Diesel Mechanic (semi-truck / tractor-trailer)

Title: Diesel Mechanic

Department: Maintenance/Shop

Location: Palletized – Collingsworth Location

Reports To: Fleet Maintenance Manager

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Job Summary:

The Diesel Mechanic is responsible for inspecting, diagnosing, maintaining, completing inspections, performing preventive maintenance, correcting vehicle deficiencies and repairing our Class 8 semi-trucks and trailers for optimal working conditions, while adhering to federal and state regulations ensuring continuous safe and efficient operations.

The Diesel Mechanic role varies from entry-level to advanced depending on experience.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function and essential duty listed below satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Direct Reports: N/A

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct inspections and diagnostic tests using advanced equipment, including scanners and electronic test. equipment, and on-board diagnostic computers, to keep transport trailers available for use.
• Conduct test drives to verify semi-truck performance, repairs, diagnose issues and ensure safety standards are met.
• Control costs by conserving the use of equipment and supplies.
• Diagnose and repair diesel engines.
• Ensure all work complies with federal and state DOT and CMV requirements, including engine testing and safety standards.
• Inspect vehicles for compliance.
• Maintain detailed records of services and repairs using computer workstations.
• Maintain service records.
• Perform drivetrain and suspension repairs.
• Perform regular and thorough DOT inspections to assess semi-truck and trailer condition.
• Perform general repairs.
• Perform regular and thorough preventive maintenance (e.g., oil changes, fluid level checks, grease jobs, filter replacements, tire rotation and changes, wheel balancing, and component replacement) to ensure equipment availability and reliability.
• Remove, repair, adjust, overhaul, assemble, disassemble, and replace major assemblies, sub-assemblies, components, parts, or systems, including power and drive trains, electrical systems, air conditioning, fuel systems, emission controls, brakes, steering, and hydraulics.
• Repair electrical, fuel, and exhaust systems.
• Repair air brake systems.
• Stay updated on industry developments by participating in educational opportunities and reading technical and regulation publications.
• Troubleshooting mechanical issues to determine necessary repairs.
• Utilize warranties and evaluate service and parts options to manage costs effectively.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Ability to remain organized within a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams.
• Ability to make fast decisions for repairs and breakdowns.
• Ability to multi-task with the ability to prioritize tasks.
• Demonstrate dependability through good attendance and adherence to timelines and schedules.
• Excellent interpersonal, teamwork and customer service skills (internal and external).
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Must have technical aptitude.
• Proficiency in diagnostics and troubleshooting to diagnose mechanical failures.
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong attention to detail with high accuracy in inspecting, creating, processing, checking, finalizing
• data and documentation.
• Technical understanding of diesel engines and systems.

Job Qualification:

• Required: High school diploma or G.E.D
• Required: Advanced technical skill and troubleshooting ability.
• Required: At least 2 years’ proven diesel mechanic experience working on heavy-duty Class 8 semi-truck, diesel repair and diesel mechanics and diagnostics (e.g., 18-wheeler Class 8 trucks like Cummins, Detroit Diesel, PACCAR).
• Required: Strong understanding of diesel systems.
• Required: Ability to use tools and diagnostic equipment.
• Required: Ability to perform physical labor.
• Required: Must have own personal hand tools to be able to complete the job.
• Preferred: Advanced diagnostics experience.
• Preferred: Heavy-duty truck experience.
• Preferred: Basic Hazmat knowledge.

Certification/License:

• Required: Valid driver’s license;
• Preferred - CDL (Commercial Driver's License).
• Preferred - Certified as a State Safety Inspector
• Preferred - Certifications (ASE or equivalent)
• Preferred - Experience operating an alignment machine.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The Trailer mechanic is frequently required to sit, stand and walk for long periods of time, climb, bend, squat, twist, pinch, reach overhead, grasping, turning the head and torso, flexing the arms, legs, balance, wrists, finger dexterity, feeling, repetitive motions, talking, hearing, visual activity, as well as exercise eye-hand coordination and eye-hand-foot coordination.
• Ability to lift up to 60+ pounds and work in strenuous positions (crouching, bending, climbing).

Working Conditions:

• This role often faces physically demanding conditions, including intense heat exposure, heavy lifting, and handling hazardous materials.
• Based in a workshop, repair bay, and/or truck terminal.
• May involve mobile repair, going to the site of broken-down trucks.
• Often requires flexibility in working hours to meet fleet uptime requirements.
• This role often requires operating power tools, hand tools and machinery.
• This role requires protective gear such as hard hats, boots and goggles to be worn.

Additional Notes:

• Experience level varies
• Compensation based on skill
• Advancement opportunities available

Pay: $23.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have your own personal hand tools to be able to complete the job?
• Do you have a strong understanding of diesel systems?
• Do you have advanced technical skill and troubleshooting ability?

Experience:

• working on heavy-duty Class 8 semi-trucks: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person