Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Heavy Equipment Mechanic (Diesel)

A heavy equipment mechanic inspects, maintains, and repairs heavy machinery like container handlers, cranes, and other industries. Key duties include diagnosing and fixing mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical issues, performing preventative maintenance, and using diagnostic tools and blueprints to ensure equipment operates efficiently and safely. This role involves physical labor, problem-solving, and record-keeping.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Inspect and diagnosis: Perform routine inspections and use diagnostic tools to identify malfunctions in systems like engines, hydraulics, and electrical systems.
• Repair and replace: Repair or replace worn or defective parts, which may include engine components, transmissions, and hydraulic systems.
• Perform maintenance: Conduct preventative maintenance, such as lubricating parts, changing fluids, and making adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
• Troubleshoot complex issues: Diagnose and repair complex problems, sometimes requiring disassembly and reassembly of large components.
• Work with technical information: Read and interpret operating manuals, blueprints, and technical drawings to guide repairs and maintenance.
• Operate equipment: Operate machinery to test defects or ensure proper function after repair.
• Maintain records: Keep detailed logs of inspections, work performed, and equipment condition.
• Provide field service: Travel to worksites to perform repairs on large pieces of equipment that cannot be easily moved.
• Fabricate parts: In some cases, fabricate or refinish parts to make necessary repairs.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice to accommodate the business need.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Experience: Candidates typically need proven experience working with diesel and/or heavy equipment repair.
• Licensing and certifications: A valid driver's license is required, and a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) may be necessary for some roles. Certifications, such as those from the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), are highly valued.
• Technical knowledge: Strong understanding of diesel and gasoline engines, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and computerized diagnostic tools.
• Physical stamina: The ability to lift heavy equipment and parts, stand for extended periods, and work in uncomfortable or awkward positions.
• Problem-solving skills: Excellent troubleshooting and analytical abilities to accurately diagnose mechanical issues.
• Manual dexterity: Proficiency with a wide variety of hand tools and power tools.
• Communication: Effective verbal and written communication skills to consult with team members and accurately document repairs.

Class A Duties (Advanced/Master Level)

• Diagnose and repair complex mechanical and electrical issues using advanced computerized diagnostic equipment and specialized tools.
• Perform major overhauls of engines, transmissions, differentials, and other major assemblies.
• Troubleshoot and repair intricate systems including hydraulic/air, electrical, fuel injection, and air conditioning systems.
• Conduct wheel alignments and use precision gauges and testing equipment to ensure manufacturer specifications are met.
• Serve as a lead worker or team leader, providing guidance and training to junior mechanics (Class B and C).

Class B Duties (Intermediate/Journey Level)

• Perform a wide range of standard repairs on various vehicle components, such as brakes, suspension, steering, and exhaust systems.
• Adjust and install new parts like alternators, pumps, starters, and other components.
• Utilize welding equipment (electric arc and acetylene) to perform minor fabrication and body/chassis repairs.
• Operate a tow truck or perform roadside repairs as needed for disabled vehicles.

Class C Duties (Basic/Entry Level)

• Perform routine preventive maintenance (PM), including oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, and tire rotations/repair.
• Conduct minor inspections and replace simple parts like light bulbs, wiper blades, and batteries.
• Assist senior mechanics with more complex repairs and tasks.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and ensure proper disposal of hazardous waste materials.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education/Experience: High school diploma or equivalent, with extensive relevant experience or a trade qualification/apprenticeship program completion.
• Certifications: Relevant certifications (e.g., ASE Certifications for Automotive Service Excellence) are a significant advantage. Must be able to obtain and maintain necessary certifications for specific systems (e.g., air brakes, A/C refrigerant handling).
• Licenses: A valid driver's license (potentially Class B or higher Commercial Driver's License with endorsements for certain heavy vehicles/buses) and a clean driving record.
• Skills: Strong problem-solving, mechanical, and communication skills; detail-oriented; physical strength and dexterity; and a commitment to safety protocols.
• Tools: Must be willing to furnish a standard set of personal hand tools.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting and carrying heavy parts (up to 50-75 lbs or more)
• Working in a variety of environments and weather conditions
• Climbing on, under, and into heavy equipment
• Stooping, kneeling, and pushing/pulling

Preferred Qualifications

1. Education: High School Diploma or GED
2. Experience: Have a combination of training or experience totaling at least 3 years
3. Languages: Fluent English/ Bilingual a plus
4. Applicants need to be able to obtain a Ports ID and a TWIC card

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

This position works in a port/terminal setting, with ample outdoor exposure during the workday. This role routinely stands for prolonged periods of time and performs other physical activities as needed. Position requires work outdoors in hot/humid, cold, and other inclement weather conditions depending on the time of year. This role randomly uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines, and standard warehouse equipment such as hand trucks, box cutters and tape dispensers.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work vary depending on the company's needs.

Travel

No travel is expected for this position.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Employee must be authorized to work in the United States.

AAP/EEO Statement

Sun Terminals provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment without regard to any of these characteristics. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.