Maintenance Team Lead – Automation & Controls (2nd Shift)

HarperCollins Publishers; Brownsburg (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

HarperCollins Publishers is opening a state-of-the-art distribution center in Brownsburg, Indiana. The Maintenance Team Lead will guide technicians and oversee automated material handling systems to keep operations safe and efficient.

The role starts on first shift for startup and training, then transitions to second shift after April 5, 2027, with long-term evening coverage. Strong leadership and technical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical degree, vocational training, or certification in Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Electrical Technology, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of industrial maintenance experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, or similar environment.
• Prior team leadership experience preferred.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills, including PLC-controlled equipment and automation systems.
• Experience with conveyors, automated material handling equipment, pneumatics, hydraulics, motor controls, HVAC, and plumbing systems.
• Experience troubleshooting Allen-Bradley ControlLogix or a similar PLC platform preferred.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, blueprints, and technical drawings.
• Experience with 24VDC, 120VAC, and 480VAC electrical systems.
• Familiarity with NEC, NFPA 70E, and CMMS systems preferred.
• Clear communication, sound judgment, organization, and a collaborative leadership style.
• Ability to coach and develop team members while working effectively across departments.
• Availability to work flexible shifts, including weekends, overtime, and emergency call-ins as business needs might require.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily workflow, set priorities, and provide technical direction for Maintenance Technicians.
• Coach, train, and support team members to strengthen skills and performance.
• Plan and assign preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance activities.
• Troubleshoot and repair automated material handling systems, conveyors, packaging equipment, and facility equipment.
• Diagnose PLC-controlled equipment, electrical systems, sensors, VFDs, motors, pneumatics, hydraulics, and automation controls.
• Serve as the technical escalation point for complex equipment and automation issues.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions that improve reliability and reduce downtime.
• Partner with Operations leaders and supervisors to coordinate maintenance needs and minimize disruption.
• Support HVAC, plumbing, lighting, compressed air, dock equipment, building systems, and facility infrastructure.
• Assist with inspections, life-safety systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Support equipment installations, upgrades, modifications, and operational changeovers.
• Identify replacement parts, maintain inventory, and keep CMMS, PM, downtime, and maintenance records current.
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and service providers as needed.
• Participate in emergency response and facility evacuation procedures.
• Champion 5S, continuous improvement, equipment reliability, and facility improvement initiatives.
• Follow OSHA, Lockout/Tagout, NFPA 70E, and company safety standards.
• Provide after-hours maintenance and emergency support when required.
• Complete other duties and special projects that support operational needs.

Skills

Team leadership

Troubleshooting

PLC systems

Preventive maintenance

Electrical troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma

Technical degree or certification

Tools

CMMS

Allen-Bradley PLC

Job description

HarperCollins Publishers is opening a state-of-the-art distribution center in Brownsburg, Indiana. The Maintenance Team Lead will guide technicians and oversee automated material handling systems to keep operations safe and efficient.

The role starts on first shift for startup and training, then transitions to second shift after April 5, 2027, with long-term evening coverage. Strong leadership and technical skills are essential.