Lead Mechanic - Farm Operations

Job Description

Job Description

We are building a highly capable agricultural operation designed for long-term resilience and independent operation. This includes a wide range of mechanical equipment: PTO-driven equipment, Parts Inventory, Custom-Built Machinery.

We are looking for a Lead Mechanic who can take ownership of all mechanical systems—from setup and modification to long-term maintenance and optimization.

This is not a typical farm job. You will be expected to build, adapt, and keep systems running under demanding conditions.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Setup & Commissioning

- Assemble and bring online equipment such as:

- PTO-driven grain cleaners and threshers

- Hammer mills, mixers, and feed systems

- Irrigation pumps and high-volume water systems

- Convert electric-driven machines to PTO (e.g., gearbox + jackshaft builds)

- Ensure proper alignment, speed matching, and safe operation

Mechanical Fabrication & Modification

- Design and build:

- PTO drive systems (gearboxes, slip clutches, jackshafts)

- Mounting frames and skid systems

- Custom adaptations for multi-crop processing

- Work with belts, pulleys, shafts, bearings, and structural steel

Maintenance & Reliability

- Develop preventative maintenance systems for:

- Bearings, bushings, belts, hydraulics, gearboxes

- Maintain spare parts inventory for long-term operation

- Troubleshoot failures quickly and effectively

Equipment Oversight

- Manage and maintain equipment such as:

- John Deere 4020 and similar tractors

- PTO generators and implements

- Sickle bar mowers, combines, and harvest equipment

- Ensure all machines are field-ready at all times

System Integration

- Build and maintain complete processing lines:

- Harvest → cleaning → drying → milling → storage

- Optimize throughput, efficiency, and durability

Required Skills & Experience

- Strong mechanical background (ag equipment, diesel, or industrial machinery)

- Hands-on experience with:

- PTO systems and driveline components

- Gearboxes, pulleys, and belt drives

- Bearings, shafts, and alignment

- Fabrication skills:

- Welding (MIG/TIG/Stick)

- Basic machining or metalworking

- Ability to diagnose and repair equipment without relying on outside support

Highly Valued (Not Required)

- Experience in:

- Off-grid or remote operations

- Irrigation systems and high-volume pumping

- Grain handling, cleaning, or milling systems

- Background in:

- Ranching, farming, or industrial maintenance

- Ability to design systems from scratch (not just follow manuals)

What We’re Looking For

- Someone who takes ownership and solves problems without being told

- Comfortable working with both modern and improvised systems

- Thinks in terms of durability, redundancy, and long-term operation

- Willing to build things right the first time

Why This Role is Different

- You won’t just maintain equipment—you’ll design and build systems

- Significant autonomy and responsibility

- Opportunity to create a high-performance, self-reliant agricultural operation

- Description of the most complex mechanical system you’ve built or managed

- Any photos or examples of past work (if available)