Maintenance Lead - Manufacturing

Mills Products; Athens (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Mills Products, LLC is seeking a hands-on Maintenance Lead to support our manufacturing operations. You will troubleshoot and repair electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems, and lead preventive maintenance to improve equipment reliability.

The role requires MIG welding, fabrication, basic machining, and proficiency with PLC ladder logic and various PLC platforms. Strong leadership, safety, and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong industrial maintenance experience.
• Self-starter who leads by example.

Responsibilities

• Lead maintenance issues and set example in resolving maintenance issues.

Skills

Maintenance experience

Self-starter

PLC ladder logic

Electrical & control troubleshooting

Schematic/prints troubleshooting

MIG welding

Fabrication

Pneumatics & hydraulics

Basic machining

Reading blueprints/schematics

AC/DC drives knowledge

Sensors (proximity/laser/photoelectric

Rigging basics

Hand & power tools

Sourcing replacement parts

Tools

Mitsubishi PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

AutomationDirect PLCs

Job description

Mills Products, LLC is seeking an experienced, hands‑on Maintenance Lead to support our manufacturing operations. This position is ideal for a skilled maintenance professional who enjoys troubleshooting equipment, solving problems, and taking ownership of keeping production equipment operating safely and efficiently.

The Maintenance Lead will serve as a technical resource for the maintenance function while remaining actively involved in day-to-day equipment troubleshooting, repairs, preventive maintenance, fabrication, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead by example and take initiative in identifying and resolving maintenance issues.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and control system problems.
• Troubleshoot electrical and control circuits with or without electrical prints.
• Access and troubleshoot PLC programs through direct laptop-to-PLC connections.
• Work with Mitsubishi, Allen-Bradley, and AutomationDirect PLCs.
• Read and understand ladder logic for equipment troubleshooting.
• Perform welding and fabrication work, primarily MIG welding. TIG and stick welding experience is a plus.
• Troubleshoot and maintain pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Perform basic machining tasks, including drilling and tapping.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical documentation.
• Work with AC drives, small DC drives, proximity switches, laser sensors, and photoelectric switches.
• Troubleshoot and understand basic analog control systems.
• Perform basic rigging activities as required.
• Use hand tools, power tools, and precision measurement equipment safely and effectively.
• Assist with purchasing maintenance parts and supplies.
• Maintain appropriate inventories of maintenance parts and non-inventory consumables.
• Identify, specify, and cross-reference replacement parts, including replacements for obsolete components.
• Support preventive maintenance activities and equipment reliability improvements.
• Maintain a safe, organized work environment and follow all company safety procedures.

Required Qualifications

The successful candidate should have:

• Strong industrial/manufacturing maintenance experience.
• Ability to work independently and be a self-starter who leads by example.
• Working knowledge of PLC ladder logic and the ability to connect directly to PLCs for troubleshooting.
• Strong electrical and control circuit troubleshooting skills.
• Experience troubleshooting equipment with and without prints or schematics.
• Proficiency in MIG welding and general fabrication.
• Working knowledge of pneumatics and hydraulics.
• Basic machining skills, including drilling and tapping.
• Ability to read blueprints and electrical/mechanical schematics.
• Knowledge of AC and small DC drives.
• Experience with proximity, laser, and photoelectric sensors.
• Basic understanding of analog controls.
• Basic rigging knowledge.
• Proficiency with the hand tools, measurement tools, and power tools commonly used in industrial maintenance.
• Ability to identify and source replacement components and cross-reference obsolete parts.
• Good organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Experience

• TIG and/or stick welding experience.
• Experience with Mitsubishi, Allen-Bradley, and AutomationDirect PLCs.
• Previous experience in a metal fabrication or similar manufacturing environment.
• Previous lead or maintenance leadership experience.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who doesn't simply wait for a work order. The right person will take ownership of equipment issues, work through problems methodically, communicate effectively with production and leadership, and help improve the overall reliability of our operation.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Environment: Manufacturing

Mills Products, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.