Lead Mechanic

About the role

The Lead Mechanic runs the Beck & Pollitzer USA equipment shop, keeping the company fleet of tractor‑trailers, heavy‑capacity forklifts (including R80 and R90 units), hydraulic gantries, and support equipment safe, compliant, and ready for project deployment. As a working lead, this role diagnoses and repairs fleet equipment, builds and owns the preventive maintenance program, and directs shop mechanics. The Lead Mechanic is responsible for the overall health and maintenance of the fleet and must report that data to the warehouse manager.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own the Preventive Maintenance schedule for every fleet asset based on manufacturer intervals, engine hours, and mileage; plan service around project deployment dates.
• Diagnose and repair diesel and gas engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems, air and hydraulic brakes, steering, suspension, and electrical systems.
• Maintain tractors and trailers to FMCSA standards, including annual inspections, brakes, lights, tires, and couplings.
• Maintain and repair heavy‑capacity forklifts, including R80 and R90 units (masts, chains, forks, hydraulics, drivetrain, safety devices); remove unsafe units from service; familiarity with Counterweight/Versa lifts.
• Inspect, maintain, and repair hydraulic gantries, jacks, rollers, and related lifting equipment per manufacturer requirements.
• Inspect equipment before it ships to a project site and upon return; document damage and repair needs and relay this to procurement/warehouse manager for parts sourcing.
• Travel to project sites for critical repairs when equipment downtime threatens the schedule, locally in the upstate as needed.
• Maintain work orders, maintenance and inspection records, and DOT vehicle files; track labor and repair cost by asset.
• Maintain shop parts inventory; work with Procurement on parts, outside repair vendors, and dealer warranty claims.
• Track asset condition and lifetime repair cost; recommend repair, rebuild, or replacement to management.
• Assign daily work and train shop mechanics; enforce LOTO, blocking and cribbing, hot work, and PPE requirements; keep the shop clean, organized, and hazard‑free.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 5+ years as a heavy equipment or diesel fleet mechanic, including experience with tractor‑trailers and industrial forklifts.
• Prior experience as a Lead Mechanic or Shop Foreman.
• ASE Medium/Heavy Truck certifications.
• Qualified FMCSA annual inspector (49 CFR 396.19) and brake inspector (49 CFR 396.25).
• Class A CDL for road testing and moving tractor‑trailers.
• Experience with heavy‑capacity forklifts (R80/R90 class) and hydraulic gantry systems.
• Welding and fabrication skills.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• Forklift certification.
• Proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing English (required for on‑site performance).

Skills

• Strong diagnostic skills across diesel engines, hydraulics, air brakes, and electrical systems.
• Proficient with diagnostic software.
• Proven ability to build and run a preventive maintenance schedule and keep accurate maintenance records.
• Able to lead and train other mechanics while remaining hands‑on.
• Ability to document and track the fleet repair schedule and preventive maintenance via Excel or other reporting frameworks.