Maintenance Supervisor at Locus Fermentation Solutions

Who WE are…

Locus Fermentation Solutions is a USA-Based Biotech company delivering high performance, bio-based solutions across agriculture, energy, mining, and industrial markets. We specialize in advanced fermentation and formulation technologies that push performance beyond the limits of conventional chemistry.

OUR MISSION is to redefine what’s possible by using biosurfactants and microbial solutions as powerful performance amplifiers – driving superior solution performance while improving sustainability across industries.

We are looking for creative and collaborative outside-the-box thinkers who thrive in fast paced, entrepreneurial style environments. Learn more about us at Locusfs.com!

What you’ll be doing

We are seeking a hands-on Maintenance Supervisor to lead maintenance activities and improve the reliability, performance, and safety of our manufacturing facilities and process equipment. This role is responsible for overseeing maintenance personnel and contractors while coordinating preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities to support safe, efficient, and reliable manufacturing operations.

The Maintenance Supervisor will oversee maintenance of facility infrastructure and production equipment, including mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, automation, HVAC, boilers, pumps, piping, and other critical process systems. This individual will develop and maintain effective maintenance programs, manage equipment downtime, coordinate planned shutdowns, and establish practices that improve equipment reliability and extend asset life.

The successful candidate will be an organized, proactive leader with strong technical knowledge, a commitment to safety, and the ability to balance hands-on troubleshooting with team development, maintenance planning, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic manufacturing environment and works collaboratively with Production, Engineering, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to support production goals.

Location: Peoria, IL

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance Leadership & Operations

• Supervise, coordinate, and support maintenance technicians and contractors to ensure maintenance activities are completed safely, efficiently, and according to established priorities.
• Plan, assign, and monitor daily maintenance activities, balancing preventive maintenance, corrective repairs, equipment improvements, and production support requirements.
• Provide hands-on technical guidance and troubleshooting support for mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, automation, and facility-related issues.
• Coordinate with Production and Engineering to minimize equipment downtime, address maintenance needs, and maintain reliable manufacturing operations.
• Support equipment startup, shutdown, cleaning, and maintenance activities associated with fermentation and downstream processing operations.
• Coordinate planned maintenance outages, equipment shutdowns, and major repairs to minimize disruption to production schedules.
• Ensure maintenance work areas, equipment, and tools are maintained in a clean, safe, and organized condition.

Preventive Maintenance & Reliability

• Develop, implement, and maintain preventive and predictive maintenance programs for facility systems and production equipment.
• Establish maintenance schedules, work order priorities, equipment inspection requirements, and maintenance procedures to improve equipment reliability and operational performance.
• Oversee the implementation and effective use of a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) or other maintenance management system to schedule, track, and document maintenance activities.
• Analyze equipment failures, recurring maintenance issues, and downtime trends to identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, reduce unplanned downtime, extend equipment life, and optimize maintenance costs.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, equipment histories, inspection reports, work orders, and other required documentation.
• Partner with Engineering and Operations to evaluate equipment performance, recommend improvements, and support facility modifications, expansions, and process optimization initiatives.

Equipment & Facility Maintenance

• Oversee maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of process equipment and facility systems, including pumps, motors, piping, valves, compressors, boilers, HVAC, electrical components, instrumentation, and automation systems.
• Support the reliable operation of fermentation and downstream processing equipment, including centrifuges, conveyors, dryers, evaporators, and other production-related systems, as applicable to the facility.
• Monitor critical utility systems, including water treatment and wastewater systems, to support reliable operations and compliance with applicable environmental requirements.
• Coordinate the work of outside contractors and service providers performing specialized maintenance, repairs, inspections, or facility upgrades.
• Oversee the procurement, organization, and inventory management of maintenance tools, supplies, consumables, and critical spare parts.
• Evaluate equipment condition and maintenance requirements to identify potential failures and proactively address reliability risks.
• Support equipment installation, commissioning, startup, and modifications in collaboration with Engineering, Production, and external contractors.

Safety, Compliance & Training

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture by ensuring maintenance activities are performed in accordance with company policies, applicable OSHA requirements, and established safety procedures.
• Ensure appropriate implementation of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, electrical safety, hazardous materials handling, and other applicable safe work practices.
• Ensure maintenance personnel and contractors receive appropriate training and follow established procedures for equipment operation, maintenance, and safe work practices.
• Maintain required maintenance documentation, inspection records, and safety-related records to support operational and regulatory compliance.
• Identify and address unsafe conditions, equipment hazards, and maintenance-related risks.
• Support incident investigations and corrective actions involving equipment failures, maintenance activities, or safety concerns.

Team Development & Continuous Improvement

• Train, coach, and develop maintenance personnel to strengthen technical capabilities, troubleshooting skills, safety awareness, and overall team performance.
• Establish clear expectations for work quality, productivity, accountability, documentation, and adherence to maintenance schedules.
• Foster collaboration and effective communication among Maintenance, Production, Engineering, Quality, and other departments.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve maintenance processes, work order completion, equipment performance, and resource utilization.
• Monitor maintenance performance indicators, including equipment downtime, preventive maintenance completion, recurring failures, and maintenance costs, to evaluate effectiveness and drive improvement.
• Support a culture of continuous improvement, ownership, accountability, and proactive problem-solving.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; associate's or bachelor's degree in industrial maintenance, mechanical or electrical engineering, engineering technology, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5+ years of maintenance experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment, preferably in biotechnology, fermentation, chemical processing, food production, pharmaceuticals, or another process manufacturing setting.
• Minimum of 2 years of demonstrated experience leading, supervising, or coordinating maintenance technicians, skilled trades personnel, and/or contractors preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of industrial maintenance and reliability principles, including preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, equipment repair, and root cause analysis.
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, automation, and facility systems.
• Familiarity with industrial process equipment, including pumps, motors, compressors, boilers, piping, valves, centrifuges, conveyors, and related manufacturing equipment.
• Experience developing maintenance schedules, managing work orders, tracking maintenance records, and utilizing a CMMS or similar maintenance management system.
• Knowledge of workplace safety practices, including Lockout/Tagout, confined space entry, electrical safety, and hazardous materials handling.
• Ability to read and interpret equipment manuals, technical drawings, blueprints, electrical schematics, and piping diagrams.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills, with the ability to prioritize competing maintenance demands in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments and provide clear direction to technicians and contractors.
• Demonstrated ability to lead by example, develop employees, promote accountability, and drive continuous improvement.
• Relevant technical certifications in industrial maintenance, electrical systems, HVAC, or maintenance and reliability are a plus.
• Welding experience, including MIG, TIG, or arc welding, is a plus.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the individual is regularly required to have the ability to remain in a stationary position and move about the facility as needed. The individual is regularly required to operate various motorized equipment, machines and hand tools. The individual is frequently required to position them self to operate and repair machines, including underneath and above the machine as well as in confined spaces. The individual is required to position themselves to reach overhead and below to remove and replace parts. They must use adequate hand tools for maintenance tasks that include assembling, disassembling, replacing, troubleshooting, etc. The individual is required to lift, push, pull, or carry objects up to 50 pounds. The duties require the ability to identify details at close range (within a few feet of the observer) to determine mechanic specifications.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The individual frequently works in a controlled climate. Due to exposure of chemicals, machinery and electrical currents, employees are required to wear personal protective equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but the individual is occasionally exposed to loud machinery or equipment.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary
• Medical/Dental/Vison Benefits
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Volunteer Hours
• Annual allowance of Floating Holidays
• Continuing Education Reimbursement Policy