Diesel Technician

Diesel TechnicianThe Diesel Technician performs comprehensive bumper-to-bumper repairs on diesel vehicles, primarily trucks, in a development-focused environment. This role supports engineering teams with diesel engine and diesel truck work, including mechanical and electrical tasks, diagnostics, part swaps, teardown and rebuilds, and repair of complex issues. The technician also provides off-site support for development trips and test ride groups across the United States, ensuring vehicles and trailers remain safe, reliable, and test-ready.Responsibilities:Perform bumper-to-bumper repairs on diesel trucks, including mechanical and electrical systems.Support development engineers with diesel engine and diesel truck work, including part swaps, teardowns, rebuilds, diagnostics, and repairs.Troubleshoot and diagnose diesel issues such as fault codes, running problems, and performance concerns.Inspect vehicles to identify electrical, mechanical, and diesel-related issues and determine appropriate repair strategies.Complete engine-related work, including engine swaps and cab-off procedures as part of routine operations.Perform wiring work, including wire harness installation and repair, and install instrumentation and related components as required.Work from assigned work tickets, review requirements with the team lead, and execute tasks accurately and efficiently.Retrieve vehicles from the lot, bring them into the garage, position them on lifts, and perform required maintenance and repairs.Troubleshoot and resolve electrical issues on vehicles, including wiring faults, sensor problems, and component failures.Perform routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, tire rotations, and general inspections as needed.Utilize diagnostic tools and equipment to identify issues and verify successful repairs.Support off-site development and test ride trips by following engineering teams in a support vehicle loaded with tools and equipment.Perform on-the-road repairs or adjustments to vehicles and trailers during development trips, and provide timely notifications of issues to the engineering team.Repair and maintain trailers used during test and development activities.Collaborate closely with other technicians and engineering staff in the diesel garage to complete complex projects.Document work performed accurately in work tickets and communicate status and findings to the team lead and engineering staff.Adhere to safety procedures and best practices in the garage and during off-site travel.Demonstrate flexibility in daily tasks, shifting between welding, fabrication, engine work, routine maintenance, and diagnostic work as needed.Essential Skills:At least 8 years of relevant hands-on experience as a diesel technician or in a similar role, with flexibility for candidates with strong diesel backgrounds.Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose diesel issues, including fault codes, running problems, and performance concerns.Strong mechanical skills with experience in bumper-to-bumper repair on diesel vehicles, especially trucks.Proficiency with diesel engines, including inspection, repair, and replacement of major components.Experience performing engine swaps and working on engine-related systems, including cab-off procedures.Ability to troubleshoot and repair electrical issues on vehicles, including wiring, sensors, and electronic components.Familiarity with diagnostic tools and processes for diesel vehicles and systems.Experience performing remove-and-replace (R&R) operations on components and assemblies.Strong troubleshooting skills for both mechanical and electrical systems on diesel trucks.Ability to work effectively as part of a team, communicate clearly, and support engineering and technician colleagues.Willingness and ability to travel within the United States several times per year to support off-site development and test ride activities.Two-year technical degree from an accredited institution (for example, a technical or automotive-focused college) or equivalent technical training and experience.Familiarity with fabrication and welding processes, with the ability to apply these skills in a vehicle development environment.Additional Skills & Qualifications:Fabrication experience, including cutting, fitting, and assembling metal components for vehicle and test-related applications.Welding skills, particularly MIG and TIG welding, are a significant advantage due to frequent use in this role.Experience installing wire harnesses, instrumentation, and related test or development equipment on vehicles.Dealership experience working on diesel vehicles or equivalent high-volume, hands-on diesel repair experience.Experience working on personal or project diesel vehicles, such as home projects or vehicles for family and friends.Familiarity with transmission-related systems and components, even though internal transmission work is not performed in this role.Chauffeur’s license or similar commercial driving qualification is a nice-to-have, especially for operating heavier trucks.Ability to adapt to changing daily tasks, moving from welding and fabrication to engine removal, tire rotation, or oil changes as needed.Strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to admit and learn from mistakes.Comfort working in a development environment where procedures and tasks can vary significantly from day to day.Openness to candidates coming directly from a technical program if they have a strong diesel experience and hands-on experience.Work Environment:The role is based in a dedicated diesel garage within a diesel engine development facility. The technician works onsite in the diesel garage five days per week and collaborates closely with a small team of technicians and engineers. The environment focuses on development work with diesel trucks, including engine swaps, cab-off operations, wiring, instrumentation installation, and a wide range of mechanical and electrical repairs. Work is highly varied; one day may involve welding and fabrication, while the next may focus on engine removal, diagnostics, or routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations. Technicians have access to lifts, diagnostic tools, welding and fabrication equipment, and standard automotive service tools. Two schedule options are available: a 5-day schedule of 8-hour shifts (typically 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM) or a 4-day schedule of 10-hour shifts (typically 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM on either MondayThursday or TuesdayFriday). The position is fully onsite. Travel within the United States is occasionally required to support off-site development and test ride groups in locations such as Colorado, Florida, Texas, and California. During these trips, technicians travel in support vehicles equipped with tools and are responsible for on-the-road repairs to vehicles and trailers. All approved travel expenses are covered, and no out-of-pocket costs are expected for the technician. The culture emphasizes teamwork, hands-on learning, exposure to new technologies, and a dynamic workload where no two days are exactly the same.Job Type & Location:This is a Contract position based out of MILFORD, MI.Pay and Benefits:The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $34.00/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)Application Deadline:This position is anticipated to close on Oct 29, 2026.Workplace Type:This is a fully onsite position in MILFORD, MI.About Actalent:Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record