Maintenance Lead

POSITION SUMMARY

The Maintenance Lead is the senior-most position in ReadyOne Industries’ Garment Mechanic career ladder and serves as the primary technical authority and team leader for all garment maintenance operations. This role is responsible for the overall performance, capability, and direction of the maintenance team — leading technicians across all levels, ensuring equipment uptime and reliability, managing maintenance planning and scheduling, and driving continuous improvement. The Maintenance Lead is the only position at this level (maximum of one), and advancement from Level 3 Advanced requires a minimum of one (1) year of seniority at the Level 3 Advanced position. This role requires expert-level technical competency, strong coaching and communication skills, and a commitment to ReadyOne’s AbilityOne mission.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- Lead, direct, and coordinate the daily activities of the garment maintenance team including Level 0 through Level 3 Advanced Mechanics; assign work orders, prioritize repairs, and ensure timely completion of all maintenance tasks.

- Serve as the expert technical resource for the entire garment maintenance team; provide hands-on support for the most complex diagnoses, repairs, and equipment overhauls across all machine types.

- Perform and oversee maintenance, repair, programming, and setup of all sewing and garment manufacturing equipment including all automated and programmable machine types, Jack Machines, and the full installed machine base.

- Apply advanced pneumatics, electricity, electronics, and servo motor knowledge, together with automation knowledge, to independently resolve the most demanding equipment challenges and lead root-cause analysis efforts.

- Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive preventive maintenance programs for all garment equipment; oversee CMMS/TPM documentation and parts inventory management.

- Lead and coordinate equipment overhauls, rebuilds, and new equipment installations; partner with Engineering on NPI activities, process improvements, and equipment evaluations.

- Coach, mentor, and develop all mechanics; identify training needs, set performance expectations, and conduct feedback discussions in partnership with HR.

- Monitor and verify technician timekeeping, attendance, and training compliance; escalate performance or conduct concerns to the Maintenance and Technical Services Supervisor and HR as appropriate.

- Participate in production and maintenance planning meetings; communicate maintenance status, equipment risks, and resource needs to Operations and Engineering leadership.

- Champion a culture of safety, accountability, 5S, and continuous improvement across the maintenance team; enforce all OSHA, MSDS, and LOTO requirements without exception.

- Evaluate and recommend improvements to maintenance processes, tooling, spare parts strategy, and equipment reliability programs.

- Maintain the master program library, Jack Machine and automation documentation, machine parameter records, and technical reference materials for the team.

- Adhere to and execute company policies and procedures while actively supporting continuous improvement across all maintenance and operational processes.

- Ensure all safety attachments are properly installed and functioning on all equipment including finger guards, eye shields, belt covers, and gear covers.

- Perform preventive maintenance on assigned equipment in accordance with established schedules and manufacturer specifications.

- Set up equipment as assigned to support production requirements and scheduling.

- Ensure all equipment in the assigned area is maintained in proper and safe working order at all times.

- Complete and maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, and TPM documentation.

- Apply 5S standards and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area at all times.

- Comply with MSDS/SDS requirements for handling and storage of chemicals and materials.

- Apply and verify lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures before performing any maintenance or repair activity.

- Communicate equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or maintenance concerns to the Maintenance and Technical Services Supervisor promptly.

- Perform other duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

Qualifications

REPORTING STRUCTURE

The Maintenance Lead reports directly to the Maintenance and Technical Services Supervisor. This is the only Maintenance Lead position; a maximum of one (1) incumbent is permitted. This position has direct functional leadership responsibility over all Garment Mechanic levels (Level 0 through Level 3 Advanced). Internal advancement from Level 3 Advanced requires a minimum of one (1) year of seniority at the Level 3 Advanced position.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

- High School Diploma or GED required.

- Technical or vocational certificate in industrial maintenance, mechatronics, electronics, or a related field required.

Experience

- Minimum of five (5) years of on-the-job garment maintenance experience required; one (1) year minimum seniority at the Level 3 Advanced position required for internal candidates.

- Advanced proficiency in pneumatics, electricity, electronics, servo motors, sewing machine mechanics (including programmable and automated heads), and cutting room, pressing, and conveyor/UPS systems required.

- Programming knowledge and demonstrated Jack Machine programming and maintenance capability required; ability to repair all sewing machine types in the facility required.

- Basic automation knowledge required; experience with NPI, equipment validation, and technical documentation preferred.

- Demonstrated coaching and team leadership capability; excellent communication skills and cross-functional collaboration experience required.

- Zero accidents, zero absenteeism, and zero warnings in the last 6 months required.

- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

- Frequently bends, kneels, stoops, twists, and reaches with hands and arms during equipment maintenance activities.

- Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 50 pounds.

- Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) as directed, including safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection in designated areas.

- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

- Regularly exposed to a manufacturing environment with moving machinery, noise, production equipment, and varying temperatures.

- Occasionally exposed to fumes, airborne particles, vibration, and outdoor weather conditions.

- Adherence to all ReadyOne safety standards and OSHA regulations required at all times.