Position Purpose The Mechanical Project Lead plays a critical role in bringing TAIT's creative and technical visions to life by leading the planning, coordination, execution, installation, and integration of mechanical systems across live entertainment, brand experience, and permanent installation projects.
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Manufacturing Operations, this position serves as the primary technical lead for assigned projects and is accountable for the successful execution of entire small-to-medium scale projects as well as significant scopes within large-scale projects. The Mechanical Project Lead works across the full project lifecycle, from fabrication and integration through testing, installation, commissioning, and final client delivery.
Responsibilities - Lead complete project execution from planning through final installation, commissioning, client acceptance, and turnover.
- Plan, coordinate, and manage fabrication, integration, testing, installation, and commissioning activities.
- Own project deliverables related to safety, quality, schedule, budget awareness, and technical performance.
- Organize workflow and assign tasks to project team members to achieve project objectives and deadlines.
- Read, interpret, and utilize engineering drawings, schematics, blueprints, specifications, and project documentation.
- Provide technical leadership related to fabrication, staging systems, rigging, mechanical assemblies, and integration activities.
- Troubleshoot mechanical, fabrication, installation, and field-related technical issues.
- Coordinate materials, equipment, tooling, project documentation, and labor resources to support project execution.
- Monitor project progress and proactively identify risks, constraints, and schedule impacts.
- Communicate project status, technical challenges, resource requirements, and recovery plans to project stakeholders.
- Collaborate closely with Engineering, Project Management, Procurement, Manufacturing, Automation, and Installation teams.
- Lead shop testing, site acceptance testing, commissioning, and system validation activities.
- Ensure quality standards are achieved through inspections, testing, verification, and documentation.
- Drive process improvements that enhance safety, productivity, consistency, and quality.
- Mentor and develop junior fabricators, technicians, and integrators through training and knowledge sharing.
- Support development of work instructions, best practices, technical standards, and lessons-learned documentation.
- Participate in client-facing meetings, site visits, and project reviews as required.
- Maintain compliance with company safety policies and industry best practices.
- Travel as required to support project installation, integration, commissioning, and final delivery activities.
- Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.
People Management / Leadership Responsibilities: This role does not have direct supervisory responsibility but provides project and technical leadership to assigned teams and project personnel.
Key leadership responsibilities include:
- Providing day-to-day project leadership and technical direction.
- Supporting team collaboration and cross-functional communication.
- Mentoring and coaching developing team members.
- Facilitating effective problem solving and decision-making.
- Promoting a culture of safety, accountability, inclusion, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Supporting employee development through training, knowledge sharing, and technical guidance.
- Coordinating activities and priorities across multiple project stakeholders.
- Influencing successful project outcomes without direct reporting authority.
Position Requirements- High School Degree or GED required
- Technical training, apprenticeship, trade certification, or related education preferred.
- Minimum 4 years of experience in mechanical fabrication, integration, manufacturing, welding, automation, rigging, mechanical systems, installation, commissioning, or related technical disciplines.
- Demonstrated experience leading projects or significant project scopes from planning through completion.
- Experience working within manufacturing, construction, themed entertainment, live events, automation, or related industries preferred.
- Experience working directly with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and technical specifications.
- Strong mechanical troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
- Knowledge of fabrication processes, rigging systems, staging systems, mechanical assemblies, and integration methodologies.
- Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, shop equipment, and mechanical testing equipment.
- Strong planning, organization, and project coordination skills.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality and schedule commitments.
- Ability to influence and lead without direct authority.
- Experience with ERP systems and collaboration platforms such as Epicor, Slack, Box, and Microsoft Office preferred.
- Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Specific requirements are:
- Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to lift or move up to 70 lbs.
- Must be able to carry up to 70 lbs.
- Must be able to pull or push up to 140 lbs.
- Must be able to frequently walk, bend, climb, push, pull, twist, squat, stoop, and kneel.
- Must be able to work at heights and in a variety of installation and project environments.
Work conditions of the role are: Work conditions may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements such as dirt, dust, fumes, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises
- Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks which require following basic safety precautions
- Must be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work within or visit areas where required. This includes, safety glasses, reflective vest, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, and other PPE as required by the location
Benefits - Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions (HDHP plans)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical & Dependent Care)
- Employer-paid life insurance with optional supplemental coverage
- Employer-paid Short-term with optional long-term disability insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid parental leave
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Wellness stipends
- Voluntary benefits (e.g., accident, critical illness)
- Paid vacation and 12 holidays
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