Maintenance Team Lead - Automation & PLCs

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

HarperCollins Publishers seeks a hands-on Maintenance Team Lead to guide Technicians in our highly automated distribution center in Brownsburg, Indiana. You will drive preventive maintenance, reliability improvements, and safe operations, including complex PLC and electrical systems.

The role starts on first shift for startup and training, then transitions to second shift after Apr 5, 2027, based on needs. Strong leadership and technical skills required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of industrial maintenance experience in manufacturing or warehouse settings.
• 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting, including PLC-controlled equipment and automation systems.
• Experience with conveyors, automated material handling equipment, pneumatics, hydraulics, motor controls, HVAC, and plumbing systems.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix or similar PLC platforms.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, blueprints, and technical drawings.
• Familiarity with NEC, NFPA 70E, and CMMS systems.
• Willingness to work first, second, or third shift, including weekends and holidays.

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.
• Coordinate with Operations leaders and supervisors to 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

Leadership experience

PLC troubleshooting

Electrical troubleshooting

Mechanical troubleshooting

Conveyors

Safety compliance

Education

Technical degree in Industrial Maintenance

Mechatronics certification

Tools

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix

CMMS

Job description

HarperCollins Publishers seeks a hands-on Maintenance Team Lead to guide Technicians in our highly automated distribution center in Brownsburg, Indiana. You will drive preventive maintenance, reliability improvements, and safe operations, including complex PLC and electrical systems.

The role starts on first shift for startup and training, then transitions to second shift after Apr 5, 2027, based on needs. Strong leadership and technical skills required.