What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Mechanic position at Cooper Machinery Services?
Since 1833, Cooper Machinery Services has kept natural gas moving — engineering and servicing the engines and compressors that power the Oil & Gas, Power, Transportation, and Marine industries. Behind every legendary Cooper-Bessemer™, Ajax™, and Superior™ unit is a shop floor of skilled hands who bring it back to life. We're looking for a Lead Mechanic to be one of those hands — and to lead others in becoming the same.
This is more than a wrench-turning job. It's a chance to be the technical backbone of our Deer Park shop: the person other mechanics look to for the right way to do things, and the one entrusted with our most complex, highest-stakes equipment. If you take pride in precision work and want to mentor the next generation of Cooper craftsmen, we want to talk to you.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Lead daily shop activities, coordinating workflow to keep work safe, efficient, and on spec.
- Train and mentor mechanics at every level, raising the bar on craftsmanship across the floor.
- Serve as the go-to technical resource for advanced techniques and specialized tooling.
- Diagnose, repair, and restore complex natural gas engine and compressor components.
- Disassemble, inspect, reassemble, test, and paint highly complex equipment using manual, pneumatic, and hydraulic tools.
- Conduct and document risk assessments before operations and material movements involving cranes and lift trucks.
- Complete accurate documentation for routers, inspection reports, and test results.
- Partner with engineering and quality teams on root-cause investigations and process improvements.
- Keep facility equipment and tooling accounted for, maintained, and safe to operate.
- Champion EHS standards and Cooper's Compliance and Integrity policies in everything you do.
WHO YOU ARE
- High School Diploma or GED from an accredited school or institution. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
- 10 years of experience in mechanical test and assembly/disassembly, or heavy equipment repair and maintenance.
- Skilled at reading detailed prints and using micrometers, dial calipers, and dial indicators.
- Able to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Comfortable with physical work — pushing, pulling, lifting up to 50 lbs., and standing for extended periods in a shop environment, including extreme heat.
- Hold or able to obtain a forklift license and certification to operate overhead cranes.
- Hold a valid driver's license and are willing to wear required PPE at all times.
- A natural mentor who leads by example and holds quality and safety as non-negotiable.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 8 years of experience in operations or service center applications.
- Strong working knowledge of natural gas engine and compressor cylinder equipment.
- Proven ability to work independently from engineering specs and self-inspect for quality.
- Experience running hydro pressure and functional testing on complex assemblies.
- Prior manufacturing or shop service center operations experience.
WHY JOIN US
- Benefits effective on day one — no waiting period.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Company-paid life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability coverage.
- Voluntary life, AD&D, and long-term disability buy-up plans.
- Voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
- 401(k) with up to 5% company match — 100% vested from Day 1.
- Maternity and parental leave, Arc Fertility Benefits, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Cooper Machinery Services is an equal opportunity employer and gives all qualified applicants consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.