Maintenance Team Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WE ARE AUTOKINITON
DRIVING SUCCESS FOR THE WORLD'S TOP AUTO MANUFACTURERS.
At AUTOKINITON, we are more than just an automotive supplier — we are the backbone of vehicle performance and safety. Specializing in high-strength structural components and precision stamping assemblies, our parts are trusted by the world's leading automakers. Our dedicated teams proudly deliver quality parts and assemblies that contribute to vehicle durability and safety. With decades of experience, a passion for continuous improvement, and a forward-thinking approach, we play a critical role in shaping the future of mobility.
CAREERS WITH AUTOKINITON
Building the Future—Together. Autokiniton is a trusted partner to the world's leading automotive manufacturers, known for our operational excellence and culture of continuous improvement. Our core value, 'We, not I,' reflects our commitment to collaboration, integrity, and shared success. We cultivate a workplace where independent thinking is encouraged, and every associate plays a vital role in our progress. Join a high-performance team committed to shaping the future of mobility—with opportunity, purpose, and growth at every turn.
POSITION: MAINTENANCE TEAM LEADER
Location: Autokiniton - Lebanon, TN
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular
Job Duration: Regular/At-Will
Compensation: $34.00 - $40.50 per hour
This full-time, hourly role is a part of our Operations team and reports to the Operations Supervisor and Manager.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Maintenance Team Leader at AUTOKINITON's Lebanon, TN facility is responsible for leading and coordinating a team of maintenance technicians to ensure the reliable and efficient operation of all production equipment, tooling, and facility systems. This role is critical to minimizing downtime, maximizing equipment availability, and supporting the plant's overall operational excellence goals. The Maintenance Team Leader serves as a hands-on technical resource and people leader, driving a culture of proactive maintenance, safety compliance, and continuous improvement across the maintenance department.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of maintenance technicians on assigned shifts, ensuring all team members are performing their duties safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company standards and procedures.
- Coordinate and prioritize daily maintenance activities including preventive maintenance (PM), predictive maintenance, and corrective maintenance tasks to minimize production downtime and maximize equipment uptime.
- Troubleshoot and diagnose complex mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic failures on stamping presses, robotic systems, conveyors, and other production equipment, providing hands-on support as needed.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve preventive and predictive maintenance programs to extend equipment life and reduce unplanned downtime.
- Ensure all maintenance work orders are accurately documented in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), tracking labor hours, parts usage, and equipment history.
- Collaborate closely with production supervisors and managers to schedule maintenance activities that minimize disruption to production schedules and meet customer delivery requirements.
- Monitor and manage spare parts inventory, coordinating with procurement to ensure critical components are available while controlling costs.
- Enforce and champion all safety policies, procedures, and OSHA regulations within the maintenance department, conducting regular safety audits and toolbox talks.
- Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives related to equipment reliability, energy efficiency, and maintenance cost reduction using lean manufacturing and root cause analysis methodologies.
- Participate in new equipment installations, modifications, and commissioning activities, ensuring proper documentation and training for the maintenance team.
- Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching and development feedback, and support the professional growth of maintenance team members.
- Coordinate with outside contractors and vendors for specialized repairs, equipment upgrades, and facility maintenance projects, ensuring work is completed safely and to specification.
- Support environmental compliance activities and ensure proper handling and disposal of maintenance-related materials in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Assist in the development and management of the maintenance department budget, identifying opportunities for cost savings without compromising equipment reliability or safety.
- Participate in cross-functional teams and plant-wide initiatives focused on quality, safety, and operational performance improvements.
PAY AND SHIFT INFORMATION:
- Hourly Compensation Range: $34.00 - $40.50 per hour
- Full-Time, Regular/At-Will position
- Shift assignments may include days, afternoons, or nights depending on plant operational needs
- Overtime may be required based on production demands
WHY YOU WILL ENJOY WORKING HERE:
Competitive Wages and Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with Company contribution match, and up to 15 paid holidays annually, thanks to our generous holiday and holiday bridge schedule. We also provide a tool allowance for our Skilled Trades Associates.
Relocation Assistance: Our company offers comprehensive relocation assistance, including coverage for temporary housing and travel costs for our Skilled Trades and Salaried positions.
Work-Life Balance: Many of our Associates have stayed with us for 25+ years! It takes a good work-life balance to make it that far. We support your personal and professional priorities as they impact your well-being.
Growth Opportunities: Take your career to the next level through tuition reimbursement programs, on-the-job training, learning management systems, and advancement opportunities from within our organization.
Learning and Development: We empower all our Associates — from entry-level to senior-level — with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their current roles and beyond at AUTOKINITON.
AUTOKINITON is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. AUTOKINITON makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

• Strong leadership and team supervision skills with the ability to motivate and develop maintenance technicians
• Advanced troubleshooting and diagnostic skills for mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical manuals
• Knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance strategies and best practices
• Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) for work order management and equipment history tracking
• Familiarity with stamping presses, robotic systems, conveyors, and automated production equipment common in automotive manufacturing
• Strong understanding of OSHA safety regulations, lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, and plant safety compliance
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, root cause analysis (RCA), and continuous improvement methodologies such as 5S and Kaizen
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for cross-functional collaboration with production, engineering, and management teams
• Ability to manage spare parts inventory and coordinate with procurement and vendors
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook for reporting and documentation
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Ability to read and interpret PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programs and perform basic PLC troubleshooting
• Knowledge of welding, fabrication, and general mechanical repair techniques
• Ability to manage contractor and vendor relationships for specialized maintenance and repair projects
• Understanding of environmental compliance requirements related to maintenance operations
• Budget awareness and cost management skills related to maintenance department operations

• Minimum of 5 to 7 years of hands-on maintenance experience in an automotive manufacturing or heavy industrial environment
• At least 2 to 3 years of experience in a maintenance leadership, team lead, or supervisory role overseeing a team of skilled trades technicians
• Demonstrated experience maintaining and repairing stamping presses, transfer systems, robotic welding equipment, or similar automotive production machinery
• Proven experience developing and executing preventive and predictive maintenance programs in a high-volume manufacturing setting
• Experience using a CMMS platform to manage work orders, track equipment history, and generate maintenance reports
• Hands-on experience with electrical systems troubleshooting including motor controls, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and control panels
• Experience applying lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools such as 5S, Kaizen, TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), and root cause analysis
• Experience enforcing and maintaining OSHA safety standards, conducting safety audits, and leading safety training initiatives
• Experience coordinating maintenance activities with production scheduling to minimize downtime and support on-time delivery goals
• Experience managing spare parts inventory and working with vendors and contractors for equipment repairs and facility maintenance projects
• High School Diploma or equivalent required; technical trade school certification, apprenticeship completion, or associate degree in a related technical field is preferred
• Experience with PLC troubleshooting and basic programming in an industrial manufacturing environment is strongly preferred
• Experience participating in new equipment installations, startups, and commissioning activities is a plus