Maintenance Group Lead, Coating & Bonding

ABOUT SLATE

At Slate were building safe reliable vehicles that people can afford personalize and loveand doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate because people should have control over how their trucks look feel and represent them.

WORK HOURS AND SCHEDULE

The regular work schedule will require availability to work evenings weekends and holidays to meet business needs.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Slate is looking for a highly skilled and detail-oriented Maintenance Group Lead Coating & Bonding to oversee all aspects of Coatings including Thinfilm / Electrocoat systems conveyance sealer systems (robotic and manual) robotic bonding cells breakdown management and root-cause analysis (RCA) from urgent repairs to capital projects. This role sets the standard for safety efficiency and reliability across equipment machinery and facility systems.

The Maintenance Group Lead will lead a skilled maintenance team to support production uptime and equipment reliability while championing a culture of safety continuous improvement and technical excellence. They will partner with Production Engineering and Plant Leadership to minimize downtime and drive performance.

* Must be willing to relocate to Warsaw Indiana. Relocation assistance will be provided. *

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

• Supervise coach and develop a team of maintenance technicians setting expectations and ensuring adherence to safe work practices (LOTO PPE SOPs).

• Plan execute and continuously improve preventive and predictive maintenance programs.

• Troubleshoot and repair systems including mechanical hydraulic pneumatic electrical PLCs robotics and vision systems.

• Coordinate and oversee contractors vendors and capital project work to ensure compliance with safety quality and performance standards.

• Partner with Production to minimize downtime lead root-cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions.

• Manage spare parts inventory reorder points and cost controls; recommend critical spares.

• Lead installations rigging alignments rebuilds and equipment upgrades.

• Review blueprints schematics and technical drawings to support repair and project work.

• Ensure accurate documentation of work orders PMs and downtime events; report on KPIs (MTBF MTTR backlog).

• Oversee vendor quotes scheduling quality checks and contractor safety compliance.

• Drive housekeeping 5S standards and safety culture across the shop.

• Advise leadership on long-term equipment reliability capital investment and facility upgrades.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Bachelors degree in Engineering (or equivalent discipline) is preferred.

• 3 years of directly relevant experience in maintenance / manufacturing with Bachelors degree OR 7 years of directly relevant experience in maintenance / manufacturing without Bachelors degree.

• 2 years of experience in a supervisory or lead role in maintenance / manufacturing.

• Hands-on proficiency with conveyors bearings seals shafts hydraulics pneumatics and pipefitting.

• Skilled in welding / fabrication machining rigging cranes / hoists and forklifts.

• Proficiency in PLC systems robotics and electrical troubleshooting.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints schematics and technical manuals.

• Knowledge of TPM Lean Manufacturing Kaizen and CI practices with measurable impact on MTBF / MTTR.

• Experienced in vendor management budgeting and capital improvement projects.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook Teams Word Excel PowerPoint) and CMMS systems.

• Safety-focused results-driven and committed to operational excellence

• Proven ability to coach schedule and manage multi-skilled trades teams.

• Strong organizational communication and problem-solving skills.

• Certifications in maintenance safety Six Sigma or leadership development / training are preferred.

• Certifications in fork truck man lift etc. are preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have the ability to travel (up to 10%).

• Must have the ability to lift up to 35 pounds.

• Must have the ability to stand walk and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE

At Slate were fueled by grit determination and attention to detail. The start-up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness move our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence innovation and mutual respect and is motivated by shared principles.

• Safety First

• Delight Customers

• One Team

• Relentless Improvement

• Fast Frugal and Scrappy

• Respectful Collaboration

• Positive Legacy

WE WANT TO WORK WITH PEOPLE THAT REFLECT THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE.

Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race color religion gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation national origin genetics disability age veteran status marital status parental status cultural background organizational level work styles tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason.

Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability you may contact us at