Equipment Installation Lead - Contract

Lead or participate in manufacturing engineering projects and teams involving capacity installations, equipment debugging, and preparation of production lines and related components for Operations acceptance. • Apply advanced mechanical expertise to identify root causes and implement robust, production-ready solutions during line installations and debugging.

Job Title: Equipment Installation Lead
Location: Newton, NC
Duration: 12+ Months

Schedule: Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm , Occasional OT

Position Scope:
The Equipment Installation Lead is a senior technical role responsible for directing and performing complex mechanical equipment installations. This position provides on-site leadership, technical expertise, and project coordination to ensure installations are completed safely, on schedule, and in accordance with engineering specifications, quality standards, and customer requirements. The Lead Technician also serves as a subject matter expert and mentors junior technicians.
• This Engineering Project role focuses on capacity expansion and the mechanical installation and debugging of associated production lines.
• Lead or participate in manufacturing engineering projects and teams involving capacity installations, equipment debugging, and preparation of production lines and related components for Operations acceptance.
• Apply advanced mechanical expertise to identify root causes and implement robust, production-ready solutions during line installations and debugging.
• Apply knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering, machining, and design processes to improve equipment and manufacturing performance.
• Lead and support project planning and execution to provide timely, error-free mechanical support for multi-line equipment installations.
• Work effectively with vendors and suppliers to resolve technical issues while protecting project scope, schedule, and cost.
• Collaborate across functional groups and apply best practices to achieve daily project goals.
• Interpret and work from detailed engineering drawings, schematics, blueprints, and installation manuals.
• Perform advanced mechanical work, including rigging, leveling, precision alignment, torquing, piping, and mechanical integration.
• Troubleshoot and resolve installation problems, equipment malfunctions, and mechanical interferences.
• Verify that installations comply with OEM specifications, safety codes, and quality standards.

Team Leadership & Coordination
Serve as the on-site Lead Technician, directing the daily work of installation crews and subcontractors.
Assign tasks, track progress, and ensure labor and resources are used efficiently.
Train and mentor junior technicians through hands-on guidance and technical instruction.
Act as the primary technical liaison among field teams, engineers, project managers, and customers.
Quality & Documentation
Perform inspections and quality checks throughout installation.
Complete installation reports, checklists, punch lists, and as-built documentation.
Support equipment testing, startup, and customer acceptance.
Project Support
Support installation planning, sequencing, and scheduling.
Coordinate the materials, tools, and equipment required for installation.
Promote continuous improvement and best practices in installation methods.

Daily Responsibilities:
Maintain safe work practices and promptly report hazardous conditions or unsafe behaviors to the project team.
Lead installation and debugging activities to meet milestones and schedules for successful capacity expansions.
Design and implement mechanical solutions and process changes that improve manufacturing equipment capability.
Resolve mechanical and process issues through data analysis, experience, and collaboration with subject matter experts.
Manage spare-parts identification and storeroom entry based on supplier or engineering recommendations, accounting for available inventory across both plants.
Create and maintain engineering and operations documentation.
Train operations personnel on equipment and process changes.
Perform advanced troubleshooting, diagnosis, and repair of mechanical systems and equipment, including pumps, motors, conveyors, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
Align, test, and calibrate mechanical systems after installation.
Diagnose complex mechanical failures and recommend effective solutions.
Use blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals to support troubleshooting and repairs.
Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, efficiency, and safety.
Partner with other departments to implement process improvements.

Qualifications
Required Education:
Associate degree.
A high school diploma may be accepted with substantial hands-on experience.
Required Experience:
At least three years of experience installing new equipment in a manufacturing environment; startup experience is preferred.
Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, industrial equipment, and installation methods.
Demonstrated ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
Experience leading crews in industrial, manufacturing, semiconductor, energy, or similar environments.

Required Skills:
Ability to quickly learn new technologies and processes.
Strong technical foundation and mechanical engineering skills.
Ability to independently prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing installation environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Expertise in pneumatics, bearings, gear systems, conveyors, and other mechanical systems.
Ability to interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and schematics.
Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.
Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking abilities.
Knowledge of industrial safety regulations and practices.
Basic computer skills for recordkeeping and use of computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).

Certifications:
Mechatronics trade credentials are highly preferred.
Relevant mechanical or industrial certifications, such as Millwright, or Welding, are a plus.
Desired Skills:
Strong leadership skills
Hands-on experience with commercial manufacturing equipment.
Project leadership or management experience, including milestone management and budget accountability.
Experience managing vendors and suppliers on-site and remotely.
CAD experience.
Experience with Maximo, or maintenance leadership.
Detail-oriented and able to work with limited supervision.

Soft Skills:
Leadership experience in technical project management.
Ability to collaborate effectively within a team.
Ability to allocate and supervise resources to meet aggressive project milestones, schedules, specifications, and budgets.
Ability to shift priorities quickly.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Travel Requirements:
Travel between project sites in Newton and Hickory, North Carolina.

Work Schedule and Flexibility:
Standard schedule is 40 hours per week, with overtime expected. Project demands may require periodic off-hours coverage to complete work and coordinate with team members.
 

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