Maintenance Group Leader

This role oversees maintenance technicians and team leaders on 3rd shift in a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment. You will lead troubleshooting and repair activities across electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems, drive preventive and predictive maintenance programs, and ensure equipment uptime to support efficient production. The position focuses on coaching and developing the maintenance team while sustaining lean manufacturing and TPS practices and maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and operational performance.

• Lead, coach, and develop maintenance technicians and team leaders to build a high-performing 3rd shift maintenance team.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues across electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Diagnose problems on automated manufacturing equipment, robotics, and PLC-controlled systems to minimize downtime.
• Drive preventive and predictive maintenance programs to reduce equipment failures and improve reliability.
• Support production operations by ensuring equipment uptime and efficient utilization of assets.
• Implement and sustain lean manufacturing and TPS principles within maintenance activities.
• Plan and manage maintenance schedules, staffing levels, and daily priorities for 3rd shift.
• Perform root cause analysis on recurring equipment issues and implement effective corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and operational standards in all maintenance work.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to achieving key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical documents to guide maintenance and repair work.
• Collaborate with production and management teams during on-site discussions and reviews of maintenance performance.

• At least 3 years of maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 12+ years of leadership or supervisory experience in a maintenance or production setting.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical and mechanical systems.
• Ability to diagnose and repair hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment and systems.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical documents.
• Experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment, robotics, and high-volume production lines.
• Demonstrated capability to supervise maintenance activities and coordinate priorities on shift.
• Solid understanding of preventive and predictive maintenance practices.

• Experience with robotic equipment troubleshooting and repair.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming or advanced PLC diagnostics.
• Background in high-volume automotive production environments.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and TPS methodologies within maintenance operations.
• Exposure to leadership development and coaching of technical teams.
• Strong communication skills for coordinating with production, management, and maintenance staff.
• Ability to perform detailed root cause analysis and document corrective actions.
• Comfort working with maintenance technicians and production personnel during on-site reviews and interviews.

You join a facility that invests in its people through comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off. The organization values long-term development, offering opportunities to grow your leadership and technical skills in a modern, high-volume manufacturing environment. You work in a culture that emphasizes safety, continuous improvement, and teamwork, providing a stable setting where your expertise is recognized and your contributions directly impact operational success.

This role is based in a high-volume automotive manufacturing facility with automated equipment, robotics, and PLC-controlled systems. You work primarily on 3rd shift, with specific hours discussed during the interview process. The environment is fast-paced and production-focused, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and reliability of equipment. You will regularly interact with maintenance technicians, team leaders, and production staff on the shop floor, using diagnostic tools, technical documentation, and maintenance systems to perform your duties. The setting supports structured preventive and predictive maintenance programs and encourages adherence to established procedures and standards.

This is a Permanent position based out of Athens, AL.

The pay range for this position is $65000.00 - $80000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

direct hire role in athens alabama automotive

This is a fully onsite position in Athens,AL.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 21, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.