Maintenance Lead

Job Description

Position: Maintenance Lead

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Department: Maintenance

Position summary: The Maintenance Lead is responsible for leading the day-to-day maintenance operations of the production facility, ensuring all machinery and equipment run safely, efficiently, and with minimal downtime. This role requires hands-on mechanical and electrical expertise, the ability to read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, schematics, and equipment prints, and the leadership skills to guide, train, and coordinate a team of maintenance technicians in a fast-paced production environment.

Essential Duties: 

• Lead, schedule, and coordinate the daily activities of the maintenance team across all shifts. 

• Read and interpret technical manuals, OEM documentation, electrical schematics, blueprints, and equipment prints to guide repairs, installations, and troubleshooting. 

• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems on packing and production line equipment.

• Develop and execute a preventive maintenance (PM) program to reduce unplanned downtime and extend equipment life.

• Respond quickly to equipment breakdowns and lead troubleshooting efforts to restore production with minimal delay. 

• Maintain accurate maintenance logs, work orders, PM records, and parts usage documentation. 

• Manage spare parts inventory; order parts and coordinate with vendors and outside contractors as needed. 

• Train, mentor, and evaluate maintenance technicians 

• Partner with Production and Operations leadership to prioritize repairs and minimize impact on the packing/production schedule. 

• Identify and recommend equipment upgrades, process improvements, and cost-saving opportunities. 

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe maintenance shop and work area.

• Communicate directly with equipment manufacturers, outside vendors, and third-party maintenance providers regarding machine repairs, service needs, troubleshooting, and technical support. Schedule and coordinate vendor visits, maintenance appointments, inspections, repairs, and other service activities, ensuring timely access to equipment and clear communication between the vendor and internal team. 

2+ years of industrial maintenance experience in a manufacturing or production facility; food/packing facility experience a plus. • Proven experience working on and troubleshooting production/packing machinery (conveyors, packaging equipment, motors, pumps, PLCs, etc.). 

• Demonstrated ability to read and work from manuals, blueprints, schematics, and equipment prints. 

• Solid working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems. 

• Prior leadership, supervisory, or lead-technician experience preferred. 

• Forklift certification a plus (or willingness to obtain). 

• High school diploma or GED required; technical/trade school certification preferred.

• Must be Bilingual (English/Spanish) given the facility's workforce. 

• Strong organizational and communication skills; able to direct a team under time pressure.

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