Robert T. O’Brien
Blaine,TN
Summary
Maintenance supervisor with extensive experience in equipment maintenance and budget management, delivering substantial operational cost savings through innovative preventive strategies. Recognized for improving equipment availability and fostering teamwork in high-pressure environments, driving operational excellence. Proven ability to coordinate installations, repairs, and maintenance tasks while ensuring compliance with quality standards and safety regulations. Skilled in problem-solving, time management, and effective communication, leading to reduced equipment downtime and enhanced productivity.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Young Maintenance Supervisor/Superintendent
Nyrstar
Strawberry Plains, TN
10.2022 - 10.2025
- Oversaw numerous side projects, including RCA Teleop Systems for Young Mines Complex, completing ahead of schedule and under budget.
- Implemented OSA Program, earning World Class Award for East Tennessee Mines from Polaris Laboratories.
- OSA Program generated savings of millions in operational costs.
- Sustained and executed work plan for Young Mines with 80% planned and 20% unplanned tasks, achieving record high availability over five years.
- Managed $10 million DOC budget with $2 million in capital projects for 2024 and $8 million DOC budget with $2.6 million in capital projects for 2025.
- Directed largest equipment fleet in operations, maintaining a 3.68 mechanic/equipment ratio with minimal personnel.
- Established in-house training programs to enhance technician skills and capabilities.
- Implemented parts inventory program, reducing Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and increasing Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF).
- Supervised daily maintenance activities for equipment and facility operations.
- Coordinated preventive maintenance schedules to ensure optimal equipment performance.
- Trained and mentored maintenance team on safety protocols and best practices.
- Conducted inspections to identify potential issues in machinery and systems.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance operational efficiency in maintenance tasks.
- Managed inventory of tools and supplies for maintenance operations.
- Collaborated with other departments to address facility-related concerns promptly.
- Documented maintenance activities and prepared reports for management review.
- Reviewed work orders, allocated resources, assigned tasks, and established priorities for completion of jobs.
- Maintained clear and safe workspace areas to meet OSHA standards.
- Scheduled repair and maintenance of machines, tools and equipment to support continuous production operations.
- Monitored and evaluated the performance of personnel in the maintenance department, providing guidance and coaching when necessary.
- Inspected facilities to determine problems and schedule necessary maintenance.
- Ordered replacement parts as required to keep machines running efficiently.
- Worked closely with vendors and suppliers to purchase spare parts at competitive prices.
- Diagnosed equipment malfunctions and performed repairs to restore equipment and maintain uptime.
- Supervised technicians on repair and installation of machines or systems according to manufacturer's specifications.
- Ensured that safety regulations were followed by employees while performing maintenance tasks.
- Scheduled and coordinated preventative maintenance activities to ensure equipment reliability.
- Oversaw team in completing job tasks quickly and accurately with appropriate use of instruments and tools.
- Coordinated emergency repairs as needed in order to minimize disruption in production schedules.
- Assisted in training new hires on proper operation and maintenance techniques for various types of machinery.
- Maintained records of repairs and parts inventory usage to optimize future planning efforts.
- Provided technical support to operations staff as needed to resolve complex problems with equipment or processes.
- Designed, fabricated and installed upgrades to improve existing equipment.
- Inspected machines and equipment for conformance with operational standards.
- Prepared and monitored budget to keep maintenance department financially sound.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for all production machinery.
- Created work crew schedules and delegated assignments.
- Maintained optimal supply levels to meet expected demands without overreaching budget targets.
- Monitored employee work levels and optimized performance with strategic approaches.
- Led training programs for staff on operational best practices and safety protocols.
- Developed strategic plans for process improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
- Facilitated communication between departments to promote collaboration and workflow efficiency.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously using effective resource planning techniques.
- Inspected construction sites regularly to detect potential safety hazards and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
- Monitored equipment operation during extraction process to detect problems.
ETN Reliability Engineer
Nyrstar
Strawberry Plains, TN
04.2018 - 10.2022
- Reviewed Oil products used for mobile fleet and standardized.
- Reviewed Grease products for Fixed and Mobile fleet and standardized.
- Implemented New Oil Sampling Program and standardized across all sites.
- Created Component installation kits for Mobile Equipment.
- Created and revised OEM Preventative Maintenance Kits.
- Created & Corrected BOM’s Task lists in SAP.
- Created and/or Corrected Maintenance plans in SAP for mobile equipment.
- Audited mine sites for inefficiencies/need for improvements.
- Audited Current equipment fleet for decommissioning requirements.
- Created/Revised and Implemented SOP’s for daily routines and tasks for mobile maintenance.
- Implemented needed projects ranging up to $250K.
- Project Implementation on new underground mobile maintenance shops.
- Self-taught on Inventor software.
- Courses taken and practiced with Microsoft Project.
- Analyzed equipment performance to identify reliability improvements.
- Coordinated maintenance schedules for critical machinery and systems.
- Developed reliability standards and procedures for operational excellence.
- Led root cause analysis on equipment failures to mitigate risks.
- Conducted risk assessments to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Implemented preventive maintenance strategies to reduce downtime.
- Trained staff on best practices for equipment operation and reliability management.
- Calculated design specifications or cost, material and resource estimates.
- Compiled and maintained records documenting engineering schematics and installed equipment.
- Maintained system logs or manuals to document testing or operation of equipment.
- Read and interpreted technical manuals, drawings and schematics to make accurate repair decisions.
- Identified opportunities for improvement in existing maintenance processes.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations while carrying out tests or inspections.
- Created work instructions for safe handling of hazardous materials in the workplace.
- Implemented preventative, predictive, corrective and proactive maintenance tasks.
- Monitored performance trends of production systems and suggested corrective actions as needed.
- Conducted root cause analysis on production downtime events.
- Developed training materials for employees on proper use of machinery and equipment.
- Assisted in developing spare parts inventory strategies to reduce downtime due to part shortages.
- Analyzed data from predictive maintenance inspections to determine the health of equipment.
- Coordinated with vendors to source replacement parts for repairs or upgrades.
Interim Mobile Maintenance Superintendent
Nyrstar
Strawberry Plains, TN
11.2018 - 01.2019
- Commenced true planning process to streamline mobile shop operations.
- Set up 5S Standard for better workplace efficiency.
- Elevated equipment availability from 50% to above 70%.
- Assigned clear roles and responsibilities to all shop staff.
- Promoted cultural shift among technicians to foster a collaborative environment.
Shop Team Lead/Supervisor
Nyrstar
Strawberry Plains, TN
06.2017 - 04.2018
- Directed crew line outs and set daily objectives to boost team performance.
- Utilized SAP for parts ordering to maintain supply chain efficiency.
- Recorded time exceptions and processed payroll entries in SAP effectively.
- Provided training on schematic interpretation and fundamental electrical troubleshooting skills to technicians.
- Implemented 5S initiative to decrease downtime and optimize parts location.
- Arranged subsequent shifts for repair work and continuous enhancement efforts.
Shop Mechanic
Sunbelt Rentals
Richmond, KY
04.2014 - 07.2015
- Inspected machinery and heavy-duty vehicles for operational efficiency and safety compliance.
- Assisted in maintaining shop functionality through effective organization of workspace.
- Documented all service records to track repair history of equipment and vehicles.
- Collaborated with team members to address mechanical issues promptly.
- Repaired and maintained shop tools to ensure safe operations at all times.
- Diagnosed performance issues in engines utilizing computerized diagnostic tools.
- Conducted routine maintenance checks on various equipment for reliability.
- Cleaned up work areas after job completion to uphold safety standards.
Mechanic/Lube truck driver
CONSOL Energy
Williamson, WV
06.2012 - 01.2014
- Utilized 777B rock truck for transporting materials, enhancing workflow efficiency.
- Completed mechanical tasks as a strip mechanic, ensuring equipment longevity.
- Aided underground apprentice electrician with electrical fixes and installations.
- Engaged in troubleshooting efforts on machinery to resolve issues swiftly.
Strip Job Technician
CONSOL Energy
Clay County, WV
10.2010 - 01.2014
- Underground Mechanic assistant.
- Surface/Underground Apprentice electrician.
- Grease/fuel truck Operator.
- Equipment operation.
- Assisted in changing vital operating parts for D9's.
Cashier
Wal-Mart
Prestonsburg, KY
08.2010 - 10.2010
- Restructured register stations for enhanced efficiency.
- Implemented thorough cleaning and organization of departments to improve operational workflow.
Salesman
Sears
Paintsville, KY
07.2005 - 04.2010
- Streamlined daily store objectives and goals for increased efficiency.
- Coordinated home deliveries to ensure timely customer service.
- Unloaded shipment trucks and stocked store floors consistently.
- Managed store opening procedures to maintain operational readiness.
- Operated cash register as needed to facilitate transactions.
- Organized and stocked warehouse inventory on a daily basis.
Laborer
Private contracting
Floyd County, KY
04.2005 - 04.2010
- Constructed garage and house foundations to ensure stability and durability.
- Executed new roof plans, enhancing structural integrity.
- Rebuilt roofs to meet safety standards and improve aesthetics.
- Laid shingles on roofs, ensuring proper alignment and weatherproofing.
- Installed drywall to create finished interior spaces.
- Applied hardwood floors for improved interior appeal and functionality.
- Laid blocks for foundation and structural support.
- Installed electrical systems, including outlets, ceiling fans, breaker boxes, switches, and exterior lamp posts.
Summer intern
Consol Energy
Knott County, KY
05.2008 - 08.2008
- Maintained belts to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
- Supported out-by maintenance crew to enhance operational reliability.
- Fixed machinery to minimize downtime and improve productivity.
- Operated underground continuous miners, contributing to production targets.
- Managed man trips and shuttle cars for effective material transport.
- Oversaw haulage systems to streamline operations.
- Handled scope cars and roof bolters to maintain safety standards.
- Ran both small and large equipment, ensuring compliance with operational protocols.
Education
Kentucky Underground MSHA Electrical certification -
MSHA Electrical Certification
Martin, KY01.2015
Associate of Arts - Mechanical Engineering
Prestonsburg Community & Technical College
Prestonsburg, KY04.2014
Started Mechanical Engineering -
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY04.2014
Associate of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Prestonsburg Community & Technical College
Prestonsburg, KY04-2014
Welding training classes - Completed
Hazard Community & Technical College
Hazard, Kentucky08.2008
Diploma -
Paintsville Independent
Paintsville, Kentucky05.2008
Skills
- Equipment maintenance
- Preventive maintenance
- Budget management
- Root cause analysis
- Safety compliance
- Parts ordering
- Inventory management
- Time management
- Work assignment delegation
- Cost control
- Staff scheduling
- Employee performance assessment
- Performance monitoring
- Maintenance scheduling
- Work order management
- Maintenance recordkeeping
- Staff management
- Vendor coordination
- Employee scheduling
- Lockout and tagout procedures
- Job planning
- Reliability
- Materials and labor costing
References
Available on request.
Certification
- Competent Rigger 1
- MSHA Electrical Certification
Accomplishments
- Placed 3rd in Horizon Laboratories world class OSA programn in North America
Timeline
Young Maintenance Supervisor/Superintendent
Nyrstar
10.2022 - 10.2025
Interim Mobile Maintenance Superintendent
Nyrstar
11.2018 - 01.2019
ETN Reliability Engineer
Nyrstar
04.2018 - 10.2022
Shop Team Lead/Supervisor
Nyrstar
06.2017 - 04.2018
Shop Mechanic
Sunbelt Rentals
04.2014 - 07.2015
Mechanic/Lube truck driver
CONSOL Energy
06.2012 - 01.2014
Strip Job Technician
CONSOL Energy
10.2010 - 01.2014
Cashier
Wal-Mart
08.2010 - 10.2010
Summer intern
Consol Energy
05.2008 - 08.2008
Salesman
Sears
07.2005 - 04.2010
Laborer
Private contracting
04.2005 - 04.2010
Kentucky Underground MSHA Electrical certification -
MSHA Electrical Certification
Associate of Arts - Mechanical Engineering
Prestonsburg Community & Technical College
Started Mechanical Engineering -
University of Kentucky
Associate of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Prestonsburg Community & Technical College
Welding training classes - Completed
Hazard Community & Technical College
Diploma -
Paintsville Independent