Diesel Mechanic Foreman

SST Direct; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Professional development assistance

Job summary

SST Direct is seeking a Shop Foreman/Lead Diesel Mechanic in Indianapolis to lead a diesel fleet maintenance team and drive high-performance operations. You will perform advanced diagnostics and repairs while upholding workmanship standards and fleet readiness.

The role requires mentoring technicians, managing shop workflow, coordinating parts and vendors, and providing daily updates to leadership with downtime risk assessments.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of mechanical experience in fleet or equipment environments.
• DOT certification required or ability to obtain within 90 days.
• Experience leading or training technicians.
• Experience sourcing parts and managing vendor relationships.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced diagnostics, repairs, and troubleshooting across fleet and equipment.
• Lead by example in the shop, setting the standard for workmanship, urgency, and accountability.
• Train and develop technicians through hands-on coaching and real-time problem solving.
• Manage shop workflow to ensure efficient movement of assets from intake through return to service.
• Assign and manage work orders, ensuring timely completion and documentation.
• Maintain 95%+ fleet uptime by proactively addressing issues and minimizing downtime.
• Execute preventative maintenance programs to achieve 100% compliance.
• Source parts, manage vendor relationships, and submit purchase orders.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized shop environment.
• Support field crews by ensuring equipment is fully operational.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical skills

Diagnostics

Troubleshooting

Diesel systems

Hydraulic systems

Electrical systems

DOT compliance

Mentoring

Organization

Workflow management

Communication

Process-driven

CMMS

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Shop Foreman/Lead Diesel Mechanic

Location: Onsite – Indianapolis, IN
Pay Range: $35–$45/hour
Schedule: Monday–Friday

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Professional development assistance

Position Summary

The Lead Diesel Mechanic/Shop Foreman is a hands-on leadership role responsible for driving high-performance fleet and equipment operations while performing advanced diagnostics and repairs that directly support field production. This individual will lead by example, maintain high standards for workmanship and accountability, and ensure fleet readiness through proactive maintenance and efficient shop operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform advanced diagnostics, repairs, and troubleshooting across fleet and equipment
• Lead by example in the shop, setting the standard for workmanship, urgency, and accountability
• Train and develop technicians through hands‑on coaching and real‑time problem solving
• Manage shop workflow to ensure efficient movement of assets from intake through return to service
• Assign and manage work orders, ensuring timely completion and accurate documentation
• Maintain 95%+ fleet uptime by proactively addressing issues and minimizing downtime
• Execute preventative maintenance programs to achieve 100% compliance
• Ensure no asset remains idle in the shop for more than 48 hours without documented cause
• Serve as the final quality control checkpoint before assets are returned to service
• Maintain accurate inventory of parts, tools, and consumables while preventing shortages
• Source parts, manage vendor relationships, and submit purchase order requests in alignment with company standards
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized shop environment
• Support field crews and operations teams by ensuring equipment is fully operational and ready for use
• Provide proactive communication regarding equipment status, repair timelines, and operational risks
• Operate with urgency and decisiveness to minimize downtime and accelerate repair turnaround
• Perform DOT inspections and ensure compliance across the fleet
• Provide daily updates to leadership regarding equipment status, downtime risks, and overall shop performance
• Hold technicians accountable for productivity, repair quality, and documentation standards
• Support seasonal readiness efforts for both lawn and snow operations

Qualifications and Skills

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead by example in a hands‑on environment
• Advanced mechanical, diagnostic, and troubleshooting abilities
• Knowledge of diesel, hydraulic, and electrical systems
• Strong understanding of DOT compliance requirements
• Ability to train and mentor technicians
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage workflow and prioritize tasks effectively
• Strong communication skills and transparency with operations leadership
• Process‑driven mindset with a commitment to systems and execution

Education and Experience

• 5+ years of mechanical experience in fleet or equipment environments
• Previous experience leading or training technicians preferred
• DOT certification required or ability to obtain within 90 days
• Experience sourcing parts and managing vendor relationships
• Experience scheduling and managing shop workflow
• Fleet, construction, or landscaping equipment experience preferred
• CMMS or maintenance software experience preferred
• Valid driver’s license required
• CDL preferred
• Welding and fabrication experience preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs
• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments
• Ability to safely operate equipment and tools
• Ability to work extended hours during peak seasons

INDH