Torchora
Back to Home

heavy duty repair lead

title: Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Heavy Duty Repair Lead
salary: $75,000 - $115,000 Annually (Note: Varies by location, experience, and company)
categories: [Maintenance & Repair, Skilled Trades, Transportation & Logistics, Leadership, Automotive]
description: A comprehensive overview of the key responsibilities, required technical skills and professional background for the role of a Heavy Duty Repair Lead.

🎯 Role Definition

At its core, the Heavy Duty Repair Lead is the technical authority and frontline supervisor within a heavy-duty maintenance facility. This role is not just about turning wrenches; it's about orchestrating the daily workflow, troubleshooting the most challenging equipment failures, and cultivating the skills of the technician team. You are the go-to expert who ensures repairs are performed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards, directly impacting fleet uptime, operational costs, and overall team morale. This is a hands-on leadership position for a seasoned professional ready to guide others while still engaging with complex diagnostic and repair work.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Heavy Duty Technician
  • Lead Diesel Mechanic
  • Experienced Shop Foreman

Advancement To:

  • Maintenance Supervisor
  • Shop Manager
  • Fleet Maintenance Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Technical Trainer
  • Fleet Analyst
  • Service Writer/Advisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Provide hands-on leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to a team of heavy-duty mechanics and technicians on a daily basis.
  • Orchestrate the shop workflow, efficiently assigning and prioritizing repair orders to maximize technician productivity and minimize vehicle downtime.
  • Serve as the primary escalation point for complex and challenging diagnostic issues, utilizing advanced diagnostic software and tools to accurately pinpoint root causes.
  • Perform and oversee a wide range of advanced repairs and overhauls on diesel engines, transmissions, differentials, and after-treatment systems (DPF, SCR).
  • Conduct thorough quality control inspections on completed repairs to ensure all work meets or exceeds manufacturer specifications and safety standards.
  • Develop and implement preventative maintenance (PM) schedules, ensuring compliance and adjusting programs based on vehicle performance and usage data.
  • Actively train and develop junior technicians, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill improvement within the maintenance team.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment, enforcing all company safety policies and OSHA/MSHA regulations.
  • Communicate effectively with drivers, operators, and management to understand vehicle complaints and provide clear updates on repair status and timelines.
  • Manage the work order process from creation to closure, ensuring all labor hours, parts, and repair notes are documented accurately and comprehensively in the maintenance software.
  • Assist in managing the parts inventory, including sourcing, ordering, and verifying the correct parts for repairs while controlling costs.
  • Diagnose and repair intricate electrical and electronic systems, including wiring harnesses, ECUs, and sensor networks across various vehicle platforms.
  • Lead the diagnosis and repair of complex hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including brakes, suspensions, and auxiliary equipment.
  • Ensure the shop's compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including DOT, EPA, and CVIP inspection requirements.
  • Operate and test vehicles and equipment to diagnose problems and verify the effectiveness of completed repairs in real-world conditions.
  • Create and maintain detailed technical documentation and service records to build a historical database for the fleet.
  • Collaborate with the Shop Manager on performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and hiring recommendations for the technical team.
  • Evaluate and recommend new shop equipment, tools, and technologies to improve diagnostic capabilities and repair efficiency.
  • Lead daily team meetings or "toolbox talks" to discuss safety topics, upcoming work, and any pressing shop issues.
  • Provide road call support and field diagnostics as needed, sometimes in challenging conditions, to get downed assets back in service quickly.
  • Interpret technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and service bulletins to guide the team through unfamiliar or highly technical repair procedures.
  • Manage warranty repair claims, ensuring proper documentation and procedures are followed to maximize cost recovery from OEMs and vendors.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist the Maintenance Manager in developing and managing the annual shop budget and tracking expenditures.
  • Participate in negotiations with parts suppliers and service vendors to secure favorable pricing and terms.
  • Fill in for technicians on the floor during periods of high workload or staff absences to ensure work continues to flow.
  • Analyze maintenance data to identify trends in vehicle failures, repeat repairs, and opportunities for process improvement.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Diesel Engine Diagnostics & Repair: Expertise with major engine platforms (e.g., Cummins, Detroit Diesel, PACCAR, Volvo/Mack).
  • OEM Diagnostic Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with tools like Cummins Insite, PACCAR DAVIE4, Detroit Diesel Diagnostic Link (DDDL), Bendix ACom.
  • Complex Electrical & Electronic Systems Troubleshooting: Ability to read schematics and diagnose issues with multiplexing systems, CAN bus, and vehicle control modules.
  • After-Treatment System Expertise: In-depth knowledge of DPF, DOC, SCR, and EGR systems, including diagnostics, cleaning, and repair.
  • Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems: Strong capability in diagnosing and repairing air brake systems (including ABS), suspensions, and hydraulic-powered auxiliary equipment.
  • Drivetrain & Transmission Repair: Skill in diagnosing and repairing manual and automated manual transmissions (AMTs) like Eaton Fuller and Allison.
  • DOT / CVIP Inspection Certification: Certified or able to become certified to perform annual federal and state commercial vehicle inspections.
  • Welding & Fabrication: Basic to intermediate MIG/TIG or stick welding skills for frame and component repair is highly desirable.
  • HVAC System Service: Certification (such as MACS or EPA 609) and experience in diagnosing and repairing heavy-duty air conditioning systems.
  • Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) Usage: Proficiency in using software like TMT, Dossier, or similar systems for work order and inventory management.
  • Tire and Wheel Expertise: Knowledge of proper tire mounting, balancing, and alignment procedures to TIA standards.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Mentorship: The ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a team of technicians.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: A knack for logically and methodically breaking down complex problems to find the root cause.
  • Clear Communication: Excels at translating technical information for non-technical audiences (like drivers or managers) and providing clear direction to the team.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: Master of juggling multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Composure Under Pressure: Stays calm and focused when dealing with critical equipment failures and tight deadlines.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to quality control, documentation, and safety procedures.
  • Adaptability: Open to new technologies, repair procedures, and changing operational demands.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree or Technical Diploma in Diesel Technology, Heavy Equipment Technology, or a related field. Manufacturer-specific training certificates (e.g., Cummins, Detroit Diesel) are a strong asset.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Diesel Mechanics
  • Heavy Equipment Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 7-10+ years

Preferred: A minimum of 7 years of hands-on diagnostic and repair experience on Class 7-8 trucks, with at least 2-3 years in a proven leadership capacity (e.g., Lead Hand, Shop Foreman, or senior technician with mentoring responsibilities). Experience in a fleet environment is highly preferred over a dealership.

Explore More Careers