Lead Mechanical Specialist Davenport, IA (100% Onsite)Job Type: Full-TimeWork Schedule: Typically M-F (7 AM - 4 PM) with flexibility for off-shift support
Ideal Candidate ProfileStrong mechanical expert with hands-on industrial experience
Experience leading technicians through technical expertise (not a hands-on tool role)
Background in rolling mills, heavy manufacturing, or similar environments
Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities
The
Lead Mechanical Specialist provides advanced technical troubleshooting, engineering support, and leadership to maintenance and operations teams. This role is responsible for resolving complex mechanical issues, improving equipment reliability, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
The position serves as a technical leader, guiding craft employees and supporting maintenance strategies, capital projects, and process improvements in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Leadership & Troubleshooting- Provide expert troubleshooting support to restore production flow
- Act as a technical resource for maintenance and operations teams
- Diagnose recurring equipment and process issues and implement solutions
Maintenance & Reliability- Support short- and long-term outage planning
- Assist in resolving maintenance issues and action items
- Improve equipment reliability and uptime
Continuous Improvement- Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives
- Analyze equipment and process data to identify optimization opportunities
- Apply Lean Manufacturing and reliability practices
Engineering & Project Support- Develop, manage, and implement small capital projects and major repairs
- Provide process engineering support
- Support design, fabrication, and installation of mechanical systems
Collaboration & Compliance- Work cross-functionally with manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering teams
- Ensure adherence to safety (EH&S), quality, and company policies
- Support training and development of craft employees
Required Qualifications- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum 2+ years of manufacturing experience
- Minimum 5+ years of experience with mechanical systems and controls in industrial environments
- Strong experience in hydraulic systems and mechanical troubleshooting
- Authorization to work in the U.S. (No visa sponsorship available)
- Must meet ITAR compliance requirements (U.S. person status required)
Preferred Qualifications- Technical degree or apprenticeship completion
- Experience with rolling mill equipment (aluminum, steel, or paper)
- Strong maintenance background in industrial environments
- Experience with failure analysis (FMEA, RCM, SPC, TQM)
- Experience with hydraulic and pneumatic systems design and troubleshooting
- Experience in fabrication and installation of mechanical equipment
Required Skills- Extensive hydraulic systems expertise
- Strong blueprint reading and fits/tolerances knowledge
- Mechanical troubleshooting and root cause analysis
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Strong communication and teamwork
