Shop Manager/Mechanic

Vortex Companies - Trenchless Infrastructure Solutions; Decatur (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Vacation

Employee assistance

Job summary

Vortex Companies, LLC is seeking a hands-on Shop Manager to keep vehicles, trailers, and equipment in top condition while leading a team in a fast-paced environment. The role focuses on diagnosing and repairing mechanical issues, scheduling maintenance, and ensuring safety compliance across field operations.

You will travel regularly to jobsites, perform repairs outdoors, and coordinate with field leadership to minimize downtime.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of experience repairing trucks, trailers, heavy equipment, or construction equipment.
• Previous shop leadership or lead mechanic experience preferred.
• Technical school training or applicable mechanical certifications are preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, repair, and maintain company trucks, trailers, construction equipment, and small equipment.
• Perform hands-on mechanical work, including preventive maintenance and emergency repairs.
• Troubleshoot diesel, hydraulic, electrical, and other mechanical issues.

Skills

Hands-on mechanical

Leadership

Safety-focused

Strong communication

Ability to travel

Education

Technical school training or certs

Tools

Diesel engines

Hydraulics

Electrical systems

Brakes

Job description

Want to be part of one of the country’s fastest growing infrastructure businesses? The Vortex Companies, LLC delivers cutting edge trenchless technologies and turnkey services to make the worlds water cleaner and we’re growing every day!

We think BIG about solving the world’s toughest challenges in failing water, sewer and industrial infrastructure.

At Vortex, you will be surrounded with a culture that puts your safety first in all we do. If you like a fast-paced environment, a team structure that provides support, training, and development, then apply today!

The Shop Manager is a hands‑on working manager responsible for keeping Company vehicles, trailers, construction equipment, and tools maintained, repaired, and ready for the field. The Shop Manager will spend most of the day turning wrenches, troubleshooting mechanical issues, completing repairs, and keeping the shop running safely and efficiently.

This position will also travel heavily to jobsites to diagnose equipment problems, perform field repairs, and help keep crews working. The ideal candidate is an experienced mechanic who takes ownership, works with a sense of urgency, and is willing to jump in wherever needed.

This position reports directly to the Operations Manager. Heavy travel to jobsites, including overnight travel, is required.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Maintenance & Repair

• Diagnose, repair, and maintain Company trucks, trailers, construction equipment, and small equipment
• Perform hands‑on mechanical work, including preventive maintenance and emergency repairs
• Troubleshoot diesel, hydraulic, electrical, and other mechanical issues
• Perform routine inspections, oil changes, brake repairs, tire work, and other scheduled maintenance
• Respond to equipment breakdowns and work quickly to get equipment back in service
• Determine whether repairs can be completed internally or need to be sent to an outside vendor
• Test equipment after repairs to ensure it is safe and working properly
• Identify repeat equipment problems and recommend long‑term solutions

Shop Operations

• Manage the daily operation of the shop while continuing to perform hands‑on repairs
• Prioritize maintenance and repairs based on jobsite and operational needs
• Keep the shop clean, organized, safe, and ready for work
• Ensure tools, parts, supplies, and shop equipment are properly maintained and available
• Track parts and supplies and communicate purchasing needs to the Operations Manager
• Maintain accurate inspection, maintenance, and repair records
• Coordinate with Operations to schedule maintenance without unnecessarily delaying crews or projects
• Make sure equipment is properly inspected before being returned to the field

Jobsite & Field Support

• Travel regularly to jobsites to diagnose and repair vehicles and equipment
• Respond to equipment breakdowns in the field
• Perform repairs in outdoor and jobsite conditions when necessary
• Communicate repair needs, equipment status, and expected downtime to the Operations Manager and field leadership
• Work directly with field crews to understand equipment problems and determine the best repair solution
• Help coordinate the movement of equipment when repairs cannot be completed at the jobsite
• Remain flexible and available to respond to changing project needs and urgent repairs

Leadership & Team Support

• Help train employees on equipment inspections, basic maintenance, and proper equipment care
• Set clear expectations for safety, repair quality, cleanliness, and accountability
• Work alongside employees and assist with difficult or time‑sensitive repairs

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure vehicles and equipment are maintained in safe operating condition
• Follow all Company safety policies and manufacturer repair procedures
• Identify unsafe equipment and remove it from service when necessary
• Support required DOT inspections, maintenance, and recordkeeping for applicable vehicles
• Ensure repairs are completed correctly before equipment is returned to service
• Maintain a safe work area and properly store tools, parts, fluids, and hazardous materials
• Report safety concerns, equipment damage, and mechanical issues promptly

Vendor & Repair Coordination

• Work with dealerships, outside repair shops, parts suppliers, and equipment vendors when needed
• Obtain repair estimates and communicate significant repair needs to the Operations Manager
• Review outside repairs to ensure the work was completed correctly
• Help control repair costs while maintaining safety and quality
• Recommend whether equipment should be repaired, replaced, or removed from service

General Responsibilities

• Communicate regularly with the Operations Manager and field leadership
• Manage multiple repairs and changing priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Provide clear updates regarding repair status, parts needs, and equipment downtime
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record
• Travel extensively to jobsites, including overnight and extended travel
• Work extended hours, weekends, or on‑call hours when needed to support operations
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Experience

• Five or more years of experience repairing trucks, trailers, heavy equipment, or construction equipment preferred
• Previous shop leadership or lead mechanic experience preferred
• Strong experience with diesel engines, hydraulics, electrical systems, brakes, and mechanical troubleshooting
• Experience working with construction, utility, pipeline, or industrial equipment is strongly preferred
• Experience maintaining DOT‑regulated vehicles is a plus
• Technical school training or applicable mechanical certifications are preferred but not required

Skills & Abilities

• Strong hands‑on mechanical and troubleshooting skills
• Willing and able to turn wrenches as the primary part of the job
• Able to lead others while working alongside them
• Able to work independently and make sound repair decisions in the field
• Strong sense of urgency, ownership, and follow‑through
• Able to prioritize repairs based on safety and operational needs
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, field‑driven environment
• Able to communicate clearly with mechanics, field crews, supervisors, and management
• Safety‑focused and committed to completing repairs correctly
• Willing and able to travel heavily to jobsites

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 75 pounds
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, climb, crawl, and work in tight spaces
• Ability to work underneath, on top of, and around vehicles and equipment
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, and shop machinery
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather and jobsite conditions
• Ability to work extended hours when needed to complete repairs or respond to equipment breakdowns

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits packages that include health insurance, retirement plans, vacation, and other employee assistance offerings.

Vortex Companies, LLC and all of its subsidiaries, considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, or sexual orientation. All applicants will be considered solely on the basis of their qualifications.

We are a fair chance employer.