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Chief Mechanic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Mechanical Officer - Owosso, MI Job Location: GLC - Owosso, MI Office Location: Onsite Employment Type: Salary Job Type: Full Time Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference Keep the ...

Chief Mechanical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

About The Role We are looking for a Chief Mechanical Engineer to serve as the highest-level technical authority on mechanical engineering and product architecture at ACS. This is a senior individual ...

Works with Chief Mechanic to ensure all cars are built to spec. as per build and set-up sheets * Responsible for (but not limited to) ensuring race cars are properly functioning, safe and meet ...

NY · On-site

$52 - $76/hr

Working under the direction of the Chief Mechanic and Mountain Manager, this position helps minimize downtime by performing scheduled maintenance and addressing minor mechanical issues before they ...

Posted today

Chief Mechanical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$245K - $315K/yr

About The Role We are looking for a Chief Mechanical Engineer to serve as the highest-level technical authority on mechanical engineering and product architecture at ACS. This is a senior individual ...

Chief Mechanical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$245K - $315K/yr

About The Role We are looking for a Chief Mechanical Engineer to serve as the highest-level technical authority on mechanical engineering and product architecture at ACS. This is a senior individual ...

Showing results 41-60

Chief Mechanic information

See salary details

$33K

$124.4K

$200.5K

How much do chief mechanic jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief mechanic in the United States is $124,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chief mechanic?

Chief Mechanics are senior professionals responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repair, and overall performance of machinery and equipment, often within automotive, aviation, or industrial settings. They lead teams of mechanics, coordinate schedules, ensure safety standards are met, and diagnose complex technical problems. Chief Mechanics also manage inventory, order parts, and maintain detailed records of all maintenance activities. Their expertise ensures that equipment operates efficiently and safely, minimizing downtime and costly repairs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief mechanic?

To thrive as a Chief Mechanic, you need advanced mechanical knowledge, leadership abilities, and several years of hands-on experience, often supported by relevant certifications such as ASE or manufacturer-specific credentials. Familiarity with diagnostic software, maintenance management systems, and specialized tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and team management skills set exceptional Chief Mechanics apart. These competencies ensure efficient operations, high-quality repairs, and effective supervision of maintenance teams to maximize equipment reliability and safety.

How does a chief mechanic typically collaborate with other departments to ensure efficient operations?

A Chief Mechanic frequently collaborates with departments such as operations, logistics, and safety to coordinate maintenance schedules, minimize equipment downtime, and ensure compliance with safety standards. This role often involves communicating with supervisors and operators to identify equipment issues early and prioritize repairs. Building strong relationships across departments helps streamline workflows and ensures that maintenance aligns with operational needs, ultimately supporting overall productivity.

What is the difference between Chief Mechanic vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectChief MechanicAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license, possibly Inspection Authorization (IA)FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license
Work EnvironmentAircraft hangars, maintenance shops, on-aircraft inspectionsAircraft hangars, maintenance shops, on-aircraft inspections
Employer & IndustryAirlines, private aviation, militaryAirlines, private aviation, military
Role FocusSupervising maintenance, troubleshooting complex issues, overseeing repairsPerforming maintenance, repairs, inspections, and troubleshooting

The main difference between a Chief Mechanic and an Aircraft Maintenance Technician lies in their responsibilities. The Chief Mechanic supervises maintenance operations and oversees complex repairs, while the Aircraft Maintenance Technician performs hands-on maintenance and inspections. Both roles require FAA A&P licenses and work in similar environments within the aviation industry.

More about Chief Mechanic jobs

Who are the top companies hiring for Chief Mechanic jobs?

The top employers for Chief Mechanic jobs are:

What states have the most Chief Mechanic jobs?

States with the most job openings for Chief Mechanic jobs include:

Infographic showing various Chief Mechanic job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,409 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Chief Mechanical Officer - Owosso, MI

Watco Corp

Owosso, MI • On-site

Other

Re-posted 9 days ago


Watco rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 366 rated logistics


Job description

Chief Mechanical Officer - Owosso, MI
Job Location: GLC - Owosso, MI
Office Location: Onsite
Employment Type: Salary
Job Type: Full Time
Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference
Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all or the same team. One Watco.
Here's what you can expect from Watco:
• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities
Job Summary
The Chief Mechanical Officer (forthwith called the CMO), reports directly to the General Manager of the Railroad and is responsible for daily reports, parts inventory and ordering, locomotive maintenance, scheduling, compliance with company policies and procedures, governmental regulations and working within a planned budget.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Implementation of and compliance with the company safety plan, including drug and alcohol
• Coordinate daily locomotive needs with the dispatcher or local management
• Inspect, test, and maintain locomotives and its components according to FRA guidelines and compile records to comply with FRA and company rules and regulations
• Maintain a reliable inventory of material for the proper maintenance of locomotives
• Possess working knowledge of the proper use of various wear limit gauges and testing equipment
• Possess the ability to complete written forms and reports as well as necessary Federal Railroad Administration reports pertaining to CMO position responsibilities
• Must become familiar with state and federal regulations as it relates to the railroad industry
• Able to perform emergency repairs and re-railing of railroad rolling stock
• Able to solve practical problems where only limited standardization exists. Able to interpret and delegate instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Must have a working knowledge of and be familiar with various types of tools and equipment such as, but not limited to, welders, torches, hammers, jacks, and various types of other mechanical, air, and hand tools pertaining to the construction and maintenance of rolling stock
• Develop the skills of subordinate team member(s) to assure highly qualified successors are in place
• Accountable for the preparation and administration of performance appraisals for direct reporting team members • Review and approve all performance appraisals prepared and administered by subordinates
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be able to pass and/or obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position and location. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Must have completed a three-year Railroad Apprenticeship or equivalent related railroad experience, or experience in some other mechanical field and have working knowledge of FRA, AAR and OSHA regulations as it pertains to locomotives and repair facilities
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or Team Members
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry
• Must possess valid driver's license and be insurable by company insurance provider to drive and operate company vehicles and equipment as necessary
• Must have or must be able to obtain a Class B CDL driver's license
• Must have the ability to become a qualified Service Engineer according to Federal Railroad Administration regulations and may be required to perform electrical duties
Education
Must be 18years of age or older
High School or GED equivalent


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