Job Description
The Lead Equipment Reliability Specialist is responsible for leading the execution of inspections, corrective maintenance, repairs, and refurbishment activities on industrial tunnel washer systems throughout the ImageFIRST network. As the organization's senior technical expert for tunnel systems, this role provides project leadership, technical direction, and hands-on support to improve equipment reliability, extend asset life, and maximize operational uptime across all facilities.
In addition to performing advanced mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical troubleshooting, the Lead Equipment Reliability Specialist coordinates maintenance projects, mentors Equipment Reliability Specialists, and ensures standardized maintenance and repair practices are consistently executed. Due to the critical nature of tunnel systems, this position primarily performs maintenance during non-production hours, including nights and weekends, to minimize operational disruption. The Lead Equipment Reliability Specialist travels extensively to ImageFIRST facilities nationwide, partners with local maintenance and operations teams, and ensures tunnel systems are fully operational and production-ready before the start of each production shift.
Responsibilities & Qualifications
Safety & Work Environment
- Lead by example in promoting a culture of safety and ensuring compliance with all company safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO).
- Conduct pre-job safety briefings and identify potential hazards prior to maintenance activities.
- Ensure proper use of tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas throughout each project.
- Ensure all maintenance and refurbishment work meets company quality standards and manufacturer specifications.
Equipment Reliability, Maintenance & Repair
- Lead and coordinate corrective maintenance, inspections, and refurbishment activities on industrial tunnel washer systems.
- Perform advanced troubleshooting and complex mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic repairs.
- Execute equipment rebuilds, alignments, and system adjustments to restore equipment to optimal operating condition.
- Install, replace, and align components including bearings, chains, sprockets, shafts, motors, gearboxes, rollers, cylinders, valves, conveyors, and other tunnel system components.
- Conduct equipment inspections to identify wear, damage, and developing reliability concerns before failures occur.
- Verify proper equipment operation through comprehensive functional testing prior to returning systems to production.
- Ensure all repairs are completed safely, efficiently, and within scheduled maintenance windows.
Project Leadership & Operational Support
- Lead and coordinate all Equipment Reliability Team maintenance, repair, and refurbishment projects.
- Develop daily work plans and assign responsibilities based on project priorities, technician capabilities, and maintenance schedules.
- Coordinate project execution with plant maintenance, production, engineering, and operations leadership.
- Adjust work plans as needed to address unexpected equipment conditions, project challenges, or changing business priorities.
- Serve as the primary technical resource and on-site representative during reliability projects.
- Support emergency maintenance activities and planned refurbishment projects throughout the ImageFIRST network.
Documentation & Systems (CMMS)
- Review and approve maintenance documentation, labor reporting, inspection findings, and project records within the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
- Document significant equipment findings and recommend long-term corrective actions to improve equipment reliability.
- Communicate project status, repair progress, equipment condition, and recommendations to maintenance leadership and facility management.
- Participate in post-project reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support the development and standardization of maintenance procedures, PM programs, and refurbishment documentation.
Team Leadership, Travel & Resource Management
- Mentor, train, and provide technical coaching to Equipment Reliability Specialists and local maintenance teams.
- Foster teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement across the Equipment Reliability Team.
- Assist leadership in evaluating technician performance and identifying development opportunities.
- Travel extensively to ImageFIRST facilities nationwide to support scheduled maintenance, emergency repairs, inspections, and refurbishment projects.
- Maintain company-issued tools and equipment while assisting with parts planning and inventory support.
- Maintain flexibility to support changing maintenance schedules, overnight travel, weekend assignments, and emergency business needs.
Continuous Improvement & Technical Leadership
- Serve as the organization's primary technical expert for tunnel washer systems and equipment reliability.
- Develop, implement, and promote standardized repair methods, maintenance procedures, and reliability best practices across all ImageFIRST facilities.
- Identify recurring equipment failures and partner with Engineering and Maintenance leadership to implement permanent corrective actions.
- Continuously evaluate equipment performance and recommend improvements that reduce downtime, improve maintainability, and extend equipment life.
- Stay current on emerging maintenance technologies, manufacturer recommendations, and industry best practices.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required; technical school, trade certification, or equivalent industrial maintenance training preferred.
- Seven (7) + years of industrial maintenance experience with demonstrated expertise in troubleshooting, repairing, and rebuilding industrial equipment.
- Three (3) + years of leadership, project lead, or technical lead experience preferred.
- Extensive experience maintaining industrial tunnel washers, conveyors, or other large automated production equipment strongly preferred.
- Expert mechanical troubleshooting skills with advanced knowledge of electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and technical manuals.
- Experience utilizing Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
- Strong project coordination, leadership, root cause analysis, and decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead projects while mentoring and developing maintenance technicians.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively (up to 75–100%) throughout the United States.
- Ability to work overnight, weekend, and non-production maintenance schedules as required.
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Company Values & Benefits
Required Competencies:
- Be Respectful: Value all we come in contact with
- Be Remarkable: Create a positive moment with every interaction
- Be Safe: Keep ourselves and those around us safe
- Be Honest: Be guided by truthfulness in all we do
Benefits:
- Weekly pay
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Pet, Legal, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- 401k (match)
- Paid Time Off Package
- Paid Parental Leave
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Referral Program
- Great company culture
- Collaborative team environment
EOE / Drug-Free Workplace
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are fueled by the talent, passion, and diversity of our associates.
