What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Maintenance Technician position at Redwood Materials?
About Redwood Materials
Redwood Materials was founded in 2017 by JB Straubel, co-founder and former CTO of Tesla, on a simple but radical idea: the critical minerals powering the energy transition already exist. They just need to come back. Today Redwood is the largest lithium-ion battery recycler in North America — recovering, refining, and redeploying critical minerals from end-of-life batteries back into the supply chain. On the energy side, Redwood has deployed the largest second-life battery project in the world, delivering power to AI data centers in months rather than years using proprietary energy architecture engineered entirely in-house. The company is profitable, the market it operates in is projected to grow 20 to 50 times over the next decade, and Redwood is the only company with the supply chain, the technology, and the operational scale to lead it.
Maintenance Technician
As the Maintenance Technician, you will provide shift-level leadership for the maintenance and repair of all electromechanical equipment within the facility. You will work directly alongside maintenance technicians on the floor, providing hands-on technical expertise, guidance, and direction to ensure equipment operates safely, reliably, and in support of production demands. This role supports the Maintenance Supervisor by assisting with job assignments, daily coordination, and administrative tasks, and provides continuity when the supervisor is out of the office.
Hours
6:00pm - 6:00am, Thursday - Sat (every other Wed)
Responsibilities will include:
- Lead and mentor a team of electromechanical maintenance technicians
- Schedule and assign tasks to team members, ensuring that work is completed on time and to the required standards
- Offer technical guidance and coaching to maintenance team members - Reinforce performance standards
- Work with planners to develop and implement preventive maintenance plans to minimize equipment downtime
- Audit routine inspections to identify potential issues and address them proactively
- Coordinate and oversee the repair and replacement of electromechanical components as needed
- Diagnose complex electromechanical issues and implement effective solutions
- Interface directly with cross-functional teams to assess and execute projects
- Ensure that emergency repairs are carried out promptly to minimize production disruptions
- Enforce safety protocols and ensure that all maintenance activities comply with relevant regulations and guidelines
- Participate in safety audits and investigations and implement corrective actions as necessary
Desired Qualifications:
- Previous experience in leadership preferred
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a production/plant maintenance setting
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings
- Excellent work ethics, attention to detail and positive attitude during challenging times
- Strong experience in heavy commercial equipment (Mills, Crushers, Conveyers, Pump Rebuilds, Rotary Airlock troubleshooting/replacement, Rigging, Machine Installation, Electronic Troubleshooting, Machine Alignments, etc.)
- Solid technical aptitude with a background in troubleshooting, diagnostics, maintenance, and process improvement.
- Ability to disassemble and reassemble complex mechanical systems
- Strong leadership and team management aptitude
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience in troubleshooting AC and DC electrical systems, as well as experience with motion control, motors, pneumatics, sensors, PLC, I/O, and VFDs. Experience in fabrication and welding preferred
- Strong leadership and team management abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of performing maintenance tasks with a strong emphasis on safety. Ensure that all work is carried out in strict adherence to relevant safety regulations (such as OSHA, Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space protocols, etc.).
- Proficient in CMMS use, data entry and lookup, MS Office applications
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to work with Tyvek suits, Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR), and other personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods of time (up to a full shift)
- Position requires standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 50 lbs
- Work is performed in industrial conditions that may include exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes for extended periods
Working Conditions:
- Work in both indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to varying weather, noise, temperature extremes
- Availability to work weekends, nights, or on- call as needed
The position is full-time. Compensation will be commensurate with experience.
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