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Technical Services Manager

Pace Industries · Grafton, WI · Full time

Posted Jul 8, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a preventive or predictive maintenance program you built or improved. What changed in the numbers?

What they are checking: Whether they have improved reliability with measurable results like reduced downtime.

Tell me about a time you had to hold a team member accountable for performance or safety.

What they are checking: Whether they can manage people directly and fairly in a skilled-trades environment.

What would you do

You lead maintenance, process control, and automation. How would you set priorities across those three teams?

What they are checking: Whether they can align different technical groups around uptime and quality goals.

Production wants a machine back running, but your team wants more time to fix the root cause. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can balance short-term output with lasting fixes and explain the call.

How would you build skills on your team when skilled maintenance techs are hard to hire?

What they are checking: Whether they invest in training and development instead of relying only on hiring.

About the work

How do you decide whether a recurring problem is equipment, process, or automation?

What they are checking: Whether they can lead structured troubleshooting across disciplines.

What is your experience with PLCs, robotics, and sensors in a die casting plant?

What they are checking: Whether they have enough technical depth to guide automation decisions and coach their team.

How would you make sure process controls keep casting quality consistent across shifts?

What they are checking: Whether they understand process monitoring and standardization as tools for reducing scrap.

What metrics would you report to plant leadership each week?

What they are checking: Whether they track meaningful measures like uptime, MTBF, scrap, and PM compliance.

How do you build safety into maintenance and automation work?

What they are checking: Whether they lead with safety, including lockout and machine guarding, around high-energy equipment.

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The full job description

As published by Pace Industries.

Join us in becoming the premier die casting manufacturer and engineering solutions supplier worldwide. Position Summary: The Technical Services Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all maintenance, process control, and automation functions within a high-pressure die casting (HPDC) manufacturing environment. This role ensures optimal equipment performance, process stability, and continuous improvement through effective leadership, technical expertise, and cross-functional collaboration. The position plays a critical role in maximizing uptime, improving casting quality, and driving operational efficiency. Key Responsibilities: • Lead and manage maintenance, process control, and automation teams to support daily production and long-term plant objectives • Develop and execute preventive and predictive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and extend equipment life • Oversee troubleshooting and resolution of equipment, automation, and process-related issues • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction • Ensure process controls are in place and optimized to maintain consistent casting quality and reduce scrap • Manage and improve PLCs, robotics, sensors, and automated systems across the facility • Partner with production, quality, and engineering teams to improve processes and implement new technologies • Support capital projects including equipment selection, installation, and commissioning • Establish and monitor KPIs related to uptime, OEE, scrap rates, and maintenance performance • Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards • Develop and mentor team members, building technical capability and leadership within the department • Manage departmental budgets, including maintenance spend and capital planning Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related field) or equivalent experience • 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, preferably in high-pressure die casting or a similar metal casting environment, though other relevant manufacturing experience will be considered • 3+ years of leadership experience managing technical or maintenance teams • Solid understanding of die casting processes, tooling, and equipment preferred • Experience with PLC programming, robotics, and industrial automation systems • Proven track record in implementing preventive and predictive maintenance systems • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills • Excellent communication and leadership abilities Preferred Qualifications: • Experience in aluminum or magnesium die casting • Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies and data-driven manufacturing • Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification Work Environment: • Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to heat, noise, and heavy equipment • May require off-shift support and on-call availability Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): • Equipment uptime and reliability • Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) • Scrap and rework reduction • Maintenance cost control • Safety performance

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