Maintenance Technician Lead

Maintenance Technician Lead At Schaefer Plastics, we manufacture industry-leading solutions and drive responsible practices towards a sustainable future for generations to come. As a family-owned company since 1937, we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional customer care through high-quality, innovative waste and packaging solutions. Our customers and their satisfaction are paramount to our business; we strive to understand their needs and exceed their expectations at every turn. We are a global injection molding manufacturer, producing durable waste and recycling carts, and pioneering reusable packaging systems that reduce carbon footprints. Our dynamic and inclusive culture fosters personal and professional growth, making us an ideal employer for career advancement. Position Summary The Maintenance Technician Lead is the highest-level maintenance technician role on the team and serves as the lead technical resource for complex equipment troubleshooting, advanced electrical work, and major equipment failures. This role is responsible for diagnosing and repairing sophisticated industrial systems, supporting injection molding operations, and helping guide preventative and predictive maintenance efforts across the facility. The ideal candidate is a highly skilled multi-craft industrial maintenance professional with strong experience in injection molding equipment, high-voltage electrical systems, and advanced troubleshooting. This individual will also help mentor lower-level technicians and support continuous improvement in maintenance practices, equipment reliability, and technical training. Key Responsibilities Lead response to major equipment breakdowns and critical maintenance issues  Diagnose and repair complex failures on injection molding presses and related equipment  Perform advanced electrical troubleshooting and repairs, including 480V+ systems  Troubleshoot and repair hydraulic, pneumatic, PLC, servo, and mechanical systems  Support and execute preventative and predictive maintenance strategies  Identify root causes of recurring equipment failures and implement corrective actions  Serve as the lead technical resource for difficult repairs and troubleshooting escalation  Coach, train, and mentor Maintenance Technicians I and II  Support automation, controls, and equipment integration initiatives  Assist in improving maintenance processes, equipment uptime, and overall reliability  Maintain accurate maintenance documentation and communicate repair status clearly to leadership and operations  Promote safe work practices and ensure maintenance work is performed in compliance with company standards  Qualifications 10–15+ years of industrial maintenance experience  5+ years of injection molding experience preferred Strong background in multi-craft industrial maintenance  Advanced troubleshooting ability in:  Hydraulics  Pneumatics  PLC systems  Servo systems  Chillers / HVAC  High-voltage electrical systems  Ability to independently troubleshoot and repair presses and other complex production equipment  Advanced root cause analysis and problem-solving skills  Strong leadership presence with the ability to train and mentor junior technicians  Journeyman Electrician license strongly preferred Preferred Experience Experience in a manufacturing environment supporting injection molding operations  Experience leading breakdown response and troubleshooting high-priority equipment failures  Experience supporting automation or controls integration  Strong understanding of preventative and predictive maintenance best practices  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong technical leadership and decision-making ability  Ability to prioritize urgent repairs while balancing preventative maintenance needs  Excellent troubleshooting and diagnostic skills  Strong communication and teamwork skills  Ability to work independently with minimal supervision  Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence  Physical Requirements Ability to stand and walk for extended periods  Ability to lift, push, pull, and move materials and equipment as needed  Ability to work in an industrial manufacturing environment around moving machinery, electrical systems, heat, and noise  Ability to safely perform maintenance work in tight spaces, elevated areas, and other production-related environments as needed