Lead Mechanical Technician

Via Separations, Inc.•Watertown, MA

21d•$80,750 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

Via Separations is seeking a Lead Mechanical Technician to join its Internal Systems group. This hands-on technical leadership role leads the assembly, fabrication, and build-out of internal test equipment, including test skids and pilot support systems with pumps, controls, piping, valves, instruments, and wiring. The technician also maintains and troubleshoots existing test skids and assets, reads engineering drawings, sources and orders materials, and safely operates hand and shop tools while working around hazardous liquids and gases. The position is based on-site in Watertown, Massachusetts, primarily in the lab, and may involve occasional travel to support field-deployed pilot units. The role requires leadership of build and maintenance activities, including sequencing work, assigning tasks, mentoring colleagues, and supporting safe, high-quality work. The technician coordinates with engineering, procurement, and external trades to build, maintain, repair, and upgrade laboratory equipment and facility systems. Work involves PPE and strict adherence to safety procedures around hazardous liquids and gases, pressurized systems, and powered shop equipment. Candidates must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and spend extended periods standing and performing hands-on assembly and fabrication. Background and drug screening are required, as is U.S. work authorization.

Requirements

At least 10 years of hands-on experience assembling, fabricating, and maintaining mechanical and piping systems, including pumps, valves, piping, instrumentation, and basic electrical wiring.
Ability to read and work directly from engineering drawings, P&IDs, and specifications.
Experience using hand tools and shop equipment, including cut-off saws and pipe threading machines.
Ability to work safely and comfortably around hazardous liquids and gases.
Experience ordering or specifying materials for fabrication or maintenance work.
Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical, piping, and basic electrical/controls systems.
Knowledge of reverse osmosis (RO) and high-pressure system components, operation, and safe handling.
Ability to lead tasks and provide direction to others on build or maintenance work.
Ability to work independently with minimal oversight and to prioritize and manage tasks with sound judgment.
Ability to use required PPE, including eye protection and a respirator, and follow strict safety procedures around hazardous liquids and gases, pressurized systems, and powered shop equipment.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and spend extended periods standing and performing hands-on mechanical assembly and fabrication.
Must undergo background and drug screening.
U.S. work authorization is required.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a lab, industrial test/fabrication, or field equipment deployment environment.
Familiarity with piping codes and material standards such as ASME B31.3 and with basic instrumentation/controls wiring.
Experience with chemical process equipment or corrosive-service materials such as stainless steel and specialty alloys.

Responsibilities

Assemble and fabricate internal test equipment and skids, including pumps, piping, valves, instrumentation, controls, and electrical/wiring components.
Read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, and specifications to plan and execute builds accurately.
Order and track build materials, coordinating with engineering and procurement to ensure correct specifications and timely delivery.
Use hand tools and shop equipment, including cut-off saws and pipe threading machines, to fabricate and install piping and structural components.
Lead build sequencing and assign tasks for projects, ensuring work meets quality and safety standards.
Support shipping and receiving as needed, including building crates and packaging large items and equipment for outgoing freight.
Coordinate with electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors, and other external trades on installation, maintenance, repair, and upgrades to laboratory equipment and facility systems.
Maintain, inspect, and repair existing test skids and internal systems to keep them safe and reliable.
Troubleshoot mechanical, piping, instrumentation, and electrical issues on test equipment; identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Coordinate with process and systems engineers on equipment modifications, upgrades, and recurring issues.
Work safely around hazardous liquids and gases while following safety protocols and PPE requirements.
Serve as a technical lead for build and maintenance activities, mentor colleagues, and help enforce shop safety and quality standards.
Promptly identify and escalate safety concerns, near-misses, or process deviations.