Shop Lead

Parallel Systems is seeking a Shop Lead who will build our capacity to work effectively with out-of-house manufacturing partners and to perform in-house assembly and repair tasks. In this role, you’ll work with project managers, engineers, field teams, and manufacturing vendors. You’ll get to know our product and processes by doing hands-on work assembling electromechanical components and repairing equipment. You’ll be part of our operations department and build up an internal shop as the company grows. You’ll be responsible for coordinating on-time production of new parts as well as repairs and retrofits on our existing fleet of vehicles. This role involves regular work in Los Angeles and Fillmore, California. 

Responsibilities

• Maintain general and specialty tools for use in building and servicing vehicles. 

• Maintain an inventory of parts and consumables for use in building and servicing vehicles. 

• Track open tasks for building vehicles, servicing vehicles, and builds of test equipment/prototypes. 

Monitor readiness, progress, and quality for all in-house tasks. 

Coordinate Parallel’s delivery of materials and approvals for all tasks completed by vendors, track progress and completion. Make regular visits to vendor shops when appropriate. 

Understand approved drawings and work instructions for all open tasks. 

• Maintain calendars and other information-sharing tools so that other departments can anticipate and understand shop activities. 

• Create as-built closeout documentation for completed tasks. 

• Plan materials, space, and work time for upcoming tasks. 

• Participate in development of internal systems when appropriate for coordinating shop tasks, assets, quality records, and other data. 

• Schedule internal team members and vendor crews for field service work. 

• When appropriate (considering in-house task load and funding status) hire and manage technicians. 

• When necessary, perform technician tasks such as: 

Assembly using hand tools and adhesives. 

Basic fabrication using hand tools and power tools. 

Inspection/testing of mechanical parts, cables, and circuit boards. 

• Monitor safety of shop operations and participate in monthly safety committee meetings. 

Basic Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience working with outside vendors in a job shop, manufacturing, construction, or similar environment. 

• 3+ years of experience directly managing workers in a job shop, manufacturing, construction, or similar environment. 

• Ability to read drawings and work instructions. 

• Familiarity with metalworking processes. 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Willingness to travel occasionally to domestic and international project sites. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on railroad equipment, trucks, or other heavy equipment.  

• Experience maintaining machine tools, test equipment, and working inventory. 

• Familiarity with surface mount soldering and rework. 

• Experience managing production in a job shop environment or similar high-mix, low-volume production context. 

• Experience assembling and troubleshooting cables/wire harnesses.