Technical Lead Operator

Role Overview

This role keeps a recycling production line running smoothly by combining hands-on equipment operation with shift-level supervision. You will work directly with balers, shredders, conveyors, and sorting machinery, while also leading a small team of assistant operators and coordinating with plant leadership on schedules and process improvements. The reliability and quality of the recycled output depend on your ability to spot problems early, maintain the equipment, and keep everyone on the floor operating safely.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and oversee heavy recycling machinery, adjusting processing parameters such as speed, pressure, and temperature to maintain consistent output and product quality.
• Monitor equipment performance throughout each shift, intervening immediately when you notice irregularities, unusual vibrations, or declines in throughput.
• Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance tasks on balers, shredders, conveyors, and sorting systems, documenting all work and flagging larger repair needs.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, identify root causes, coordinate repair work, and test equipment to confirm it is safe to return to service.
• Inspect inbound scrap materials and finished recycled products to ensure they meet established quality and contamination standards, working with quality control staff to correct issues.
• Lead and train assistant operators, assigning daily tasks, monitoring their performance, and providing hands-on coaching to improve efficiency and safety awareness.
• Facilitate regular safety meetings, enforce safe work practices, investigate incidents or near misses, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Track and report production metrics, maintenance logs, and equipment status to the Recycling Plant Manager and Supervisor, recommending process adjustments or equipment upgrades.
• Collaborate with the plant leadership to build and adjust production schedules, coordinate material flow with other departments, and support new equipment installation projects.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in mechanical engineering or a closely related technical field.
• Proven experience operating production machinery in a recycling, waste processing, or equally demanding industrial environment.
• Must have previously operated a production machine involving at least three process steps where you actively controlled parameters such as temperature, pressure, or speed.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, and motivate machine operators while maintaining a safe and productive work environment.
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills, with the capacity to make quick, sound decisions during equipment failures or process upsets.
• Comfortable using data and maintenance records to improve processes and communicate status clearly to plant management and engineering teams.
• Commitment to workplace cleanliness and a proactive approach to hazard identification and safety compliance.