What does a lead mechanic do?
A lead mechanic coordinates the teams of mechanics and ensures the timely completion of repairs. Lead mechanics supervise their subordinates, order mechanical parts, and inspect their work making sure that the standards are met. They are responsible for repairing, overhauling, and maintaining vehicles or farm equipment. It is their job to provide support and give advice on matters associated with repairs. They also conduct road tests and maintain the repair of equipment. They should also have leadership and strong communication skills.
Lead mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real lead mechanic resumes:
- Manage the repairs of electrical and mechanical components, such as power assemblies and traction motors.
- Manage routine maintenance and modifications for locomotives as well as preventative maintenance for freight cars.
- Complete restoration of antique motorcycles, extensive engine repair, payroll, quarterly reports, parts sales and database inventory.
- Assemble and repair motor scooters.
- Perform conventional welding, MIG, TIG, OxyAcet.
- Ensure quality repairs are made while meeting stringent FRA guidelines.
- Review time cards in order to assist with payroll functions.
- Service a wide variety of scooters and other small-engine equipment.
- Maintain current CDL license to test drive and deliver as needed.
- Perform inspection of ITP's prior to offer for QC inspection.
- Specialize in caterpillar, detroit, mack, and Cummins engines.
- Maintain a log through CMMS of all the history of repairs to each module.
- Work with the QC inspector regarding quality issues, corrective actions, & documentation.
- Perform electrical work; plumbing; cleaning coils; maintaining equipment in clean and working condition.
- Climb ladders and stairs, work in small restrict areas and lift up to 40 pounds.
Lead mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Lead Mechanics are proficient in Hand Tools, Preventive Maintenance, and HVAC. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.
We break down the percentage of Lead Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 9%
Skilled in using some machine shop tools like drill press, surface grinder, hardware insertion press and power hand tools.
- Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Developed a Preventive Maintenance Program for each production line that standardized maintenance procedures and processes.
- HVAC, 6%
Serviced and performed preventative maintenance on all HVAC and refrigeration equipment, including plumbing and carpentry
- Electrical Systems, 4%
Performed troubleshooting on mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems and complex packaging machinery.
- Mechanical Equipment, 4%
Designed, fabricated, and installed modifications to plant's mechanical equipment to increase productivity and ensure safety.
- Hydraulic Systems, 4%
Used extensive understanding of hydraulic systems for repair needs and operated heavy machinery.
Most lead mechanics use their skills in "hand tools," "preventive maintenance," and "hvac" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential lead mechanic responsibilities here:
Customer-service skills. The most essential soft skill for a lead mechanic to carry out their responsibilities is customer-service skills. This skill is important for the role because "diesel technicians frequently discuss automotive problems and necessary repairs with their customers." Additionally, a lead mechanic resume shows how their duties depend on customer-service skills: "operated pneumatic tools and air compressors communicate with customers regarding vehicle issues and potential repairs. "
Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling lead mechanic duties is detail oriented. The role rewards competence in this skill because "diesel technicians must be aware of small details when inspecting or repairing engines and components, because mechanical and electronic malfunctions are often due to misalignments and other easy-to-miss causes." According to a lead mechanic resume, here's how lead mechanics can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "performed all mechanical details ranging from routine maintenance to complete rebuild of machinery. "
Dexterity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of lead mechanics is dexterity. This skill is critical to many everyday lead mechanic duties, as "mechanics need a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination for many tasks, such as disassembling engine parts, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "stock and manage forklift parts inventory. "
Mechanical skills. lead mechanic responsibilities often require "mechanical skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "diesel technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other." This resume example shows what lead mechanics do with mechanical skills on a typical day: "performed mechanical/electrical troubleshooting and repair of overhead cranes, vehicle repair, induction ovens and high frequency welders. "
Organizational skills. Another crucial skill for a lead mechanic to carry out their responsibilities is "organizational skills." A big part of what lead mechanics relies on this skill, since "diesel technicians must keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and accountability for parts." How this skill relates to lead mechanic duties can be seen in an example from a lead mechanic resume snippet: "adhered to osha and organizational guidelines for safety and maintenance procedures. "
Physical strength. While "physical strength" is last on this skills list, don't underestimate its importance to lead mechanic responsibilities. Much of what a lead mechanic does relies on this skill, seeing as "diesel technicians often lift heavy parts and tools, such as exhaust system components and pneumatic wrenches." Here is a resume example of how this skill is used in the everyday duties of lead mechanics: "performed mig, stick, and tig weld on equipment throughout this facility physical plant. "
The three companies that hire the most lead mechanics are:
- Clean Harbors8 lead mechanics jobs
- Alaska State Library8 lead mechanics jobs
- Jacobs Engineering Group
7 lead mechanics jobs
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Compare different lead mechanics
Lead mechanic vs. Automotive service technician
Automotive service technicians, often called service technicians, have a duty to inspect, maintain, and repair cars and even light trucks. It is their job as automotive service technicians to find problems, often by computerized diagnostic equipment. They do test parts and systems to guarantee that they work properly and follow checklists to ensure that every critical part is examined. Performing basic care and maintenance is also part of their main tasks, including changing oil, rotating tires, and checking fluid levels.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between lead mechanics and automotive service technician. For instance, lead mechanic responsibilities require skills such as "preventive maintenance," "electrical systems," "mechanical equipment," and "hydraulic systems." Whereas a automotive service technician is skilled in "customer service," "dexterity," "manual dexterity," and "customer satisfaction." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Automotive service technicians tend to make the most money working in the health care industry, where they earn an average salary of $38,929. In contrast, lead mechanics make the biggest average salary, $60,789, in the manufacturing industry.The education levels that automotive service technicians earn slightly differ from lead mechanics. In particular, automotive service technicians are 1.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a lead mechanic. Additionally, they're 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Lead mechanic vs. Diesel technician
Diesel technicians specialize in repairing and handling the maintenance of vehicles powered by diesel. They are primarily responsible for inspecting cars, conducting tests, and identifying its problems to determine what course of action to take. Aside from repairing engines, diesel technicians may also fix other systems such as brakes, steering, and even lighting. It is essential to discuss the extent of repairs to clients and make them understand the costs involved. Furthermore, it is vital to maintain an accurate record of data at all times.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that lead mechanic responsibilities requires skills like "preventive maintenance," "mechanical equipment," "safety procedures," and "air compressors." But a diesel technician might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "cdl," "customer service," "preventative maintenance," and "dot."
Diesel technicians earn a lower average salary than lead mechanics. But diesel technicians earn the highest pay in the utilities industry, with an average salary of $49,875. Additionally, lead mechanics earn the highest salaries in the manufacturing with average pay of $60,789 annually.In general, diesel technicians achieve similar levels of education than lead mechanics. They're 1.3% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Lead mechanic vs. Mechanic helper
The job of a mechanic helper is to support lead mechanics and perform a variety of duties and responsibilities. You will be assisting in the maintenance of cars, such as changing tires and oils, replacing brakes, and diagnosing vehicle issues. In addition, you will be responsible for logging labor costs and inventory use and take vehicles for test drives. Other duties include replacing belts and hoses, assisting the lead mechanic in major projects, and repairing and maintaining cars.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, lead mechanics are more likely to have skills like "diagnosis," "landing gear," "faa," and "mechanical systems." But a mechanic helper is more likely to have skills like "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "safety equipment," and "mechanical repairs."
Mechanic helpers earn the highest salary when working in the professional industry, where they receive an average salary of $36,229. Comparatively, lead mechanics have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $60,789.Most mechanic helpers achieve a similar degree level compared to lead mechanics. For example, they're 2.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Lead mechanic vs. Heavy equipment mechanic
A heavy equipment mechanic is responsible for operating the heavy machinery used in the production of various industries, inspecting inconsistencies, running diagnostic tests, and replacing defective components to ensure its operational safety and efficiency. Heavy equipment mechanics also upgrade engine systems to boost optimal performance, analyze damage costs, and repair equipment parts with the assistance of other mechanical staff. They work closely with the management, create maintenance reports, and suggesting resolutions to avoid delays in production and customer service.
Types of lead mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
