Clean/Care & RMA Repair Team Lead

JOB SUMMARY

The Team Lead supports the daily operations of the OH90 Clean/Care and RMA Repair facility, coordinating workflow activities to ensure all firefighting turnout gear is inspected, cleaned, bio-decontaminated, and repaired in compliance with NFPA 1851 standards. This role serves as a technical subject matter expert, performing advanced hands-on repair work, providing day-to-day guidance and training to team members, and helping maintain gear integrity to support firefighter safety.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Workflow Subject Matter Expert: Coordinate and prioritize daily incoming gear for advanced inspection, specialized cleaning, and technical repairs to meet turnaround times.
• NFPA 1851 Compliance: Enforce strict adherence to NFPA 1851 guidelines for advanced cleaning, decontamination, liner testing (hydrostatic testing), and repair documentation.
• Quality Control & Inspection: Perform and verify advanced visual and technical inspections of outer shells, thermal liners, and moisture barriers for defects, tears, thermal damage, and seam integrity.
• Advanced Repairs: Execute and oversee complex sewing and patching repairs using approved materials and industrial sewing equipment.
• Team Leadership: Train, mentor, and evaluate technicians on proper handling, bio-decontamination protocols, and repair techniques.
• Inventory & Data Management: Track gear history, inspection logs, and repair records using specialized asset management software, while maintaining inventory levels for replacement materials and cleaning chemicals.

CORE SKILLS/COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in heavy-duty textile repair, industrial laundry operations, or PPE manufacturing, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or lead role.
• Current or verifiable past certification in NFPA 1851 Advanced Inspection and Repair (or willingness to obtain immediately upon hire).
• Proficiency operating industrial sewing machines, programmable industrial washers and dryers, and specialized testing equipment (e.g., hydrostatic test cups).
• Ability to lift up to 10 lbs frequently, stand for extended periods. Safely handle gear contaminated with soot, smoke particulates, and biohazards using appropriate PPE