Assistant Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Absolutely. Here’s a shop/maintenance-manager style job description for AAA Pallet that you can use for hiring, Indeed, applications, or an employee handbook.

DIESEL MECHANIC

Company: AAA Pallet
Department: Fleet Maintenance
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Maintenance Manager / Shop Supervisor

Position Summary

AAA Pallet is looking for a dependable, experienced Diesel Mechanic to join our fleet maintenance team. The Diesel Mechanic will be responsible for inspecting, diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing company trucks, trailers, and diesel-powered equipment to keep our fleet safe, reliable, and operating with minimal downtime.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on mechanic who takes pride in quality work, can troubleshoot problems efficiently, and understands the importance of preventative maintenance in a commercial fleet environment.

Essential Responsibilities

• Perform preventative maintenance and scheduled services on diesel trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Diagnose and repair diesel engines, transmissions, drivetrains, electrical systems, air systems, cooling systems, fuel systems, and aftertreatment systems.
• Troubleshoot check-engine lights, fault codes, warning lights, and other vehicle-related issues.
• Perform electrical diagnostics using diagnostic software and testing equipment.
• Inspect and repair braking systems, suspension components, steering systems, and other safety-related components.
• Perform oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication services, and other routine maintenance.
• Diagnose and repair DPF, DEF, SCR, EGR, and other emissions-related systems.
• Inspect vehicles and identify repairs needed before they become major failures.
• Perform road tests and operational checks following repairs.
• Complete repairs in a safe, professional, and timely manner.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, repairs, parts used, and labor performed.
• Communicate major repairs, safety concerns, and vehicle downtime to the Maintenance Manager.
• Assist with emergency and breakdown repairs when necessary.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe shop and work area.
• Properly use and maintain shop tools, diagnostic equipment, welding equipment, and other company equipment.
• Follow company safety procedures and proper lockout/tagout practices.
• Assist with fleet inspections and preventative-maintenance programs.
• Help identify recurring mechanical issues and recommend solutions to reduce downtime and repair costs.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a diesel mechanic, heavy-duty mechanic, fleet mechanic, or similar position preferred.
• Experience working on commercial trucks and fleet vehicles.
• Strong knowledge of diesel engines and heavy-duty vehicle systems.
• Ability to diagnose mechanical and electrical problems.
• Ability to read wiring diagrams, service information, and diagnostic procedures.
• Experience with electronic diagnostic equipment and manufacturer diagnostic software preferred.
• Basic welding and fabrication skills are a plus.
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, and shop equipment safely.
• Valid driver's license required.
• CDL is a plus but not required.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a maintenance team.
• Must have reliable attendance and a strong work ethic.

Physical Requirements

The Diesel Mechanic must be able to:

• Lift and carry heavy parts and equipment.
• Work underneath vehicles and in confined areas.
• Stand, bend, kneel, crawl, climb, and work for extended periods.
• Safely operate shop equipment and tools.
• Work outdoors and in varying weather conditions when required.
• Safely handle oils, lubricants, coolants, cleaning chemicals, and other automotive fluids while following proper procedures.

Preferred Skills

• Cummins, International, Detroit, PACCAR, or other heavy-duty diesel experience.
• Experience with automated/manual transmissions.
• Experience diagnosing CAN-bus and electrical systems.
• Experience with DPF/DEF/SCR aftertreatment systems.
• Welding and fabrication experience.
• Hydraulic and pneumatic system experience.
• Experience maintaining a mixed commercial fleet.
• Ability to prioritize repairs based on safety, urgency, and vehicle availability.

What We Expect

AAA Pallet is looking for someone who:

• Shows up on time and is dependable.
• Takes ownership of their work.
• Performs repairs correctly rather than simply replacing parts.
• Communicates problems before they become bigger issues.
• Keeps accurate maintenance records.
• Takes safety seriously.
• Keeps tools and the shop organized.
• Treats company vehicles and equipment as if they were their own.
• Works efficiently while maintaining quality workmanship.
• Is willing to learn and continuously improve their diagnostic and repair skills.

Performance Expectations

The Diesel Mechanic is expected to help maintain a reliable fleet by completing preventative maintenance on schedule, accurately diagnosing problems, reducing unnecessary downtime, and completing repairs safely and correctly the first time.

Safety, quality, reliability, and minimizing fleet downtime are the primary priorities of this position.

Pallet recycling and manufacturing company