Lead Mechanic

Lead Mechanic

Department: Shop Operations / Fleet Maintenance (Dayton, TX Shop)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Shop Manager (no Shop Foreman position at this location)

Supervises: No direct reports; provides lead direction, training, and work coordination for Mechanics/Diesel Technicians and Mechanic Helpers/Apprentices on the assigned shift

Confidentiality Level: Low to Moderate — access to repair records, parts pricing, and work order information

Decision Responsibilities: Assigns and sequences daily work orders as directed by the Shop Manager; makes diagnostic and repair-method decisions; signs off on quality of completed repairs; places units out of service for safety defects; recommends parts, outside repairs, and repair-versus-replace to the Shop Manager; gives input on mechanic performance but does not hire, discipline, or terminate

Authorized Expenditure: None independently; may request parts and supplies through the Parts Specialist per company purchasing policy (any limit to be confirmed)

Location: Dayton, TX shop and equipment yard

The Lead Mechanic is the senior hands-on technician at the Dayton, TX shop and, with no Shop Foreman at this location, the Shop Manager's point person on the shop floor. The role diagnoses and repairs heavy-duty tractors, trailers, and equipment while leading the daily work of the mechanics on shift: assigning and coordinating jobs, checking repair quality, training less-experienced mechanics, and keeping the shop safe, organized, and compliant with DOT/FMCSA maintenance requirements. The Lead Mechanic covers shop floor coordination when the Shop Manager is unavailable.

Diagnosis & Repair

• Diagnose and repair diesel engines, brakes, electrical, HVAC, drivetrain, suspension, and trailer systems on heavy-duty trucks, trailers, and support equipment.
• Handle the shop's most complex diagnostic and repair jobs using company-provided electronic diagnostic software and shop equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance (PM) services and DOT annual (periodic) inspections to company and FMCSA standards.
• Road-test or move units as needed to verify repairs (Class A CDL preferred).

Lead Direction & Work Coordination

• Assign and sequence daily work orders to mechanics based on priorities set by the Shop Manager and Operations.
• Monitor job progress and shift work as needed to meet return-to-service targets.
• Serve as the first point of contact for mechanics with technical questions.
• Coordinate with dispatch/Operations on unit status, down units, and estimated completion times.
• Cover shop floor coordination when the Shop Manager is absent, escalating decisions outside lead authority to the Shop Manager.

Quality Control & Records

• Inspect completed work for quality and safety before units return to service; follow up on comebacks and repeat repairs.
• Make sure work orders in TMT are complete and accurate, including labor, parts, and repair notes.
• Keep accurate inspection, PM, and repair records in TMT to support DOT/FMCSA compliance.
• Identify warranty-eligible repairs and give the Shop Manager the details needed for warranty claims.

Training & Mentoring

• Train and mentor mechanics, helpers, and apprentices on repair methods, diagnostics, TMT, and safe work practices.
• Give the Shop Manager input on mechanic skills, performance, and training needs.

Parts, Tools & Safety

• Identify parts needed for repairs and coordinate with the Parts Specialist; help keep parts usage accurately charged to work orders in TMT.
• Keep company-provided tools, diagnostic equipment, and work areas clean, organized, accounted for, and in good working order; report tool and equipment needs to the Shop Manager.
• Follow and enforce company safety rules, PPE use, lockout/tagout, and proper handling and disposal of oil, fluids, batteries, tires, and other hazardous materials.
• Report accidents, injuries, near-misses, and unsafe conditions to the Shop Manager immediately.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Diagnose and repair heavy-duty trucks, trailers, and equipment, including working on, under, and around vehicles.
• Lead and coordinate the daily work of mechanics on the shift.
• Inspect completed repairs and place unsafe units out of service.
• Use hand tools, power tools, diagnostic software, and shop equipment (lifts, jacks, air tools, welders).
• Use TMT and other computer systems to complete work orders and records.
• Communicate clearly with mechanics, the Shop Manager, Parts, and Operations, verbally and in writing.
• Maintain regular, reliable attendance, including early starts, extended hours, weekends, or on-call coverage when the shop needs it.