MECHANICAL DEPARTMENT LEAD

Description The Mechanical Department Lead supports the Production Manager by directing the day-to-day mechanical build activities of the panel shop, including enclosure preparation, machining, subpanel layout and mounting, and mechanical assembly. The Lead ensures UL 508A industrial control panels and related assemblies are built accurately, safely, and on schedule. This role combines hands-on mechanical expertise with strong leadership skills to guide a team of mechanical assemblers and fabricators in producing high-quality products that meet customer and engineering specifications.

The Lead acts as the key link between the Production Manager, the Electrical Department Lead, Engineering, Quality, and the mechanical team, translating layout drawings and work orders into efficient, organized mechanical build activity that is ready for wiring.

Requirements

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Mechanical Production Operations
• Lead daily mechanical build activities, including enclosure layout, cutting, punching, drilling, tapping, subpanel preparation, component mounting, and door and device installation.
• Assign work, set priorities, and balance workload across the mechanical team to meet production schedules.
• Monitor workflow and productivity, addressing bottlenecks, delays, tooling issues, material shortages, or rework promptly.
• Monitor actual labor progress against estimated or planned job hours and communicate significant variances, productivity concerns, or anticipated overruns to the Production Manager.
• Maintain accurate production records, timesheets, and job progress updates.

2. Technical & Standards Oversight

• Interpret and apply enclosure drawings, panel layout drawings, bills of material (BOM), and work orders to ensure components are located and mounted correctly.
• Verify the mechanical team is working from current approved drawings, revisions, work instructions, and job documentation before work begins and when changes are issued.
• Verify that component spacing, clearances, and mounting methods comply with UL 508A and manufacturer requirements.
• Ensure the enclosure type rating (NEMA/UL Type) is maintained, including cutouts, hubs, gaskets, sealing, and mounting hardware.
• Verify installation of bonding and grounding hardware, including paint removal at bonding points, proper hardware, ground bars or studs, and bonding of subpanels and doors.
• Verify placement of nameplates, labels, warning markings, and UL 508A marking per drawings and internal procedures.
• Perform first-article and final mechanical inspections, confirming dimensions, hole locations, cutouts, and fit against drawings.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality to resolve drawing errors, design changes, and deviations, and ensure redlines are documented.

3. Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Review completed mechanical work prior to formal QC inspection to identify workmanship issues, recurring errors, and skill gaps. Use findings to provide timely coaching and identify individual or team training opportunities to improve first-pass quality and reduce rework.
• Stop or hold mechanical work when safety, workmanship, drawing, or quality requirements are not met, and coordinate with the appropriate personnel to resolve issues before work resumes.
• Uphold quality standards through in-process inspections, workmanship audits, and pre-handoff verification, including burr removal, finish protection, and control of metal chips and debris.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements in machining methods, templates and fixtures, layout practices, and material handling.
• Participate in root cause analysis and support corrective actions for defects, rework, and recurring workmanship issues within the mechanical department.
• Ensure identified corrective actions, process changes, and training requirements are communicated to the mechanical team and incorporated into daily work practices.
• Support lean manufacturing and 5S initiatives to improve productivity, organization, and safety.
• Ensure shop equipment, such as punches, drills, saws, and torque tools, is properly maintained, inspected, and used safely.

4. Leadership & Team Development

• Direct and motivate mechanical team members, promoting teamwork, accountability, and respect.
• Train and mentor team members in enclosure machining, mechanical assembly, drawing interpretation, workmanship standards, and safe work practices using production and quality observations to identify training needs and guide employee development.
• Promote and enforce safe work practices, including machine guarding, PPE use, lifting practices, and housekeeping.
• Provide input on hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluations as directed by the Production Manager.

Coordination & Communication

• Coordinate daily with the Electrical Department Lead to sequence handoffs so panels are ready for wiring without delay.
• Work closely with the Production Manager to plan schedules, prioritize builds, and allocate resources effectively.
• Coordinate with Purchasing, Engineering, and Quality Control to ensure enclosures, hardware, tooling, documentation, and approvals are available as needed.
• Communicate project status, production issues, and resource needs to the Production Manager daily.

Education & Experience

• Technical diploma or associate’s degree in Industrial Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field (preferred); equivalent hands-on manufacturing or industrial control panel experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• 5+ years of experience in sheet metal fabrication, enclosure machining, or mechanical assembly, preferably in a UL 508A control panel environment.
• Minimum 1 year in a lead, supervisory, or team lead role in a manufacturing environment.
• UL 508A panel shop training or certification (preferred).

Technical Skills

• Strong ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, enclosure details, and panel layout drawings.
• Proficient in enclosure machining, including punching, step drilling, hole saws, tapping, cutting, and deburring.
• Working knowledge of UL 508A requirements for enclosures, spacing, bonding, and marking, and of NEMA enclosure type ratings.
• Familiarity with panel components and hardware: enclosures, subpanels, DIN rail, wire duct, disconnect handles, door-mounted devices, fans, filters, and thermal management equipment.
• Proficient with measuring and layout tools such as calipers, squares, tape measures, and templates, as well as torque drivers and hand and power tools.
• Basic computer literacy for ERP/MRP systems, production tracking, and technical documentation.

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and safety.
• Able to multi-task and adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Capable of coaching and developing team members with varying technical skill levels.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Primarily on the production floor environment with exposure to mechanical fabrication and assembly processes, including noise, metal shavings, and shop equipment.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, and work with hands for extended periods.
• Frequently lift or move up to 50 pounds; larger enclosures require team lifts or the use of hoists and lifting equipment.
• Required to wear PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and gloves, and follow all company safety policies.