Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Job Description

About Us

At American Engineering Testing (AET), we believe that people are the heart of innovation. We create an environment that values teamwork, curiosity, and continuous improvement while delivering innovative engineering and consulting solutions. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we deliver comprehensive testing, analysis, and design to reduce uncertainty in construction projects and offer rewarding work, exceptional training, and career development opportunities.

Job Summary 

The Heavy Equipment Mechanic is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of drilling rigs, construction equipment, and other heavy machinery used in geotechnical, environmental, and materials testing operations. This role ensures that all equipment is operating safely and efficiently to support field and laboratory testing projects across multiple service lines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Reasonable accommodations or workable solutions may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical issues on drilling rigs, loaders, excavators, generators, and other heavy equipment.
• Perform scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, and system diagnostics.
• Conduct pre-use inspections and safety checks to ensure optimal performance.
• Provide on-site support at job locations, performing emergency repairs and troubleshooting equipment failures.
• Minimize project delays by ensuring rapid response to mechanical breakdowns.
• Inspect, repair, and replace hydraulic components such as pumps, valves, hoses, and cylinders.
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical wiring, relays, control panels, and diagnostic systems.
• Perform welding, cutting, and fabrication work to repair or modify equipment components as needed.
• Conduct operational tests to verify successful repairs before returning equipment to service.
• Ensure all machinery meets operational and safety standards.
• Maintain detailed service logs, maintenance records, and repair documentation.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
• Work closely with engineers, technicians, and project managers to assess equipment performance.
• Provide recommendations for necessary repairs, modifications, or equipment upgrades.
• Follow OSHA, DOT, and company-specific safety protocols in all maintenance activities.
• Conduct hazard assessments and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Track parts usage and coordinate with procurement to ensure availability of necessary components and tools. 

Required Qualifications and Education Requirements 

• High school diploma or GED required; vocational training in diesel mechanics, heavy equipment repair, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience as a mechanic working with heavy equipment, drilling rigs, or construction machinery.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulic systems, electrical diagnostics, and engine repair.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and schematics.
• Must possess or obtain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within 6 months of employment.
• Welding and fabrication skills preferred.
• Experience with field service work is a plus.

Preferred Skills 

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.
• Effective communication skills for working with engineers, technicians, and project managers.
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate service records.

Pay Transparency

Base compensation is expected to be in the range of $33.00 and $40.00 per hour based on skill set and experience. AET offers a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision, Flex Savings Plans, Health Savings Accounts with employer contribution, 401(k) with company match, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), long term savings, paid time off, parental leave, company paid life, disability and identity theft, weekly pay, and professional development opportunities. The selected candidate must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future. 

Work Environment 

• Primarily operates in shop and field environments.
• Frequent travel to job sites required; may involve working outdoors in varying weather conditions. 

Physical Demands 

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands or fingers, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 

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. 

Third Party Disclosure 

Notice to Third Party Agencies: AET does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting firms. Absent a signed Service Agreement by AET’s Chief People Officer (CPO), AET reserves the right to pursue and hire these candidates without financial obligation to recruiters or agencies.