Team Lead

About Company:

At Tarter we’ve been building more than gates and equipment since 1945—we’ve been building careers, communities, and a legacy of American craftsmanship. As the largest manufacturer of farm gates and animal management equipment in North America, we take pride in making products that help farmers, ranchers, and property owners work smarter and safer.

Headquartered in Dunnville, Kentucky, we combine small-town values with big opportunities. When you join Tarter, you become part of a team where your ideas matter, your work is valued, and your contributions make a real impact for customers across the country.

Whether you’re on the shop floor, in engineering, customer service, or leadership, you’ll find a workplace built on integrity, innovation, and teamwork. Here, we don’t just talk about getting the job done right, we live it every day.

Join us, and help shape the future of American manufacturing.

About the Role:

The R&D Team Lead plays a critical role in supervising projects within the Research and Development Department by creating product prototypes, building tooling and fixtures, validating designs, and supporting the overall new product process. This position involves collaborating closely with engineers to develop new products and fixturing for a large-scale production facility. The Team Lead will be responsible for attending design reviews and planning meetings, managing timelines and workflows to meet deadlines, building prototypes, building fixtures, and maintaining the R&D shop facilities. Attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols are essential to maintain a productive and compliant shop environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Advanced training or certifications in a scientific or technical discipline such as machining, tool/die making, engineering technology, or related field.
• Experience working in a machine shop, welding shop, prototype lab, or similar.
• Proficiency with welding and metal working.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow complex instructions and protocols while meeting strict timelines.
• Computer skills include CAD programs, interpretation of manufacturing drawings, 3D printing, CAD/CAM machining software, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree in a relevant machining, manufacturing, or engineering field.
• Experience supervising people and working in a leadership role.
• Knowledge of quality control standards and regulatory compliance in R&D and manufacturing settings.
• Previous experience supporting product development or pilot manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise timelines and projects to meet deadlines.
• Supervise team of 3-5 people with shop projects.
• Build prototypes per Engineering specifications.
• Coordinate daily workload with Engineering projects and Engineering Project Managers.
• Collaborate with R&D team members to troubleshoot technical issues and optimize shop procedures.
• Assist in the development and validation of new testing methods and product prototypes.
• Manage inventory of shop supplies and coordinate procurement as needed.

Skills:

The R&D Team Lead utilizes technical skills daily to coordinate broad workloads, ensuring projects are completed accurately and efficiently. Manufacturing, machining, and welding skills are necessary to complete tasks. Strong organizational skills help manage multiple tasks, maintain detailed records, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. Communication skills enable effective collaboration with engineers, shop workers, and management. Additionally, proficiency with computer CAD software supports project interpretation and streamlines design, prototyping, and tooling efforts.