Lead Maintenance Manager PLC Programmer

As a Lead Maintenance Manager PLC Programmer, you will oversee the entire maintenance team, focusing on troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining PLC-controlled machinery and hydraulic systems. You will implement preventative maintenance programs, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and manage inventory of spare parts. Additionally, you will train and mentor maintenance technicians while collaborating with production and engineering teams to improve overall efficiency.

To qualify for the Lead Maintenance Manager PLC Programmer role, candidates should have over 5 years of industrial maintenance experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership role. Strong expertise in PLC programming, particularly with Allen-Bradley or Siemens systems, and extensive experience with hydraulic systems are crucial. Candidates should also be skilled in diagnosing electrical and mechanical systems and should ideally possess a technical certification or an associate degree in a related field.

As a Lead Maintenance Manager PLC Programmer, essential technical skills include proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting, particularly with systems from Allen-Bradley and Siemens. You should have extensive experience with hydraulic systems, including pumps and actuators, as well as strong capabilities in diagnosing and repairing various systems, including electrical and pneumatic. Familiarity with CMMS for tracking maintenance activities is also beneficial.

The working environment for a Lead Maintenance Manager PLC Programmer is dynamic and fast-paced, often requiring problem-solving on the go. You will likely collaborate closely with other departments, including production and engineering, while managing a team of maintenance technicians. The role involves hands-on troubleshooting and repairs, so expect to be actively engaged in the facility alongside your team to ensure smooth operations.

A Lead Maintenance Manager PLC Programmer can expect numerous growth opportunities within our company, ranging from advanced management positions to specialized technical roles. With a focus on continuous improvement and training, you'll have the chance to hone your skills, lead larger teams, and contribute to significant projects that enhance our manufacturing capabilities.

In your response, focus on the specific PLC systems you have worked with, detailing the types of programming tasks you have undertaken, such as building, modifying, or troubleshooting programs using Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLCs. Highlight your problem-solving strategies and how you approached programming challenges.

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including how you assess the urgency and impact of different maintenance tasks. Mention any systems or strategies you use to manage tasks effectively, such as CMMS, and emphasize your ability to communicate with your team to ensure everyone is aligned on priorities.

Share a specific scenario where you faced a challenging repair situation. Describe the problem, the steps you took to diagnose the issue, and how you resolved it. Emphasize the skills you employed and any lessons learned that helped improve future practices.

Talk about the importance of safety in a maintenance role. Mention specific OSHA regulations you adhere to, and the protocols you implement to ensure a safe working environment. Discuss your commitment to training your team on safety measures to prevent accidents.

Discuss your conflict resolution strategies, emphasizing open communication, collaboration, and understanding different perspectives. Provide an example of how you've successfully managed a past conflict and how it reinforced a positive team dynamic.

Highlight your hands-on experience with hydraulic systems, detailing the types of systems you've worked on, including pumps, valves, and actuators. Discuss specific projects where your hydraulic expertise improved equipment performance or reduced downtime.

Explain the significance of maintaining accurate records and your process for ensuring this. Discuss any tools or software you utilize for tracking maintenance activities and how this data helps inform future maintenance strategies.

Describe your leadership style, focusing on how you motivate, mentor, and guide your team. Provide examples of how you've fostered collaboration and growth among team members, leading to successful outcomes.

Talk about your commitment to professional development, mentioning specific resources you leverage, such as workshops, webinars, industry publications, or networking events, to stay informed about the latest trends and technologies in maintenance.

Share your knowledge of best practices for optimizing machine performance, such as implementing preventative maintenance programs, conducting regular equipment assessments, and addressing any issues promptly. Highlight any successful examples or metrics that demonstrate improved performance.