Maintenance Group Leader, Coating & Bonding - Crew C

Slate Auto; Warsaw (IN); On-site; USD 109,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate Auto is seeking an experienced Maintenance Group Leader to oversee coatings, including thin film and electrocoat systems, conveyors, robotics, and related equipment. You will lead a maintenance team, drive uptime, and ensure safety and reliability across plant facilities.

The role requires 8+ years in industrial maintenance with at least 2 years in a supervisory capacity; candidates with TPM/Lean/Six Sigma certifications are preferred.

Qualifications

• Hands-on maintenance and repair of industrial equipment.
• Experience with preventive/predictive maintenance programs.
• Ability to read blueprints and schematics.

Responsibilities

• Supervise maintenance technicians to ensure uptime and safety.
• Plan and improve maintenance programs.
• Lead RCA and capital projects.

Skills

Conveyors

Bearings

Seals

Shafts

Hydraulics

Pneumatics

Pipefitting

Welding

Machining

Rigging

Cranes/Hoists

Forklifts

PLC systems

Robotics

Electrical troubleshooting

Blueprints/Schematics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Relevant experience

Tools

CMMS

Microsoft Office

robotics software

Job description

ABOUT SLATE

At Slate, we’re building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them.

JOB DESCRIPTION | WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

We are seeking an experienced and hands‑on Maintenance Group Leader to oversee all aspects of Coatings, including Thin film/Electrocoat systems, conveyance, sealer systems (robotic and manual), robotic bonding cells, breakdown management, and Root Cause Analysis — from urgent repairs to capital projects. This role sets the standard for safety, efficiency, and reliability across equipment, machinery, and facility systems. The Maintenance Group Leader will:

• Lead a skilled maintenance team to support production uptime and equipment reliability.
• Partner with production, engineering, and plant leadership to minimize downtime and drive performance.
• Championing a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.

WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENT:

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO:

• Supervise, coach, and develop a team of maintenance technicians, setting expectations and ensuring adherence to safe work practices (LOTO, PPE, SOPs).
• Plan, execute, and continuously improve preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Troubleshoot and repair systems to include mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, PLCs, robotics, and vision systems.
• Coordinate and oversee contractors, vendors, and capital project work to ensure compliance with safety, quality, and performance standards.
• Partner with Production to minimize downtime, lead root‑cause analysis (RCA), and implement corrective actions.
• Manage spare parts inventory, reorder points, and cost controls; recommend critical spares.
• Lead installations, rigging, alignments, rebuilds, and equipment upgrades.
• Review blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings to support repair and project work.
• Ensure accurate documentation of work orders, PMs, and downtime events; report on KPIs (MTBF, MTTR, backlog).
• Oversee vendor quotes, scheduling, quality checks, and contractor safety compliance.
• Drive housekeeping, 5S standards, and safety culture across the shop.
• Advise leadership on long‑term equipment reliability, capital investment, and facility upgrades.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (preferred) or relevant experience.
• 8+ years of industrial maintenance, with 2+ years in a supervisory or lead role
• Hands‑on proficiency with conveyors, bearings, seals, shafts, hydraulics, pneumatics, and pipefitting.
• Skilled in welding/fabrication, machining, rigging, cranes/hoists, and forklifts.
• Proficiency in PLC systems, robotics, and electrical troubleshooting.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Proven ability to coach, schedule, and manage multi‑skilled trades teams.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Knowledge of TPM, Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and CI practices with measurable impact on MTBF/MTTR.
• Other Requirements: Able to work off‑shift, weekends, and overtime as needed.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and CMMS systems.
• Experienced in vendor management, budgeting, and capital improvement projects.
• Safety‑focused, results‑driven, and committed to operational excellence.
• Preferred: Certifications in maintenance, safety, Six Sigma, or leadership development/training.
• Fork truck, man lift certifications or ability to obtain.

SALARY RANGE:

The compensation for this position is the range Slate reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including job‑related knowledge; skillset; experience, education and training; certifications; work location; and other relevant business and organizational factors.

Base Pay Range (Annual) 108,877.00 - 163,316.00 USD Annual

WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE?

At Slate, we’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. The start‑up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness move our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, and is motivated by shared principles.

Safety First Delight Customers One Team Relentless Improvement Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy Respectful Collaboration Positive Legacy

WE WANT TO WORK WITH PEOPLE THAT REFLECT THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE.

Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff… employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason.

Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at slate‑[e-mail].

About Us

At Slate, we’ve got one job: building a vehicle you’ll fall in love with, right here in the USA. We believe that car buyers—not car companies—should call the shots. We like looking at a road, not a screen. We don’t like paying for stuff we don’t need. We like picking out the stuff we do need. We think dings are badges, not blemishes. But we know not everyone likes what we like. So, we built you a Slate: you make it yours.