Lead Mechanic

The Lead Mechanic is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, and reliability of all bowling machinery (pinsetters, ball returns, lane machines, scoring, etc.). This leadership role also handles hiring, training, vendor relationships, and ensures that all mechanical operations support the center’s goals for uptime, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Maintenance & Operations

• Oversee, perform, and verify repairs, adjustments, and preventive maintenance on all bowling equipment: pinsetters, ball returns, lane machines, scoring systems, bumpers, etc.
• Develop, refine, and implement a structured preventive maintenance schedule (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual).
• Quickly diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic issues, including pin jams and ball return malfunctions during live play.
• Test and validate system performance (cycle tests, timing, alignment, sensitivity, electronic diagnostics).
• Maintain equipment within the manufacturer’s specifications (AMF, QubicaAMF, Kegel, etc.).
• Manage calibration and adjustment of lane surfaces, pin decks, sweep bars, and other mechanical tolerances.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, train, and evaluate the mechanic / technician team.
• Provide hands-on guidance, especially for more complex repairs or rebuilds.
• Schedule and assign maintenance tasks and emergency call-outs.
• Hire, onboard, and develop new mechanics, including interviewing, training, and performance reviews.
• Serve as technical lead and primary resource for escalated issues.

Inventory, Vendor & Parts Management

• Maintain parts, supplies, and tool inventories.
• Forecast and order necessary replacement parts, consumables, lubricants, and components.
• Establish and maintain relationships with manufacturers, parts suppliers, and service vendors.
• Evaluate and approve purchase orders, pricing, and vendor performance.

Safety, Compliance & Documentation

• Enforce safety policies and OSHA regulations around all mechanical operations and shop practices.
• Ensure that lock-out/tag-out, guarding, PPE, and other safety protocols are followed.
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs, repair histories, and service records.
• Prepare reports to Facility Manager regarding downtime, repair trends, budget forecasts, and capital needs.
• Participate in budgeting and capital planning for equipment overhauls or replacements.

Facility & Cross-Functional Duties

• Assist in general facility maintenance (lighting, HVAC, plumbing, minor building repairs) as needed.
• Collaborate with operations, food & beverage, event, and management teams to support center needs (league nights, tournaments, special events).
• On-call availability for emergencies (evenings, weekends, holidays) to minimize disruption of play.

Qualifications & Skills

Experience / Education

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or vocational training a plus.
• Extensive hands-on experience (typically 7–10+ years) in maintaining bowling equipment or related mechanical systems.
• Prior supervisory or team lead experience preferred.
• Experience with AMF, QubicaAMF, Kegel, or other bowling machinery is highly preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, circuit diagrams, mechanical drawings, and manufacturer manuals.
• Familiarity with test instruments (multimeters, oscilloscopes, ammeters) and diagnostic tools.
• Experience in rebuilding / overhauling assemblies (gearboxes, drives, motors, solenoids, pneumatic systems).
• Solid understanding of preventive maintenance best practices.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Excellent organizational, planning, and time management capabilities.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) to coordinate with operations, management, and vendors.
• Ability to train, coach, and inspire a technical team.
• Problem-solving mindset, initiative, and ability to work under pressure.
• Dependable, flexible approach; willingness to work non-standard hours, holidays, and on-call shifts.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to lift and handle heavy components (up to 75 lbs or more, with assistance for heavier loads).
• Comfortable working in noisy, dusty, and potentially constricted environments under and around machinery.
• Proficiency using hand tools, power tools, ladders, and mechanical shop equipment.
• Able to stand, walk, bend, climb, reach, stoop, crawl, and work in confined spaces.

Preferred / Optional

• Formal certification or training in mechanical/electrical systems.
• Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) or software for maintenance tracking.
• Knowledge of lane-oiling systems, lane surface maintenance, and surface refinishing.
• Budgeting experience, cost control, and capital equipment planning.
• Experience managing contracts and service-level agreements with external vendors.

Flamingo Bowl is the only McAllen bowling, arcade, food and event destination! All 40 of our lanes are equipped with modern flat screen displays, automatic scoring and HD televisions so you can follow the big game or check out the latest music videos. 25th Lane Bar & Grill offers a casual dining menu, craft beers, wine and spirits.

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