Trainee Apprentice Crane Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Crane Service Technician is a hands-on technical expert responsible for the advanced maintenance, diagnostics, repair, and inspection of mobile and tower cranes, with a primary focus on Photon Peiner and Zoomlion equipment in Uperio’s rental fleet. Based in Palmer, Texas, this senior-level role serves as a technical leader and mentor, ensuring maximum equipment uptime, safety compliance, and operational excellence across Uperio’s service territory. The position combines deep mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical troubleshooting expertise with leadership in quality assurance, training, and continuous improvement.

Advanced Maintenance, Diagnostics & Repair

• Perform routine and complex maintenance, repair, and overhaul work on Photon Peiner and Zoomlion cranes (mobile and tower) as well as other fleet equipment.

• Diagnose and troubleshoot advanced mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic issues using diagnostic tools, schematics, and manufacturer software.

• Conduct thorough inspections, load tests, and functional tests to verify optimal performance, safety, and compliance with manufacturer specifications and regulatory standards.

• Replace or repair defective components, including hydraulic cylinders, pumps, valves, motors, control systems, wiring harnesses, and structural elements using hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment.

• Lead root cause analysis on recurring failures and implement corrective actions to improve equipment reliability.

• Maintain accurate, detailed records of all maintenance, repairs, inspections, and parts usage in the company maintenance management system.

Technical Leadership, Mentoring & Quality Assurance

• Serve as the senior technical resource and mentor for junior technicians and apprentices; provide hands-on training, coaching, and guidance on diagnostic techniques and repair procedures.

• Review and approve completed work orders for quality, completeness, and safety compliance before equipment is returned to service.

• Collaborate with Service Directors, engineers, and manufacturer technical support to resolve complex or unusual equipment issues.

• Support the development and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures, maintenance checklists, and best practices for the service team.

Safety, Compliance & Operator Support

• Ensure all maintenance and repair activities strictly comply with OSHA regulations, ASME B30 standards, NCCCO requirements, manufacturer guidelines, and Uperio safety policies.

• Provide technical support, training, and guidance to crane operators on proper equipment use, daily inspections, and minor troubleshooting to prevent damage and extend service life.

• Identify and report safety hazards, near-misses, and equipment deficiencies; participate in safety meetings and incident investigations as needed.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in the shop and at field job sites.

Parts, Documentation & Continuous Improvement

• Coordinate with parts department and vendors to ensure timely availability of critical components; recommend inventory improvements based on failure trends.

• Stay current with manufacturer technical bulletins, software updates, and service bulletins for Photon Peiner, Zoomlion, and other supported crane models.

• Support warranty claims, documentation, and communication with manufacturers regarding equipment performance and defects.

Education & Experience (Required)

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree or technical certification in diesel mechanics, heavy equipment technology, or related field strongly preferred.

• Minimum 5–7 years of hands-on professional experience maintaining and repairing mobile cranes, tower cranes, or heavy lift equipment, with at least 2 years at a senior or lead technician level.

• Proven experience working on Photon Peiner (Peiner/Potain) and/or Zoomlion cranes is highly desirable; experience with other major brands (Grove, Link-Belt, Liebherr, Manitowoc, Terex, etc.) a strong plus.

• Demonstrated ability to independently diagnose and repair complex hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical systems on large mobile and/or tower cranes.

Certifications & Licenses (Preferred or Required)

• NCCCO certification (Mobile Crane Operator and/or Rigger) strongly preferred; service technician certification a plus.

• Manufacturer-specific training or certification on Photon Peiner / Zoomlion equipment (or ability to obtain within 6 months).

• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record; CDL Class A or B preferred or ability to obtain.

• OSHA 10 or 30 certification; forklift and aerial lift certification a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (Required)

• Expert-level knowledge of crane mechanics, hydraulic systems (including load-sensing and proportional controls), electrical systems, CAN bus diagnostics, and PLC troubleshooting.

• Ability to read, interpret, and work from complex technical manuals, hydraulic/electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and manufacturer service bulletins.

• Proficiency with diagnostic software, multimeters, pressure gauges, laptop-based diagnostic tools, and specialized crane service equipment.

• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and root-cause analysis skills with exceptional attention to detail and quality.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to clearly document work and explain technical concepts to operators and less-experienced technicians.

• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and teamwork skills with the ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a fast-paced service environment.

• Physical ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, outdoors in all weather conditions, and to lift/carry up to 50+ lbs regularly.

Technical Proficiencies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and maintenance management / work order systems.

• Diagnostic software for major crane manufacturers (Photon Peiner, Zoomlion, and others).

• Telematics and fleet management platforms (experience with equipment monitoring systems a plus).

This position is based out of Palmer, Texas, with primary responsibility for service in the Texas region. Mostly local travel; occasional overnight travel (up to 50%) may be required to support other Uperio locations as needed.