Mechanical Installer - Trucking Industry - Otay

Mechanical Truck and Trailer Installer - Otay Mesa

This role focuses on assembling, installing, and customizing heavy-duty work truck bodies and related equipment, while supporting the final stages of vehicle preparation before quality control. You work on a production line performing mechanical assembly, basic automotive tasks, and 12-volt electrical wiring, as well as washing and detailing vehicles to ensure they meet high quality standards. The position requires a baseline of mechanical experience, strong attention to detail, and the ability to follow work instructions and installation directions accurately.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, install, and customize heavy-duty work truck bodies and equipment on a production line.
• Install service bodies, platforms, van packages, hoists, shelving, drawer systems, and ladder racks according to specifications.
• Perform mechanical assembly tasks including chassis assembly and general labor related to truck upfitting and vocational truck equipment installation.
• Install and test 12-volt electrical components and circuits, including automotive wiring, harnesses, and DC electrical systems.
• Install hydraulic systems and perform basic plumbing-related work, including fluid systems, hose, and fitting installation.
• Read and interpret mechanical prints, electrical prints, blueprints, work instructions, and installation directions to complete assigned tasks.
• Follow manufacturing instructions and assembly procedures to complete installations on schedule while maintaining quality standards.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical installation issues and perform basic diagnostics to resolve problems.
• Wash and clean cars and trucks in the final stage, including exterior washing and wiping down interiors to ensure a clean finished product.
• Make sure accessories are installed or properly stowed away per installation instructions and install decals according to specifications.
• Prepare trucks for quality control and assist QC to ensure vehicles are complete, clean, and meet established quality standards.
• Load fire extinguishers, place floor mats, and complete other final assembly steps on chassis and vehicles.
• Handle materials safely, including lifting up to 50 lbs, and follow workplace safety and OSHA awareness practices.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment with other installation technicians, supporting cross-functional collaboration and workplace organization.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in line with 5S/6S and lean manufacturing principles.

Essential Skills

• Baseline mechanical experience with mechanical assembly and equipment installation.
• Ability to assemble chassis and complete vehicle assembly, including loading accessories such as fire extinguishers and placing floor mats.
• Proficiency using hand tools, power tools, and mechanical tools in a shop or production environment.
• Ability to install and test 12-volt electrical components, automotive wiring, harnesses, and DC electrical systems.
• Experience with truck equipment installation, truck upfitting, and vocational truck equipment assembly.
• Capability to read and interpret mechanical prints, electrical schematics, blueprints, technical drawings, and work instructions.
• Skill in mechanical installation, equipment assembly, and component installation following detailed procedures.
• Basic plumbing and fluid systems knowledge, including hose and fitting installation for hydraulic systems.
• Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills, including problem-solving and basic diagnostics.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality control and quality assurance standards.
• Ability to wash, clean, and detail vehicles, including final stage washing and interior wipe-down.
• Understanding of workplace safety, OSHA awareness, and shop safety practices.
• Ability to handle materials and lift up to 50 lbs safely.
• Comfort working in a team environment and collaborating with cross-functional colleagues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with 6S and 5S workplace organization and lean manufacturing principles.
• Familiarity with manufacturing instructions and assembly procedures in a production line setting.
• Background in truck equipment installation, vocational truck equipment assembly, and truck upfitting.
• Experience supporting quality control processes to ensure vehicles meet defined standards.
• Ability to interpret work instructions and installation directions with minimal supervision.
• General understanding of automotive quality standards and vehicle electrical systems.
• Experience in warehouse or shop environments working alongside other installation technicians.

Why Work Here?

You join a long-established, family-owned organization with deep roots and a stable presence in its industry. The company offers a supportive team environment and the opportunity to convert from a short-term contract into a permanent role based on performance and impact. Upon conversion, employees gain access to comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as a 401(k) plan with a generous employer contribution that adds 7% on top of the employee's own contribution. The culture values reliability, craftsmanship, and collaboration, providing a setting where your skills are recognized and your growth is encouraged.

Work Environment

This position operates on a first shift schedule, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM. You work in a warehouse and shop environment alongside a team of approximately five other installation technicians, focusing on truck and equipment assembly and installation. The setting is hands-on and tool-intensive, requiring regular use of hand tools, power tools, and mechanical equipment, as well as material handling tasks that may involve lifting up to 50 lbs. The environment emphasizes safety, organization, and teamwork, with structured processes and clear work instructions guiding daily activities.

Job Type & Location: This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits: The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $32.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type: This is a fully onsite position in San Diego, CA.

Application Deadline: This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.