Lead Mechanic 1st

Lead Mechanic 1st

Location: Tyler, TX

Department: Maintenance

Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor

Direct Reports: None

Employment Type: Full Time

Seniority Level: Mid-Senior Level

Job Function: Management and Manufacturing

Industry: Food and Beverage Manufacturing

John Soules Foods is a thriving family‑owned food company that has made a positive difference for its customers and consumers for nearly 50 years. Based in Tyler, Texas, the company is a leading national producer of ready‑to‑eat and ready‑to‑cook chicken and beef products and is the number one producer of chicken and beef fajitas in the USA. We proudly serve a broad portfolio of high‑quality products sold throughout the US via retail, food service distributors, and restaurants.

Our national customers include Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Sysco, and HEB. Established in 1975 by John Soules Sr., the company is now in its second generation of family leadership and employs over 2,000 individuals across three manufacturing facilities.

The Lead Mechanic is responsible for overseeing maintenance operations on the production floor, ensuring that all equipment functions efficiently and safely. This role provides hands‑on mechanical and electrical support, leads assigned maintenance staff, and ensures compliance with company standards, safety procedures, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). The Lead Mechanic plays a key role in minimizing downtime, troubleshooting complex equipment issues, and supporting continuous production improvement initiatives.

• High school diploma or GED
• Proven experience as a mechanic in a manufacturing or production environment (5‑10 years)
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
• Knowledge of industrial electrical controls, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, and schematics
• Proficiency with basic computer software (MS Word, Excel, maintenance tracking systems)
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and lead a small team
• Flexible availability: weekends and overtime may be required

• Vocational/technical training or certification in mechanics or maintenance
• Ability to interpret electrical diagrams for troubleshooting
• Experience leading or mentoring maintenance staff
• Knowledge of food manufacturing equipment
• Familiarity with GMP and safety standards in food production
• Welding, electrical, or PLC experience preferred
• Familiar with variable frequency drives, programming and replacement
• Familiar with safety control relays and safety circuitry
• Familiar with conveyance equipment including metal and plastic belting, sprockets, etc.
• Familiar with gas‑fired burners, ovens, spiral freezers, and automated form seal bagger machines

• Lead and mentor maintenance staff as assigned
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain production equipment and facility systems
• Perform preventative maintenance on machinery according to schedule
• Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns to minimize production downtime
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, including work orders and equipment logs
• Ensure compliance with GMP, safety, and company policies
• Collaborate with production and engineering teams to improve equipment efficiency
• Assist in installation and start‑up of new equipment
• Monitor spare parts inventory and recommend procurement as needed
• Train team members on proper equipment operation, safety, and maintenance procedures
• Help drive sense of urgency and limit downtime on emergency calls
• Ensure that downtime is recorded properly in your area
• Ensure that PMs are completed and make recommendations on continual improvement for PM effectiveness
• Participate in safety meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives

• Prolonged periods of standing, bending, and walking on the production floor
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds
• Comfortable working in high-temperature, cold, or noisy environments as required by the production area

• Vacation / Sick days
• Me…