Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director, Maintenance and Reliability, the Maintenance Summer Student will support with improving the Maintenance & Reliability Program across Sofina’s ‘5 Dimensions of Plant Success’: Quality, Service, Cost, Safety and Environment.

This role focuses on optimizing the maintenance spare parts inventory program and developing standardized training resources for plant equipment. The student will work cross-functionally with Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Health & Safety and Operations to ensure projects and processes are well-documented, cost-justified, and executable. They will also engage with Equipment Manufacturers to gather and validate technical information.

This role is designed for a student who is passionate about industrial operations and eager to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

Key Accountabilities:
Spare Parts Inventory Optimization

• Catalogue existing spare parts in maintenance storerooms to upload to CMMS as equipment bill of materials;
• Contact Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) to identify recommended spare parts to stock for key assets and review with senior technician;
• Collaborate with MRO Buyer to purchase critical spare parts and Maintenance Planner to reflect in PM Plans;
• Organize maintenance storerooms using 5S methodology;
• Load parts into CMMS.

Technical Documentation & Work Instructions

• Develop and update standardized work instructions (SOPs) for maintenance and equipment processes;
• Translate technical information into clear, user-friendly and visual instructions for trades and operators;
• Capture ‘tribal knowledge’ from maintenance technicians and formalize into training material;
• Review existing procedures and identify gaps, inefficiencies, or inconsistencies.

Maintenance & Asset Data Support

• Assist with preventative maintenance (PM) documentation and updates;
• Support equipment data collection, asset classification, and record accuracy;
• Help analyze maintenance trends, downtime data, or recurring issues;
• Update systems such as PM programs, asset registers, or document repositories.

Process Improvement & Planning

• Observe maintenance and operational processes to identify improvement opportunities;
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to efficiency, safety, and reliability;
• Assist in developing improved workflows, layouts, or documentation;
• Participate in project meetings and cross-functional discussions.

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in a Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering program, Mechatronics (or related technical discipline);
• Completion of at least 2 years of study preferred.

Skills & Experience:

• Strong technical aptitude with interest in maintenance and manufacturing environments;
• A "safety-first" mindset and the ability to follow strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) required for food production;
• Excellent written communication skills (this role heavily leans on documentation quality);
• Self-starter attitude—you aren't afraid to get your hands dirty on the shop floor to understand how a machine works;
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills;
• Ability to interpret technical information and translate it into practical instructions;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint);
• Experience with CMMS considered an asset.

Core Competencies:

• Analytical thinking and problem solving;
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities;
• Strong collaboration and communication across departments;
• Curiosity and willingness to learn in a hands-on environment.

Hiring Rate: CAD$20/hr

This position is currently an active vacancy.

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Sofina Foods Inc. is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’). Applicants are asked to make their needs/requirements, for the purpose of accommodation under AODA, known to Human Resources when they are contacted for an interview.