Mechanical Foreman (Remote)

Systems in Motion; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems in Motion is seeking a Mechanical Foreman to lead field installation crews on conveyor and material handling projects. You will supervise on-site activities, interpret mechanical layouts and drawings, and ensure work meets engineering specs, schedules, and safety standards.

As the primary on-site mechanical leader, you will coordinate with project management, engineering, and subcontractors, coach apprentices, and drive quality, productivity, and timely issue resolution on active sites.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum five years of conveyor, material handling, or industrial mechanical installation experience.
• Previous lead or foreman experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, conveyor layouts, structural drawings, and installation manuals.
• Working knowledge of hand tools, power tools, lasers, alignment equipment, forklifts, aerial lifts, hoists, and rigging practices.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise mechanical installation crews on active project sites.
• Plan daily activities, assign work, establish priorities, and verify completion.
• Coach and develop apprentices, installers, and lead installers.
• Conduct toolbox talks, pre-task planning, and daily crew coordination.
• Monitor productivity, workmanship, attendance, and professional conduct.
• Coordinate subcontractors and temporary labor when assigned.
• Lead the installation of belt, roller, chain-driven live roller, sortation, structural support, platform, guarding, and related material handling equipment.
• Interpret mechanical layouts, structural drawings, installation details, and manufacturer instructions.
• Oversee layout, elevation, alignment, leveling, belt tracking, and mechanical adjustment activities.
• Confirm installed equipment matches approved drawings, specifications, and field conditions.
• Protect materials and equipment and maintain an orderly work area.
• Coordinate field activities with Project Management, Engineering, Electrical Foremen, general contractors, customer representatives, and equipment vendors.
• Participate in project kickoff, planning, coordination, and progress meetings as requested.
• Communicate daily progress, schedule impacts, safety concerns, field conflicts, and resource needs promptly.
• Coordinate work sequencing with other trades to reduce interference and rework.
• Represent Systems in Motion professionally and respectfully at all times.
• Enforce safety requirements, including PPE, fall protection, lockout/tagout, hot work, rigging, and controlled work areas.
• Lead job hazard analysis and pre-task planning before work begins.
• Inspect completed work for alignment, fit, finish, function, and compliance.
• Stop work when an unsafe condition exists and escape concerns immediately.
• Drive completion of punch-list items and prevent repeat quality issues.
• Complete accurate daily reports, manpower records, progress updates, and equipment usage documentation.
• Track installation progress against the project schedule and report variances.
• Document field changes, drawing conflicts, damage, delays, and extra-work conditions.
• Manage tools, materials, rental equipment, and labor with attention to project cost.
• Support project turnover, closeout, and lessons-learned activities.
• Identify and resolve field installation problems using sound mechanical judgment.
• Coordinate design questions and field modifications with Project Management and Engineering before proceeding.
• Support mechanical checkout, startup, commissioning, and customer acceptance activities.
• Troubleshoot alignment, belt tracking, vibration, interference, and other mechanical issues.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Safety leadership

Scheduling

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Lasers

Rigging equipment

Forklifts

Aerial lifts

Power tools

Job description

Position Summary

The Mechanical Foreman leads field installation crews in the safe, efficient installation, assembly, alignment, and commissioning support of conveyor and material handling systems. This position serves as the primary on-site mechanical leader and is responsible for executing work in accordance with engineering drawings, project schedules, company standards, and customer requirements.

The Foreman leads by example, maintains a professional jobsite, coordinates daily activities with project stakeholders, develops crew members, and communicates progress, risks, and resource needs to management.

Job Responsibilities:

Leadership & Supervision

• Direct and supervise mechanical installation crews on active project sites.
• Plan daily activities, assign work, establish priorities, and verify completion.
• Coach and develop apprentices, installers, and lead installers.
• Conduct toolbox talks, pre-task planning, and daily crew coordination.
• Monitor productivity, workmanship, attendance, and professional conduct.
• Coordinate subcontractors and temporary labor when assigned.
• Lead the installation of belt, roller, chain-driven live roller, sortation, structural support, platform, guarding, and related material handling equipment.
• Interpret mechanical layouts, structural drawings, installation details, and manufacturer instructions.
• Oversee layout, elevation, alignment, leveling, belt tracking, and mechanical adjustment activities.
• Confirm installed equipment matches approved drawings, specifications, and field conditions.
• Protect materials and equipment and maintain an orderly work area.

Project Coordination & Communication

• Coordinate field activities with Project Management, Engineering, Electrical Foremen, general contractors, customer representatives, and equipment vendors.
• Participate in project kickoff, planning, coordination, and progress meetings as requested.
• Communicate daily progress, schedule impacts, safety concerns, field conflicts, and resource needs promptly.
• Coordinate work sequencing with other trades to reduce interference and rework.
• Represent Systems in Motion professionally and respectfully at all times.

Safety & Quality

• Enforce company, customer, and site-specific safety requirements, including PPE, fall protection, lockout/tagout, hot work, rigging, and controlled work areas.
• Lead job hazard analysis and pre-task planning before work begins.
• Inspect completed work for alignment, fit, finish, function, and compliance.
• Stop work when an unsafe condition exists and escape concerns immediately.
• Drive completion of punch-list items and prevent repeat quality issues.

Documentation & Cost Control

• Complete accurate daily reports, manpower records, progress updates, and equipment usage documentation.
• Track installation progress against the project schedule and report variances.
• Document field changes, drawing conflicts, damage, delays, and extra-work conditions.
• Manage tools, materials, rental equipment, and labor with attention to project cost.
• Support project turnover, closeout, and lessons-learned activities.

Problem Solving & Startup Support

• Identify and resolve field installation problems using sound mechanical judgment.
• Coordinate design questions and field modifications with Project Management and Engineering before proceeding.
• Support mechanical checkout, startup, commissioning, and customer acceptance activities.
• Troubleshoot alignment, belt tracking, vibration, interference, and other mechanical issues.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required; technical or trade-school training preferred.
• Minimum five years of conveyor, material handling, or industrial mechanical installation experience.
• Previous lead or foreman experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, conveyor layouts, structural drawings, and installation manuals.
• Working knowledge of hand tools, power tools, lasers, alignment equipment, forklifts, aerial lifts, hoists, and rigging practices.
• Basic computer and mobile-device skills for email, file access, reporting, and timekeeping.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to travel extensively and work overtime, weekends, or alternate shifts based on project requirements.
• Zero-harm safety leadership and policy compliance.
• Installation quality, first-time-right workmanship, and reduced rework.
• Schedule adherence, productive labor utilization, and timely issue escalation.
• Accurate field documentation and responsible use of materials, tools, and equipment.
• Professional customer communication and effective coordination with other trades.
• Crew development, accountability, and retention.