Maintenance Mechanic Lead

Job Title: Maintenance Mechanic Lead
Job Description
The Maintenance Mechanic Lead oversees advanced troubleshooting, repair, and optimization of industrial machinery while guiding a small maintenance team. This role combines hands-on mechanical and electrical work with leadership responsibilities, ensuring equipment reliability, safe operations, and efficient completion of maintenance activities in a manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities

• Perform advanced troubleshooting and repairs on mechanical systems, equipment, and machinery, including compressors, conveyors, motors, and related components.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical issues, including PLC input/output faults, sensors, and control components.
• Lead by example by consistently following all safety procedures, lockout/tagout protocols, and maintenance best practices.
• Serve as a technical expert for diagnosing complex mechanical issues and recommending effective corrective actions.
• Coordinate and prioritize daily work orders for the maintenance team to ensure efficient and timely task completion.
• Assist in planning, scheduling, and executing preventive and predictive maintenance activities.
• Support the documentation, standardization, and continuous improvement of maintenance procedures and work instructions.
• Mentor and train new mechanics on proper repair techniques, safe work practices, and equipment care.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, equipment history, and parts usage in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Assist in the development of lockout/tagout procedures and ensure compliance with company safety policies.
• Support management with root cause analysis of equipment failures and contribute to lessons learned and corrective action plans.
• Collaborate with production teams to support machine setup, changeovers, and equipment optimization for improved performance and uptime.
• Identify recurring equipment issues and recommend improvements to reduce breakdowns and increase reliability.
• Interface with production personnel, vendors, and contractors to coordinate parts, repairs, and specialized services as needed.
• Read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, schematics, and technical manuals to support accurate troubleshooting and repair.

Essential Skills

• At least 3+ years of maintenance experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience working with industrial machinery such as conveyors, compressors, and motors.
• Strong mechanical repair and troubleshooting skills for mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Experience performing preventive and corrective maintenance on production equipment.
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot electrical issues, including PLC input/output and sensor faults.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license.
• Proficiency in mechanical repairs, including disassembly, replacement, adjustment, and alignment of components.
• Experience with maintenance technician duties, including maintenance repair and equipment upkeep.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a maintenance team and coordinate tasks with other technicians.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a strong sense of urgency in resolving equipment issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Two years of college coursework in a related field or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of industry experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, and fabrication practices.
• Familiarity with CMMS software and maintenance tracking systems.
• Experience with PLC troubleshooting and conveyor systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word and Excel.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish are preferred.
• Forklift certification is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and train less experienced mechanics.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with production, vendors, and contractors.

Why Work Here?
Join a collaborative maintenance team where technicians work closely together to complete projects and support production success. You will have the opportunity to serve as a technical expert, share your knowledge, and help shape maintenance procedures and continuous improvement efforts. The environment values safety, teamwork, and professional growth, offering a setting where your skills, initiative, and leadership can make a visible impact on equipment reliability and operational efficiency.
Work Environment
This role operates in a manufacturing environment with industrial machinery such as conveyors, compressors, motors, and related equipment. You will work closely with a team of approximately five other technicians, coordinating tasks and supporting one another to complete maintenance projects and respond to equipment issues. Work involves hands-on mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic troubleshooting and repairs, as well as interaction with production staff, vendors, and contractors. A computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) is used for tracking work orders, equipment history, and parts usage, and common productivity tools such as Microsoft Word and Excel support documentation and reporting. The dress code includes standard jeans, a work shirt, and steel-toe footwear, along with appropriate safety equipment such as safety glasses.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $34.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 2, 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.

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.