Lead Maintenance Technician - PLC & Equipment Reliability

Darnel, Inc.; Monroe, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Darnel Group is seeking a Maintenance Technician Lead to provide hands-on technical support and day-to-day guidance to maintenance technicians, ensuring production equipment, utilities, and facility systems run safely and efficiently.

You will help plan and complete preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshoot complex issues, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and promote safe work practices and equipment reliability.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment, including hands-on troubleshooting and repair experience.
• Previous lead, senior technician, or team coordination experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and industrial equipment systems.
• Ability to read and interpret equipment manuals, schematics, blueprints, work instructions, and technical documentation.
• Experience using maintenance systems, work order systems, or CMMS tools to document work and track maintenance activity.
• Ability to work outside standard work hours as needed to support breakdowns, equipment issues, shutdowns, projects, or urgent business needs.
• Strong problem-solving, organization, communication, and follow-up skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification or associate degree in Industrial Maintenance, Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology, or a related field preferred.
• Ability to make sound decisions regarding equipment repairs, troubleshooting priorities, safety concerns, and production support needs.
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, and measurement instruments safely and effectively.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
• Experience with PLC troubleshooting, automated equipment, extrusion or thermoforming equipment, and/or food packaging manufacturing equipment.
• Bilingual English and Spanish skills.
• Typical/Expected Overnight Travel: Limited travel expected.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on maintenance support and day-to-day guidance to maintenance technicians to help ensure production equipment, utilities, and facility systems remain operational.
• Assist with planning, scheduling, and completing preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, repairs, equipment inspections, and work orders.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and controls-related equipment issues and provide hands-on technical support when needed.
• Coordinate with production, quality, engineering, EHS, and leadership teams to prioritize repairs, communicate equipment status, and reduce production interruptions.
• Ensure all maintenance work is performed safely and in compliance with company policies, lockout/tagout requirements, PPE standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Coach and support maintenance team members by sharing technical knowledge, safe work practices, troubleshooting methods, equipment procedures, and maintenance standards.
• Review completed work orders, maintenance logs, downtime information, and parts usage to identify trends, recurring issues, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to equipment reliability, maintenance processes, spare parts management, and overall operational efficiency.
• Maintain appropriate communication during shift changes, breakdowns, project work, and urgent maintenance situations.
• Support company initiatives, strategic goals, and team collaboration efforts.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Maintenance experience

Lead / coordination

Mechanical systems

Electrical systems

Pneumatic systems

Hydraulic systems

Reading schematics

CMMS / work orders

English literacy

PLC troubleshooting

Spanish bilingual

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Darnel Group is seeking a Maintenance Technician Lead to provide hands-on technical support and day-to-day guidance to maintenance technicians, ensuring production equipment, utilities, and facility systems run safely and efficiently.

You will help plan and complete preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshoot complex issues, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and promote safe work practices and equipment reliability.