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 representing typical tasks they are likely to perform in their roles.

  • 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 list "hand tools," "preventive maintenance," and "hvac" as skills on their resumes. We go into more details on the most important lead mechanic responsibilities here:

  • The most important skills for a lead mechanic to have in this position are customer-service skills. In this excerpt that we gathered from a lead mechanic resume, you'll understand why: "diesel technicians frequently discuss automotive problems and necessary repairs with their customers" According to resumes we found, customer-service skills can be used by a lead mechanic in order to "operated pneumatic tools and air compressors communicate with customers regarding vehicle issues and potential repairs. "
  • Another trait important for fulfilling lead mechanic duties is detail oriented. According to a lead mechanic resume, "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." Here's an example of how lead mechanics are able to utilize detail oriented: "performed all mechanical details ranging from routine maintenance to complete rebuild of machinery. "
  • Another skill that is quite popular among lead mechanics is dexterity. This skill is very critical to fulfilling every day responsibilities as is shown in this example from a lead mechanic resume: "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. "
  • A lead mechanic responsibilities sometimes require "mechanical skills." The responsibilities that rely on this skills are shown by this resume excerpt: "diesel technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other" This resume example shows how this skill is used by lead mechanics: "performed mechanical/electrical troubleshooting and repair of overhead cranes, vehicle repair, induction ovens and high frequency welders. "
  • Yet another important skill that a lead mechanic must demonstrate is "organizational skills." Diesel technicians must keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and accountability for parts. This is clearly demonstrated in this example from a lead mechanic who stated: "adhered to osha and organizational guidelines for safety and maintenance procedures. "
  • While "physical strength" is listed last on this skills list, don't underestimate its importance to lead mechanic responsibilities. The skill is described by this resume snippet, "diesel technicians often lift heavy parts and tools, such as exhaust system components and pneumatic wrenches." Here is an example of how this skill is used, "performed mig, stick, and tig weld on equipment throughout this facility physical plant. "
  • See the full list of lead mechanic skills.

    The three companies that hire the most prestigious lead mechanics are:

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    What Automotive Service Technicians Do

    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.

    We looked at the average lead mechanic annual salary and compared it with the average of an automotive service technician. Generally speaking, automotive service technicians receive $11,394 lower pay than lead mechanics per year.

    Even though lead mechanics and automotive service technicians have vast differences in their careers, a few of the skills required to do both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require hand tools, hvac, and diagnosis in the day-to-day roles.

    As far as similarities go, this is where it ends because a lead mechanic responsibility requires 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." So if you're looking for what truly separates the two careers, you've found it.

    Automotive service technicians tend to make the most money in the health care industry by averaging a salary of $38,929. In contrast, lead mechanics make the biggest average salary of $60,789 in the manufacturing industry.

    The education levels that automotive service technicians earn is a bit different than that of 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.

    What Are The Duties Of a 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.

    The next role we're going to look at is the diesel technician profession. Typically, this position earns a lower pay. In fact, they earn a $7,603 lower salary than lead mechanics per year.

    A similarity between the two careers of lead mechanics and diesel technicians are a few of the skills associated with both roles. We used resumes from both professions to find that both use skills like "hand tools," "hvac," and "electrical systems. "

    While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, several resumes showed us that lead mechanic responsibilities requires skills like "preventive maintenance," "mechanical equipment," "safety procedures," and "air compressors." But a diesel technician might use skills, such as, "cdl," "customer service," "preventative maintenance," and "dot."

    It's been discovered that diesel technicians earn lower salaries compared to lead mechanics, but we wanted to find out where diesel technicians earned the most pay. The answer? The utilities industry. The average salary in the industry is $49,875. Additionally, lead mechanics earn the highest paychecks in the manufacturing with an average salary of $60,789.

    In general, diesel technicians study at 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.

    How a Mechanic Helper Compares

    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 third profession we take a look at is mechanic helper. On an average scale, these workers bring in lower salaries than lead mechanics. In fact, they make a $22,579 lower salary per year.

    By looking over several lead mechanics and mechanic helpers resumes, we found that both roles utilize similar skills, such as "hand tools," "preventive maintenance," and "hvac." But beyond that the careers look very different.

    As mentioned, these two careers differ between other skills that are required for performing the work exceedingly well. For example, gathering from lead mechanics resumes, they are more likely to have skills like "diagnosis," "landing gear," "faa," and "mechanical systems." But a mechanic helper might have skills like "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "safety equipment," and "mechanical repairs."

    Additionally, mechanic helpers earn a higher salary in the professional industry compared to other industries. In this industry, they receive an average salary of $36,229. Additionally, lead mechanics earn an average salary of $60,789 in the manufacturing industry.

    Mechanic helpers typically study at similar levels compared with 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.

    Description Of a 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.

    The fourth career we look at typically earns lower pay than lead mechanics. On average, heavy equipment mechanics earn a difference of $5,453 lower per year.

    While both lead mechanics and heavy equipment mechanics complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like hand tools, preventive maintenance, and hvac, the two careers also vary in other skills.

    Each job requires different skills like "mechanical equipment," "diagnosis," "landing gear," and "safety procedures," which might show up on a lead mechanic resume. Whereas heavy equipment mechanic might include skills like "cdl," "loaders," "cranes," and "end loaders."

    In general, heavy equipment mechanics make a higher salary in the transportation industry with an average of $60,682. The highest lead mechanic annual salary stems from the manufacturing industry.

    In general, heavy equipment mechanics reach similar levels of education when compared to lead mechanics resumes. Heavy equipment mechanics are 1.3% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.