Lead Mechanic - CAT

Cooper Machinery Services; Deer Park (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cooper Machinery Services is seeking a Lead Mechanic to oversee daily shop operations, disassemble and rebuild complex natural gas engines and compressors, and mentor junior mechanics. You will drive in-frame overhauls of CAT 3600 and similar equipment, inspect and test components, and ensure work is performed to exacting standards.

The role requires extensive hands-on experience, strong reading of prints, and certification readiness for lifting equipment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in mechanical test and assembly/disassembly, or heavy equipment repair and maintenance.
• 8+ years in operations or service-center applications (preferred).
• Must have CAT 3600 Engine experience.
• Strong working knowledge of natural gas engine and compressor cylinder equipment.
• Ability to read detailed prints and use micrometers, dial calipers, and dial indicators with precision.
• A valid driver's license, and a forklift/overhead-crane certification (or ability to obtain one).

Responsibilities

• Lead daily shop activity, coordinating workflow so work is done safely, efficiently, and to spec.
• Train and mentor mechanics at every level, building technical capability and craftsmanship across the team.
• Serve as the technical resource for advanced troubleshooting, techniques, and specialized tool use.
• Drive complex overhauls — including CAT 3600 and Waukesha 7042/7044 in-frame, complete shop zero-hour rebuilds.
• Disassemble, inspect, reassemble, test, and paint highly complex engine and compressor equipment.
• Conduct and document risk assessments before crane, lift truck, and heavy-equipment operations.
• Keep documentation — routers, inspection reports, test results — complete and accurate.
• Partner with Engineering and Quality on root-cause investigations and process improvements.
• Champion EHS and Compliance & Integrity standards on every job, every day.

Skills

Leadership

CAT 3600 Engine

Blueprint reading

Micrometer use

Dial calipers

Forklift cert

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Every legendary engine that leaves our shop runs because someone put it back together right. At Cooper Machinery Services, that someone is our Lead Mechanic — the shop‑floor expert other mechanics turn to when the work gets hard and the tolerances get tight.

If you can take apart a CAT 3600 or a Waukesha 7042/7044, rebuild it to zero‑hour spec, and teach the next mechanic how to do the same, we want to talk to you.

ABOUT COOPER MACHINERY SERVICES

With a heritage dating back to 1833, Cooper Machinery Services is the OEM behind legendary natural gas compression brands — Cooper‑Bessemer™, Ajax™, Superior™, Gemini, TSI, CSI, Enterprise, and Joy. Headquartered in Houston, TX, with service and commercial hubs around the world, we support more than 22,000 units in our installed base across the Oil & Gas, Power, Transportation, and Marine sectors.

Our strength is our people. We believe strong relationships drive strong results — and it's our people who make Cooper legendary.

THE ROLE

As Lead Mechanic, you'll perform expert‑level disassembly, positioning, reassembly, testing, and painting of moderate‑to‑highly‑complex natural gas engines and compressors — using manual, pneumatic, and hydraulic tools to fit, adjust, and secure precision components. Beyond your own bench, you'll provide daily oversight of shop activity, serve as the technical go‑to when problems get complicated, and help the whole floor raise its game.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead daily shop activity, coordinating workflow so work is done safely, efficiently, and to spec.
• Train and mentor mechanics at every level, building technical capability and craftsmanship across the team.
• Serve as the technical resource for advanced troubleshooting, techniques, and specialized tool use.
• Drive complex overhauls — including CAT 3600 and Waukesha 7042/7044 in‑frame, complete shop zero‑hour rebuilds.
• Disassemble, inspect, reassemble, test, and paint highly complex engine and compressor equipment.
• Conduct and document risk assessments before crane, lift truck, and heavy‑equipment operations.
• Keep documentation — routers, inspection reports, test results — complete and accurate.
• Partner with Engineering and Quality on root‑cause investigations and process improvements.
• Champion EHS and Compliance & Integrity standards on every job, every day.

WHAT YOU BRING

• High school diploma or GED from an accredited school or institution.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical test and assembly/disassembly, or heavy equipment repair and maintenance.
• 8+ years of experience in operations or service‑center applications (preferred).
• Must have CAT 3600 Engine experience
• Strong working knowledge of natural gas engine and compressor cylinder equipment (strongly preferred).
• Ability to read detailed prints and use micrometers, dial calipers, and dial indicators with precision.
• A valid driver's license, and a forklift/overhead‑crane certification (or ability to obtain one).

WHAT SETS YOU APART

• A true team player who mentors as naturally as they wrench.
• Comfortable working un‑directed from engineering specs, inspecting your own work for integrity.
• Sharp troubleshooting instincts on highly complex equipment.
• Experience running hydro‑pressure and functional tests on assemblies and sub‑assemblies.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, schematic literacy, and solid basic math skills.
• Background in manufacturing or shop/service‑center operations.

GOOD TO KNOW

This is hands‑on, floor‑based work: expect an 8‑hour shop day with pushing, pulling, lifting (up to 50 lbs.), bending, and stretching, sometimes in extreme heat and both indoors and outdoors. Overtime, weekends, and holidays are part of the role, and proper PPE — hearing and eye protection — is required at all times.

READY TO LEAD THE FLOOR?

If you've got the hands, the experience, and the instinct to lead, Cooper Machinery Services wants you on our team.

Cooper Machinery Services is an equal opportunity employer and gives all qualified applicants consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.