Lead Maintenance Mechanic

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Lead the Maintenance Team Behind What’s Next at Leola!

Dart’s Leola Campus is growing, and Building 12 is bringing new thermoforming technology, automation, and production equipment to the facility.

We’re looking for an experienced
Lead Mechanic who can lead by example, solve complex equipment challenges, and help keep a new operation running safely, reliably, and efficiently.

This is more than a maintenance role. You’ll be a key technical resource on the floor, helping develop maintenance team members, troubleshoot advanced equipment, and drive improvements as the new operation comes online.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and support maintenance activities across production equipment and facility operations.
• Spend approximately 85% of your time on the production floor supporting the team and equipment.
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting, diagnostics, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for complex equipment issues.
• Install, maintain, repair, rebuild, and modify manufacturing and facility equipment.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and automated control systems.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot PLC-controlled equipment, control systems, hardware, and software.
• Monitor equipment performance and use predictive maintenance tools to identify potential issues.
• Coordinate maintenance resources and schedules to support production needs.
• Train, mentor, and develop maintenance team members.
• Communicate equipment status, maintenance activities, and operational concerns across shifts and departments.
• Monitor safety, quality, production, efficiency, and maintenance KPIs.
• Complete maintenance documentation and work orders in SAP.
• Identify and recommend equipment, process, and procedural improvements.
• Support Operational Excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 2 years of related maintenance experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to lead and develop maintenance employees.
• Advanced mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong knowledge of industrial maintenance practices, hand tools, and power tools.
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, pressure systems, and temperature controls.
• Ability to read blueprints, technical manuals, mechanical drawings, and electrical schematics.
• Experience with maintenance systems and computer software; SAP experience preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience using diagnostic equipment, test instruments, and maintenance software.
• Ability to operate and maintain certifications for PITs, hoists, and cranes.
• English proficiency needed to support training, communication, safety, and quality requirements.

Preferred: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Electro-Mechanical Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related field, along with experience in PLCs, automation, robotics, industrial controls, electrical troubleshooting, or high-speed manufacturing.

Building 12 will feature four new trim-in-place thermoforming lines with packaging automation
, two dedicated PP clear cup lines with in-line printing, and two extruders capable of running PS and PP party cups.

As a Lead Mechanic, you’ll have the opportunity to help prepare the equipment, develop the maintenance team, and establish reliable maintenance practices as the operation grows.

Overview: Dart makes everyday products that give people the freedom to enjoy the food & drinks they love, wherever they are. From to-go containers and dinnerware to tamper-evident food packaging and even the red SOLO cup, Dart products have been keeping people on the go and having fun for 65 years. We’re a family-owned, family-focused company of 12,000 employees united by a shared set of values and dedicated to providing exceptional customer service.

Headquartered in Mason, MI, with 30 locations in three countries, we’re proud of our ability to innovate, manufacture and lead the way with each new generation of quality…