Lead Maintenance Technician in Merced

Job DescriptionJob Description

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Lead Maintenance Technician to provide technical leadership and hands-on support for the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of industrial equipment and facility systems. This role serves as a working lead, responsible for guiding technicians, coordinating daily maintenance activities, and ensuring equipment reliability, safety compliance, and operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong leadership, communication, and planning skills, along with advanced technical expertise in electrical systems, PLCs, automation, and robotics.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support maintenance technicians in daily work assignments and troubleshooting efforts
• Perform advanced diagnostics and repairs on automated equipment, PLC-controlled systems, and robotic machinery
• Troubleshoot electrical systems using digital multimeters on high-voltage and low-voltage circuits
• Proficient in installing, testing, and maintaining single-phase and three-phase industrial equipment
• Develop, prioritize, and execute maintenance plans aligned with departmental and operational goals
• Coordinate preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities
• Utilize CMMS software to assign work orders, track maintenance activities, and analyze equipment performance
• Enforce and model safe work practices, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures
• Communicate effectively with operations, engineering, and leadership teams regarding equipment status and maintenance needs
• Assist with parts planning, vendor coordination, and contractor oversight as needed
• Respond to emergency maintenance issues and lead root cause analysis to prevent recurrence
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, reliability, and uptime
• Develop and maintain good working relationships across all levels of the organization
• Serve as a technical resource and mentor to team members by motivating, providing guidance and feedback all to help collectively achieve goals, improve individual performance and seek out training opportunities on more technical functions.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical or vocational training
• 5 years of Senior experience in industrial maintenance, with demonstrated leadership or lead technician skills.
• Strong leadership, people management, and communication skills
• Excellent time management and organizational abilities
• Proven experience troubleshooting PLCs, automation systems, and robotics
• Strong computer skills, including CMMS systems and maintenance documentation
• Ability to install, maintain and troubleshoot relay logic, control components, photo eyes, motor starters, relays, limit switches, proximity sensors, timers, solenoids, servo drivers, frequency inverters, linear drives and encoders
• Ability to work independently while leading and coordinating a team
• Self-motivated with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to develop and execute maintenance strategies and work plans
• Thorough understanding of industrial safety standards, including Lockout/Tagout
• Properly use all required PPE and safety equipment
• Must be a safety conscious, motivated, detail oriented, self-starter with a positive attitude

Qualifications

• PLC certification, or industrial maintenance certifications
• Experience in manufacturing or highly automated environments
• Experience supporting continuous improvement or reliability programs
• Fabrication experience, including welding and metal fabrication
• Forklift certification or ability to pass a written and physical certification course

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to regularly bend, lift, stretch, crawl, and reach, full manual dexterity in both hands and wrists, stand and walk for long periods, climb ladders, and work safely and comfortably at elevated levels and in confined spaces
• Ability to work in industrial environments with varying temperatures and noise levels
• Ability to work overtime, weekends or modified shifts as required
• Work regularly on aerial platform lifts, boom/snorkel lifts, and forklifts

Driving Requirement (Mandatory): This role requires driving as an essential function of the job. Candidates must have a valid, active driver’s license in good standing (not suspended or restricted) and must be insurable under the company’s vehicle insurance policy. Candidates who do not meet these criteria will not be considered.