JobsGenerac

Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) Specialist

Generac · Beaver Dam, WI

Posted Aug 19, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 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.

Behavioral

Tell me about a time you ran a Kaizen event to improve OEE. What was the baseline, what did you change, and what was the result?

actual hands-on continuous improvement experience versus theoretical knowledge

Describe a time you had to train a maintenance or machine tech who was resistant to a new procedure or audit process.

coaching ability and how they handle pushback without authority over the person

Tell me about a process improvement project you initiated yourself, not one assigned to you.

self-direction and ownership, since this role is expected to spot opportunities independently

Tell me about a time equipment downtime was traced back to a missed or skipped PM. What did you learn from it?

accountability and how they use failures to strengthen the audit program

Technical

Walk me through how you'd set up a TPM program from scratch on a production line that's never had one.

whether the candidate understands the structure of TPM, not just the buzzword

How have you used a CMMS system day to day, and what did you do when the PM queue started backing up?

real operational fluency with CMMS scheduling and workload triage, not just having used one

What's your experience with PLCs and automated equipment troubleshooting? Give me an example of a tough one you diagnosed.

depth of technical skill against the automation and controls requirements listed

How do you decide which metrics to pull from the CMMS to know if the TPM program is actually working?

understanding of meaningful reliability metrics versus just running reports

What's your experience with SCADA or other production information systems, and how have you used that data to catch a problem early?

whether they can connect systems knowledge to practical uptime decisions

Situational

Say you notice a critical spare part keeps running low right when a machine needs it most. How do you fix that going forward?

proactive inventory thinking and root cause approach versus reactive firefighting

If a machine tech and an operations supervisor disagree on whether a piece of equipment is safe to keep running until the next scheduled PM, how do you handle that conversation?

judgment under competing pressures and ability to mediate between maintenance and production priorities

Imagine you're asked to write or update an SOP for a machine that several techs already do differently. How do you get everyone aligned?

standardization skills and change management within a technical team

If staffing gets tight and the CMMS work order backlog is growing, how do you decide what gets pushed and what gets done now?

prioritization skills under resource constraints, a core part of the day-to-day oversight duty

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The full job description

As published by Generac.

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most. For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future. Ready to Power a Smarter World with us? Assists the Maintenance Manager in implementing, training, and managing a World Class TPM- Total Productive Maintenance program tailored to PBE. Responsible for planning and scheduling PM tasks in CMMS to help maximize current & future scheduled PM’s. The TPM Specialist is responsible for providing day-to-day oversight of the facility TPM program by coordinating the efforts of the maintenance and operations machine techs team with the goal of ensuring equipment reliability program is effective resulting in equipment uptime and removing roadblocks that get in the way of achieving the departmental goals.   The specialist will play a key role in the motivation and skill development of personnel and is instrumental in creating and maintaining best practices. Responsibilities: • Executes and maintains the TPM program within the facility and assists in PM programs. Updates SOPs and maintains Sharepoint site for work instructions, parts list, print, drawings, etc. Identifies areas for training of Machine Techs as well as Maintenance Techs. T rains, coaches, and develops staff TPM skills. Sets clear expectations of the audit program to inspire and motivate the team.   Oversees management of critical spare parts inventory. • Identifies opportunities for process improvement and executes projects for OEE improvement. Initializes cost saving initiatives. Ensures queues from CMMS computerized maintenance management system and workload volume are being assigned and resolved in a timely manner, adjusting staffing, and scheduling as needed.   Monitors and evaluates metrics from CMMS to drive goal achievement. Responds to help requests positively and professionally. Supports the PEAK Program, most specifically TPM initiatives. Minimum Qualifications: • High School Diploma or GED  • 5 years’ experience working in a maintenance department of manufacturing plant • 1 year experience working with CMMS systems, asset auditing, and TPM/TPR processes • 1 year experience running Kaizen Events or similar continuous improvement efforts to improve OEE Preferred Qualifications: • Associate degree/certification in Maintenance, Mechatronics or a related field • 2 years’ experience in maintaining a CMMS system • Prior experience in developing training programs • 3 years’ experience utilizing TPS Lean principles and methods Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Detail oriented and organized. • Ability to effectively communicate in a team environment. • Ability to read, write, and perform math functions. • Knowledge of best practices for operating information systems (including SCADA), networks and peripherals relating production equipment • Knowledge of industrial electronic control systems. • Ability to perform complex troubleshooting on automated equipment with minimal guidance. • Understanding of electronics, mechanics, controls, PLC, robotics, and intermediate computer knowledge. • Understands principles of intermediate automation operations  • Ability to execute advanced automation procedures, interpret visual diagrams, and use advanced tooling. • Ability to problem solve and troubleshoot on automated equipment. • Advanced Understanding of electronics, mechanics, controls, PLC, robotics, and computer knowledge. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand.  The employee frequently is required to use hands to manipulate objects, tools or controls; and talk and hear.  The employee is regularly required to walk; stoop; crouch; bend and reach above shoulders.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds unassisted and up to 100 pounds with assistance, waist high, up to 10 feet away.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be working in the typical conditions of a manufacturing environment including seasonal variation in temperatures and occasional exposure to manufacturing fumes or by-products. The employee must comply with the assigned location PPE requirements including but not limited to safety glasses, hearing protection, appropriate gloves, clothing and shields for required tasks and closed toed or safety shoes as required by facility safety policies.   “We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

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