standards.
• Provide technical support and training to operators to ensure safe equipment use.
• Ensure all work aligns with environmental, biosecurity, and animal welfare requirements.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Relevant trade qualification or certifications in hydraulics, pneumatics, or machining or equivalent experience
Minimum 3–5 years’ hands-on experience in a mechanical maintenance, engineering technician, or fitting role within a manufacturing, industrial, or food production environment.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and participation in company-provided training.
• Additional training in industrial maintenance, fabrication, or automation highly regarded.
• Demonstrated experience in maintenance and technical support within food processing, manufacturing, or agricultural operations.
• Previous involvement in large-scale production environments preferred.

Skills:
• Proficiency in preparing and working from technical drawings, plans, and schematics.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems installation and repair.
• Proficiency with machining tools, fabrication, and precision measuring instruments.
• Ability to plan and organise work independently while collaborating within a team.
• Strong diagnostic and problem-solving abilities.
• Competence in welding, fabrication, and mechanical repairs.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to safe work practices and compliance standards.