Lead Diesel Mechanic

Lead Diesel Mechanic

The Lead Diesel Mechanic oversees a busy diesel maintenance facility that services not only diesel trucks but also trailers, forklifts, cranes, and other heavy equipment. This role manages and guides the mechanic team, prioritizes and delegates emergency repairs, and balances scheduled maintenance with ongoing projects to keep the fleet and equipment operating safely and efficiently. The position operates on first shift, Monday through Friday, with early start hours available to ensure smooth operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all mechanics on the shop floor and provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and training.
• Prioritize and delegate emergency repairs while balancing scheduled maintenance and ongoing projects.
• Build and manage a daily work schedule for technicians on the floor to maximize efficiency and equipment uptime.
• Complete monthly DOT-style inspections on all equipment to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
• Perform general repairs on all parts of Class 8 trucks and trailers, including mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Rebuild Cummins diesel engines, including disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly to manufacturer specifications.
• Diagnose and repair hydraulic systems on trucks, trailers, and related equipment.
• Conduct welding and fabrication work as needed to repair or modify equipment and components.
• Operate a forklift safely to move parts, materials, and equipment around the facility.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely maintenance documentation for all repairs, inspections, and services performed.
• Follow good housekeeping standards to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Apply knowledge of industrial safety practices and OSHA guidelines in all tasks and ensure team adherence to safety protocols.
• Participate actively in team meetings, offering input and feedback on operations, safety, and process improvements.
• Make recommendations for process and system improvements to enhance safety, efficiency, and equipment reliability.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience as a lead technician or in a similar lead mechanic role, including supervising and training other mechanics.
• At least 10 years of experience with diesel truck maintenance, including inspections and repairs on Class 8 equipment.
• Proven ability to complete monthly DOT-style inspections on trucks, trailers, and related equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to rebuild Cummins diesel engines from teardown through reassembly and testing.
• Strong experience troubleshooting and repairing aftertreatment systems on diesel equipment.
• Hands-on experience with diesel repair and diesel engine maintenance, including fleet maintenance environments.
• Ability to diagnose and repair electrical issues on heavy-duty trucks and equipment using schematics and diagnostic tools.
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing hydraulic systems on trucks, trailers, and heavy equipment.
• Welding and fabrication experience sufficient to perform structural and component repairs as needed.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, diagrams, and blueprints to guide diagnostics and repairs.
• Capability to consistently lift up to 50 pounds as part of daily duties.
• Commitment to following industrial safety practices and OSHA guidelines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Class A CDL license is preferred and considered a strong asset.
• Experience in fleet maintenance and diesel fleet operations is highly beneficial.
• Background working with trailers, forklifts, cranes, and other heavy equipment.
• Ability to perform brake repairs and general mechanical repairs on heavy-duty vehicles.
• Comfort working in a metal recycling or industrial facility environment.
• Attention to detail in documentation and recordkeeping for maintenance and inspections.
• Strong communication skills for coordinating with drivers, technicians, and leadership.
• Proactive mindset for identifying and suggesting process improvements.
• Reliability and accountability in managing priorities and leading a team.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from weekly pay combined with a structured bonus program that rewards performance and safety, with historical averages adding meaningful income on top of base pay. The position is on 1st shift, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage, as well as a 401(k) plan with company matching and an HSA with company contributions. A profit-sharing program becomes available after reaching 1,000 hours worked, providing an additional share of pre-tax earnings. Team members can take advantage of a tuition reimbursement program of up to $5,000 per year, effective after six months of employment, supporting continued education and professional growth. The organization supplies uniforms, boots, hard hats, and warm-weather gear, and offers 10 paid holidays, reflecting a commitment to safety, comfort, and work-life balance.

Work Environment

This role is based in a facility where you will work around heavy trucks, trailers, forklifts, cranes, and related equipment. The environment is non-climate-controlled, and you will work in the elements from time to time, including exposure to varying temperatures and outdoor conditions. The facility emphasizes industrial safety and adherence to OSHA guidelines, with supplied uniforms, boots, hard hats, and warm-weather gear to support safe and appropriate attire. Work is performed on first shift, Monday through Friday, with some flexibility in early start times to ensure operations run smoothly. The setting is hands-on, fast-paced, and highly collaborative, with regular interaction between mechanics, drivers, and operations personnel.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Fort Wayne, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $100000.00/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. 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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Fort Wayne, IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 2026.