Engineering and Maintenace Lead

Vaco is conducting a confidential search for an Engineering and Maintenance Lead on behalf of a dynamic manufacturing organization. Exact client details will be shared with shortlisted candidates. This role offers the opportunity to lead maintenance and engineering operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, with a focus on fostering innovation and ensuring operational excellence.

Position: Engineering and Maintenance Lead

Location: Morristown, New Jersey

Compensation: Up to $150,000 annually, with additional benefits including a 401(k) match up to 4%

Schedule: Full-time, on-site, Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 AM-4:30 PM (occasional adjustments to 7:00 AM-4:30 PM)

Role Overview

As the Engineering and Maintenance Lead, you will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation and reliability of the organization's manufacturing processes and equipment. You will oversee a dedicated maintenance team, optimize repair workflows, and drive initiatives that improve equipment efficiency and compliance with safety standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor a team of maintenance technicians, mechanics, and tradespeople. Oversee daily operations and ensure tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.
• Technical Maintenance: Leverage expertise in electrical systems, welding, and general maintenance to diagnose and address equipment issues. Proficiency in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and electronic components is highly preferred.
• Facility and Equipment Management: Conduct regular inspections of facilities and equipment to identify maintenance needs. Drive safety initiatives and compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Strategic Planning: Collaborate with senior management to plan and execute facility upgrades, maintenance projects, and operational improvements.
• Inventory and Budget Oversight: Assist in developing budgets for maintenance projects. Monitor and maintain inventory levels of tools, materials, and spare parts.
• Vendor Coordination: Manage relationships with external vendors and contractors to ensure timely and cost-effective service delivery.
• Procedural Development: Develop and implement maintenance schedules, procedures, and policies that support organizational goals.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is an experienced leader with a strong technical background and a track record of success in manufacturing environments. While expertise in plastics or polymer manufacturing is preferred, candidates with experience in other industries are encouraged to apply.

Key qualifications include:

• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of electrical engineering, welding, and mechanical systems. Familiarity with PLCs and electronic systems is a significant advantage.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and motivate a maintenance team, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Manufacturing Experience: Prior experience in manufacturing environments, particularly in extrusion or plastics processing, is highly desirable.
• Problem-Solving Ability: Strong troubleshooting skills and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective coordination with internal teams and external partners.

This is a unique opportunity to join a progressive organization and make a meaningful impact. For consideration, please submit your application to Vaco. All inquiries and applications will remain strictly confidential.

Desired Skills and Experience

Maintenance Leadership: Proven experience supervising maintenance teams, including technicians, mechanics, and tradespeople, in a manufacturing or industrial setting.

Technical Expertise: Hands-on experience with electrical systems, welding, and general equipment maintenance. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and electronic components is highly preferred.

Manufacturing Background: Solid experience in manufacturing environments. Knowledge of plastics or polymer manufacturing (e.g., extrusion processes) is a significant advantage, but experience in other manufacturing industries is also acceptable.

Facility and Equipment Management: Demonstrated ability to conduct facility inspections, manage equipment repairs, and drive preventative maintenance programs.

Health and Safety Compliance: Strong understanding of health and safety regulations and a proven track record of implementing safety initiatives in the workplace.

Project Coordination: Experience planning and executing facility or equipment upgrade projects, including coordinating with vendors and contractors.

Budget and Inventory Management: Proven ability to assist with budgeting for maintenance projects and manage inventory of materials, tools, and spare parts effectively.

Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively between senior management, maintenance teams, and external vendors.