Lead Mechanic

Job Details: Job Location: Bennett Dayton HCS - Dayton, TX, Salary Range: Undisclosed, 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 shiftConfidentiality Level: Low to Moderate — access to repair records, parts pricing, and work order informationDecision 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 terminateAuthorized 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 yardPosition SummaryThe 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 ResponsibilitiesDiagnosis & 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: QualificationsEducation 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 RequirementsMinimal 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 ConditionsShop 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.