Plant Operations Sr Technician

Company

Cox Automotive - USA

Job Family Group

Environmental, Social & Governance

Job Profile

Plant Operations Sr Technician

Management Level

Individual Contributor

Flexible Work Option

No remote option; must work at a specified Cox location

Travel %

Yes, 15% of the time

Work Shift

Day

Compensation

Hourly base pay rate is $26.73 - $40.10/hour. The hourly base rate may vary within the anticipated range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include commission (annual, monthly, etc.) and/or an incentive program.

Job Description

Job Summary:  The Sr. Industrial Equipment Technician / Heavy Equipment Mechanic is responsible for inspecting, diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing heavy-duty industrial equipment in a recycling or manufacturing environment. This role ensures all equipment is safe, reliable, and operating efficiently to support continuous business operations.

This position works independently with minimal supervision to prioritize and execute maintenance activities, develop and manage preventative maintenance programs, and performs advanced diagnostics and complex repairs. The role also contributes to operational efficiency by identifying improvement opportunities and may provide direction to production employees in the absence of the Operations Supervisor.

PRIMARY DUTIES/KEY RESPONSIBILITES

• Inspect, diagnose, and repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and AC/DC systems on heavy industrial equipment (e.g., shredders, conveyors, crusher units)
• Perform advanced troubleshooting using diagnostic tools and technical manuals to identify root causes of equipment failures
• Disassemble, repair, and reassemble motors, gearboxes, and other major equipment components
• Work independently to prioritize, plan, and execute maintenance activities with minimal supervision
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve preventative maintenance schedules based on equipment performance, failure trends, and operating conditions
• Perform routine preventative maintenance including lubrication, filter changes, fluid checks, belt adjustments, and system calibrations
• Test and validate equipment performance following repairs to ensure operational readiness, safety, and reliability
• Document all maintenance activities, work performed, and parts usage in work orders and maintenance tracking systems
• Order and replace parts, components, and materials as needed to maintain equipment uptime
• Collaborate with operations leadership to prioritize repairs, manage equipment downtime, and support production schedules
• Identify equipment performance trends, troubleshoot recurring issues, and recommend process or system improvements to enhance reliability and efficiency
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in compliance with company safety standards
• Provide operational direction to production employees and support production line activities in the absence of the Operations Supervisor

Required Experience & Specialized Knowledge and skills

• High School Diploma or GED and 5+ years of experience maintaining and repairing heavy industrial equipment or related machinery, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic systems
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize work, and manage competing maintenance demands
• Proficiency using diagnostic tools, hand tools, and power tools
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and work instructions
• Requires strong knowledge of common business tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, email systems) for documenting maintenance activity
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaborative skills to work effectively with operations, maintenance teams, and leadership
• Ability to pass required medical evaluation and fit test for PAPR (respirator).

Preferred Experience & Specialized Knowledge & Skills

• Technical certification in Diesel Technology, Heavy Equipment Repair, or related field
• Experience in industrial recycling, manufacturing, construction, or similar environments
• Experience using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)
• Experience providing work direction or leading operational activities in a production or industrial setting

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. independently and more with assistance
• Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and reach throughout the workday
• Ability to work in confined spaces and at heights as needed
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination required to safely operate tools and equipment
• Ability to perform work in varying environmental conditions, including heat, cold, and industrial environments
• Requires physical ability and stamina to safely perform the essential functions of the job within operational timelines

Work Environment

• This position takes place in a non-climate-controlled environment where PPE, Tyvek suits, and PAPR respirators are required. Due to these requirements, the individual in this position is required to pass a medical evaluation and a fit test to gain clearance to meet the requirements.  This position has exposure to moving machinery, high noise levels, grease, dust, and varying weather conditions
• Standard PPE includes safety glasses, safety vest, hearing protection, and safety footwear as well as the additional required PPE listed above.

Travel

• Flexibility for 10% travel

Benefits

Employees are eligible to receive a minimum of sixteen hours of paid time off every month and seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.

About Us

Through groundbreaking technology and a commitment to stellar experiences for drivers and dealers alike, Cox Automotive employees are transforming the way the world buys, owns, sells – or simply uses – cars. Cox Automotive employees get to work on iconic consumer brands like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book and industry-leading dealer-facing companies like vAuto and Manheim, all while enjoying the people-centered atmosphere that is central to our life at Cox. Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page. Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer – All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship.

 

 

EOE, including disability/vets

Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship. No OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT or visa sponsorship now or in future.