Garage Mechanic

Garage Mechanic

At Ben E. Keith Company, our legacy is strong—and our future is even stronger. For more than a century, we've been leaders in fine food and premium beverage distribution, known for delivering excellence and building lasting partnerships. Today, our Food Division spans multiple states, and our Beverage Division brings top beverage brands to communities across Texas. But what truly sets us apart is our commitment to people. We invest in our employees, empower growth, and create opportunities to make an impact—because when our people succeed, so do our customers and our business. Since 1906, that's been our promise.

The Garage Mechanic position will diagnose, adjust, repair or overhaul trucks and all types of diesel engines. Install and repair industrial and commercial refrigerating systems.

Responsibilities:

• Perform duties by following the Company's safety standards
• Use hand tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, and precision instruments, as well as power tools such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, drill press and jacks and hoists.
• Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
• Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
• Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
• Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
• Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
• Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, and pressure gauges.
• Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
• Inspect and verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to factory specifications.
• Specialize in repairing and maintaining parts of the engine, such as fuel injection systems.
• Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
• Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
• Recondition and replace parts, pistons, bearings, gears, and valves.
• Repair and adjust seats, doors, and windows, and install and repair accessories.
• Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery such as pumps and compressors.
• Disassemble and overhaul internal combustion engines, pumps, generators, transmissions, clutches, and differential units.
• Rebuild gas or diesel engines.
• Immediately communicate problems with Supervisor by phone
• Obey traffic laws and follow established traffic and transportation procedures
• Inspect and maintain vehicle supplies and equipment, such as gas, oil, water, tires, lights and brakes in order to ensure that vehicles are in proper working condition
• Maintain records such vehicle logs, records of cargo or billing statements in accordance with regulations
• Braze or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks.
• Observe and test system operation, using gauges and instruments.
• Test lines, components, and connections for leaks.
• Dismantle malfunctioning systems and test components, using electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic testing equipment.
• Adjust or replace worn or defective mechanisms and parts, and reassemble repaired systems.
• Read blueprints/wiring diagram to determine location, size, capacity, and type of components needed to maintain refrigeration system.
• Perform mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming.
• Cut, bend, thread, and connect pipe to functional components. Adjust valves according to specifications and charge system with proper type of refrigerant by pumping the specified gas or fluid into the system.
• Estimate, order, pick up, deliver, and install materials and supplies needed to maintain equipment in good working condition.
• Install expansion and control valves, using acetylene torches and wrenches.
• Mount compressor, condenser, and other components in specified locations on frames, using hand tools and acetylene welding equipment.
• Keep records of repairs and replacements made and causes of malfunctions.
• Fabricate and assemble structural and functional components of refrigeration system, using hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment.
• Lift and align components into position, using hoist or block and tackle.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• Minimum two years related mechanic experience/and or training required
• Minimum two years Thermo King or Carrier refrigeration experience/and or training required
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); two years or more related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.

Driver safety is important to Ben E. Keith. We use dash cameras which leverage artificial intelligence to recognize safe driving, capture safety events and improve driver safety performance. The videos are also used to exonerate drivers in accidents. All drivers sign a driver consent form upon hire to confirm their understanding.

We offer employees the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in collaborative, results-driven environments supported by competitive benefits, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match + 100% Company-Paid Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off & Holidays
• Wellness, EAP & Educational Assistance

At Ben E. Keith, we value a diverse and inclusive workforce where different perspectives drive better decisions and innovation. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, considering all qualified applicants, including minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.