Master Equipment Technician at Western States Cat in Meridian, ID

SUCCESS AT WESTERN STATES: Western State’s culture is based on passion for our Vision and VALUES. We are fiercely committed to SAFETY and sending every employee, safely home, every day. We strive for EXCELLENCE in all we do and are proud to be a “play to win” organization. We act with INTEGRITY in each and every decision we make. Our People and TEAMWORK drive a fun and engaging culture. We are ACCOUNTABLE as individuals and as an organization.

JOB SUMMARY: The Master Equipment Technician is responsible for department communication and expert level diagnosis, failure analysis, and repair of Caterpillar and allied equipment. Duties include but not limited to removing, repairing, assembling, installing according to manufacturer specifications while supporting the developing apprentice and journeyman level technicians.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Safety

• Actively cares, promotes, manages, and advocates safety at Western States. As a team member in the organization, it is critical to ensure all employees, vendors, and clients have a safe work environment while adhering to all applicable safety policies, procedures and standards.
• Ability to complete Job Hazard Analysis (JHA’s) prior to any job-related tasks according to WSECO’s policy and standards.
• Maintains clean/clutter free personal work areas to ensure safe environment for all WSECO employees.
• Adhering to required personal protective equipment (PPE) as identified in safety policy.

Diagnosis, Troubleshooting, and Repair

• Executes troubleshooting skills on various engine and equipment systems.
• Performs complex testing while comparing data to specifications to determine if the system is working as designed.
• Repairs and diagnoses machine failures according to WSECO’s time requirement guidelines.
• Supports developing technicians to complete accurate inspections and troubleshooting when scheduled for required preventative maintenance service.

Engines and Powertrain

• Completes engine preventative maintenance and inspects/repairs internal engine components to include common rail fuel systems, (rack synchronization, timing and fuel setting) and SCR/DEF systems.
• Performs applied failure analysis on engine failure.
• Works directly with Technical Communicators and CAT to resolve a complex engine issue including Tier 4 related items.

Electrical, Hydraulics, HVAC, and Cab

• Understands, tests, and repairs complex electrical systems. Includes but is not limited to Deutsch and Ampseal Connectors, 6/12/24 battery voltage systems, monitor interfaces, and repair/replace varies harness types.
• Troubleshoots and repairs HVAC systems to include evacuating, recharging, and replacing components when required.
• Builds and designs complete custom electrical circuits.

Undercarriage

• Troubleshoots and repair of various frame and suspension systems including tracks, track pads, drive sprockets, and idlers.

Continued Development

• Participates in continued education and training initiatives as outlined in the Western States Equipment Technician Career Development Plan. (TCDP)
• Utilizes service manuals (STW, SIS and parts books) to address technical issues and perform all required tasks within technician level abilities, in accordance to printed procedures.
• Utilizes parts reusability guidelines.
• Completes actual service reports for files and warranty purposes using STW for timely work order closing.
• Addresses all inquiries in a prompt and friendly manner in an effort to meet or exceed internal/external client expectations.
• Performs other duties as assigned while developing a mindset for technician productivity.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to navigate Microsoft products.
• Ability to obtain job related certifications for any specialty equipment such as but not limited to dyno testing, forklifts, rigging and overhead cranes, etc.
• General knowledge of manufacturer specific software. (SIS, ET, and STW)
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Consistent attendance and timeliness with the ability to work overtime with limited notice.
• Working within and promoting Western States’ purpose, vision and values.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proof of high school diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Associates degree in diesel technology, trade school diploma, preferred.
• Minimum of five years equivalent experience in a Caterpillar or similar environment with hydraulic, engine and powertrain experience required.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.
• Appropriate technician level tooling required.
• Must be able to communicate (speak, read, comprehend, write in English).

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Ability to stand for long periods of time along with walking, sitting, repetitively climbing stairs, reaching (including but not limited to above-shoulder reaching), repetitive bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, leaning and twisting.
• Ability to generate 97 ft./lbs. of force, by pushing and pulling.
• Ability to repeatedly lift up to 60lbs from the ground and place on a shelf/platform set up to 65 inches off the ground.
• Ability to carry up to 20 lbs. while repeatedly ascending/descending a minimum of ten, 8” stair steps.
• Ability to repeatedly ascend/descend a minimum of 10 rungs on various ladders.
• Ability to assemble/disassemble various sizes of nuts and bolts, while repeatedly bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and/or crouching.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures and environment.
• Must be able to meet all safety requirements for applicable safety policies.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. It is not intended be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this classification.

This role is designated as safety-sensitive.