About this role
Lead Mechanic
Department: Shop Operations / Fleet Maintenance (Dayton, TX Shop)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Shop Manager (no Shop Foreman position at this location)
Supervises: No direct reports; provides lead direction, training, and work coordination for Mechanics/Diesel Technicians and Mechanic Helpers/Apprentices on the assigned shift
Confidentiality Level: Low to Moderate — access to repair records, parts pricing, and work order information
Decision Responsibilities: Assigns and sequences daily work orders as directed by the Shop Manager; makes diagnostic and repair-method decisions; signs off on quality of completed repairs; places units out of service for safety defects; recommends parts, outside repairs, and repair-versus-replace to the Shop Manager; gives input on mechanic performance but does not hire, discipline, or terminate
Authorized Expenditure: None independently; may request parts and supplies through the Parts Specialist per company purchasing policy (any limit to be confirmed)
Location: Dayton, TX shop and equipment yard
Position Summary
The Lead Mechanic is the senior hands-on technician at the Dayton, TX shop and, with no Shop Foreman at this location, the Shop Manager's point person on the shop floor. The role diagnoses and repairs heavy-duty tractors, trailers, and equipment while leading the daily work of the mechanics on shift: assigning and coordinating jobs, checking repair quality, training less-experienced mechanics, and keeping the shop safe, organized, and compliant with DOT/FMCSA maintenance requirements. The Lead Mechanic covers shop floor coordination when the Shop Manager is unavailable.
Key Responsibilities
Diagnosis & Repair
- Diagnose and repair diesel engines, brakes, electrical, HVAC, drivetrain, suspension, and trailer systems on heavy-duty trucks, trailers, and support equipment.
- Handle the shop's most complex diagnostic and repair jobs using company-provided electronic diagnostic software and shop equipment.
- Perform preventive maintenance (PM) services and DOT annual (periodic) inspections to company and FMCSA standards.
- Road-test or move units as needed to verify repairs (Class A CDL preferred).
Lead Direction & Work Coordination
- Assign and sequence daily work orders to mechanics based on priorities set by the Shop Manager and Operations.
- Monitor job progress and shift work as needed to meet return-to-service targets.
- Serve as the first point of contact for mechanics with technical questions.
- Coordinate with dispatch/Operations on unit status, down units, and estimated completion times.
- Cover shop floor coordination when the Shop Manager is absent, escalating decisions outside lead authority to the Shop Manager.
Quality Control & Records
- Inspect completed work for quality and safety before units return to service; follow up on comebacks and repeat repairs.
- Make sure work orders in TMT are complete and accurate, including labor, parts, and repair notes.
- Keep accurate inspection, PM, and repair records in TMT to support DOT/FMCSA compliance.
- Identify warranty-eligible repairs and give the Shop Manager the details needed for warranty claims.
Training & Mentoring
- Train and mentor mechanics, helpers, and apprentices on repair methods, diagnostics, TMT, and safe work practices.
- Give the Shop Manager input on mechanic skills, performance, and training needs.
Parts, Tools & Safety
- Identify parts needed for repairs and coordinate with the Parts Specialist; help keep parts usage accurately charged to work orders in TMT.
- Keep company-provided tools, diagnostic equipment, and work areas clean, organized, accounted for, and in good working order; report tool and equipment needs to the Shop Manager.
- Follow and enforce company safety rules, PPE use, lockout/tagout, and proper handling and disposal of oil, fluids, batteries, tires, and other hazardous materials.
- Report accidents, injuries, near-misses, and unsafe conditions to the Shop Manager immediately.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Essential Functions (ADA)
- Diagnose and repair heavy-duty trucks, trailers, and equipment, including working on, under, and around vehicles.
- Lead and coordinate the daily work of mechanics on the shift.
- Inspect completed repairs and place unsafe units out of service.
- Use hand tools, power tools, diagnostic software, and shop equipment (lifts, jacks, air tools, welders).
- Use TMT and other computer systems to complete work orders and records.
- Communicate clearly with mechanics, the Shop Manager, Parts, and Operations, verbally and in writing.
- Maintain regular, reliable attendance, including early starts, extended hours, weekends, or on-call coverage when the shop needs it.
Qualifications
Qualifications
Education
- Required: High school diploma or GED.
- Preferred: Diesel or heavy-equipment technology certificate or associate degree from a vocational or technical school.
Experience
- Required: 4+ years of heavy-duty truck and trailer maintenance and repair experience; demonstrated ability to diagnose complex mechanical and electrical problems.
- Preferred: 6+ years of heavy-duty fleet maintenance; 1+ year in a lead, senior technician, or trainer role; experience in a trucking fleet shop; experience with TMT.
Certifications
- Required at hire: Valid driver's license.
- Required within a set period (timeframe to be confirmed): FMCSA-qualified brake inspector and annual (periodic) vehicle inspector.
- Preferred: Class A CDL (for moving and road-testing units); ASE Medium/Heavy Truck certifications (T-series); EPA Section 609 (A/C refrigerant); OSHA 10; forklift certification; welding experience or certification.
Technical Skills
- Advanced diagnostic and repair knowledge of diesel engines (e.g., Cummins, Detroit, PACCAR), aftertreatment (DPF/SCR), air brakes, electrical, HVAC, transmissions, drivetrain, suspension, and trailer systems.
- Proficient with electronic diagnostic tools and software (e.g., Cummins INSITE, Detroit DiagnosticLink, Noregon JPRO).
- Working knowledge of DOT/FMCSA maintenance and inspection requirements.
- Ability to create and complete work orders in TMT; basic computer skills.
- Ability to read service manuals, wiring diagrams, and technical bulletins.
Soft Skills
- Ability to lead by example and earn the respect of other mechanics.
- Patience and skill in teaching and coaching.
- Clear verbal and written communication.
- Prioritization and problem-solving under time pressure.
- Teamwork and cooperation with Operations and support staff.
- Integrity, safety mindset, and attention to quality.
Other Requirements
- Tools: The company provides all shop tools and diagnostic equipment; mechanics are not required to supply their own tools.
- Must pass pre-employment drug screen and background check per company policy (DOT drug and alcohol testing applies if the employee holds a CDL and performs safety-sensitive driving).
Travel Requirements
Minimal travel (under 10%), mainly local roadside/breakdown calls and trips to vendors or dealers in the Dayton/Houston area. Occasional travel to other Bennett shop locations for training or coverage may be required.
Assumption — confirm with the business unit.
Physical Requirements
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching overhead, and climbing on and under equipment for extended periods.
- Regular lifting and carrying up to 75 lbs; heavier components lifted with assistance or equipment.
- Constant use of hands for gripping and operating hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.
- Good vision (including color vision for wiring) and hearing for inspecting equipment and working safely around moving vehicles.
- Computer and keyboard use for work orders.
- Exposure to shop noise, fumes, dust, oil, grease, fluids, and Southeast Texas outdoor conditions including high heat and humidity.
Working Conditions
Shop and yard environment (about 75% inside the shop / 25% outside in the yard or on roadside calls), working around operating trucks, trailers, and heavy equipment. PPE such as safety glasses, steel-toe boots, gloves, and hearing protection required. Full-time schedule; may include early starts, extended hours, weekends, and on-call coverage for breakdowns.