Power Generation Lead Technician

Job Title: Lead Mechanic – Generators and Chillers

Job Description

This role leads maintenance and repair activities for a mixed fleet of large generators and chillers, ensuring all equipment operates safely, reliably, and efficiently. You will perform hands-on diagnostics and repairs, oversee and guide a small team of technicians, and manage work orders within a fleet management system. The position combines advanced mechanical troubleshooting with customer interaction and field service work.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a consistent schedule for performing preventative maintenance on all fleet equipment at the location.
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs independently on fleet equipment and trucks, ensuring all work meets quality and efficiency standards.
• Operate and test equipment after service to verify safe operation and compliance with performance expectations.
• Diagnose issues with internal combustion engines, DC electrical systems, propane systems, hydraulics, and fuel systems using appropriate diagnostic tools.
• Perform major repairs on fleet equipment using diagnostic tools, hand tools, and measuring instruments independently and accurately.
• Conduct oil changes, lubrication services, tire replacements, hose repairs, battery replacements, and other routine service tasks.
• Work with large generators ranging from approximately 200 kW up to 1 MW, performing installation support, troubleshooting, and repair as needed.
• Service and troubleshoot large chillers ranging from approximately 40 tons up to 500 tons, including systems with high refrigerant volumes and multiple electric compressors.
• Assist the shop lead with preparing customer damage estimates and coordinating repair work to meet customer expectations.
• Enter, review, and update work orders in the fleet management system, including documenting work performed and parts used.
• Order necessary parts through the fleet management system to support timely repairs and minimize equipment downtime.
• Operate and test boom lifts, forklifts, compressors, generators, hydraulics, pumps, and other assorted tools and equipment safely and effectively.
• Drive and operate multiple types of vehicles and equipment to move units into position for maintenance or repair and to perform field service calls.
• Follow up with customers in a timely and professional manner to communicate repair status, recommendations, and completion details.
• Provide direction and technical guidance to a team of approximately five technicians, serving as the primary point of contact for questions and repair decisions.
• Take ownership of repair quality and methods, setting clear expectations on how repairs should be completed and ensuring adherence to safety and technical standards.
• Handle all tools and equipment properly and safely, maintaining a clean and organized work area.
• Manage time effectively to balance preventative maintenance, urgent repairs, field calls, and administrative tasks within the scheduled workday.

Essential Skills

• Proven ability to understand and interpret detailed technical schematics, owner manuals, and product warning labels.
• Strong hands-on experience operating and testing equipment such as boom lifts, forklifts, compressors, portable and stationary generators, hydraulic systems, pumps, and related tools.
• Ability to drive and operate multiple types of vehicles and equipment safely in shop and field environments.
• Demonstrated skill in diagnosing and repairing internal combustion engines, DC electrical systems, propane systems, hydraulic systems, fuel systems, and related mechanical components.
• Experience working with diesel-powered equipment and performing mechanical troubleshooting on complex systems.
• Ability to service and troubleshoot large generators (approximately 200 kW to 1 MW) and large chillers (approximately 40 tons to 500 tons) including systems with high refrigerant volumes and multiple electric compressors.
• Knowledge of HVAC components such as chillers, compressors, refrigerant (freon), and associated control systems.
• Attention to detail in performing maintenance, completing repairs, and documenting work performed.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills for interacting with customers, colleagues, and leadership.
• Ability to perform basic computer operations, including opening, updating, and closing work orders in a fleet management or similar system.
• Proven computer skills to accurately enter work orders and manage parts ordering electronically.
• Strong understanding of time management and the ability to prioritize tasks in a busy service environment.
• Willingness and ability to take charge in the shop and field, providing direction and serving as the final technical authority for a team of technicians.
• Must hold an active EPA 608 certification.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with generator installation, commissioning, and field service is highly beneficial.
• Experience in HVAC service, particularly on large chillers and related systems, is preferred.
• Preferred HVAC certifications such as CAPS and Smart training or similar industry-recognized credentials.
• Preferred generator manufacturer training or certifications, such as Multiquip or equivalent factory training programs.
• Comfort working with high-capacity chillers (40 to 500 tons) and large refrigerant charges (400+ units of refrigerant) and multiple electric compressors.
• Ability to estimate repair needs and assist with customer damage assessments in coordination with shop leadership.
• Demonstrated leadership or lead-tech experience overseeing other technicians in a service or shop environment.
• Strong safety mindset with consistent adherence to equipment, tool, and environmental safety procedures.

Why Work Here?

You will join a team that values technical expertise, ownership, and collaboration, giving you the opportunity to serve as the go-to expert for complex generator and chiller systems. The role offers substantial hands-on work, regular overtime opportunities, and access to a company truck to support field service responsibilities. You will work in an environment that recognizes initiative, supports professional development through preferred certifications and training, and provides a mix of shop and field work to keep each day varied and engaging.

Work Environment

This position follows a typical schedule of 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with regular opportunities for overtime that commonly add up to a 10-hour day. The role includes rotating weekend shifts, generally about once per month, to support customer and fleet needs. Work takes place both in the shop and in the field, with approximately 60% of time spent in the field and 40% in the shop under normal conditions; in winter, this typically shifts to about 40% in the field and 60% in the shop. You will work around large generators (approximately 200 kW to 1 MW) and large chillers (approximately 40 to 500 tons) using diagnostic equipment, hand tools, measuring instruments, and a fleet management system. The position includes use of a company truck for field assignments, and you will regularly operate and test equipment such as boom lifts, forklifts, compressors, generators, hydraulic systems, and pumps in a service-focused, safety-conscious environment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Knightdale, NC.

The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $32.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Knightdale,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on May 19, 2026.

About Aerotek:

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

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.