Diesel Engine Specialist / General Mechanic

Blackwatch International; Ridgecrest, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

Blackwatch International is seeking a Diesel Engine Specialist/General Mechanic to join our Ridgecrest team. You will manage maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of 5+ backup power systems (5kW–150kW) on site to support military base readiness.

This 50% part-time role requires 5+ years of hands-on diesel engine experience, ability to obtain a Secret clearance, and proficiency with basic computer tools like Excel, Outlook, and Word.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of dedicated experience maintaining, troubleshooting, diagnosing, or overhauling backup power systems.
• Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance and work on-site in Ridgecrest, CA.
• Proficiency with basic computer tools including Excel, Outlook and Word.
• Capable of lifting 50 lbs and working in a high-desert environment with safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage scheduling, performance, and recording of maintenance for 5+ backup power systems (5kW–150kW).
• Maintain 100% equipment availability while ensuring environmental compliance.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and document engine and generator issues on-site.

Skills

Self-motivated

Excellent communication

Organized

Analytical skills

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Word

Job description

Part Time Manual Labor Ridgecrest, CA, US

Salary Range: $27.50 To $32.00 Hourly

Blackwatch International Corporation (Blackwatch), a small business founded in 2010, is a small business dedicated to supporting Federal business and national security objectives. Based in McLean, VA, with offices in Sacramento, CA, Blackwatch invests in innovation and quality for our customers and staff, holding corporate-level ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 27001:2013, and ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 and CMMI Level 3 certifications. We are a leading provider of information technology (IT) infrastructure, cybersecurity, DevSecOps, data exploitation, and engineering services, specializing in large and complex projects. Blackwatch is dedicated to growth and offers a dynamic working environment with multiple opportunities for advancement.

Position Location

Ridgecrest, California

Position Type

Part Time (50%)

Years of experience

5+

Security Clearance

Secret

Summary/Objective

Blackwatch International is seeking an enthusiastic Diesel Engine Specialist / General Mechanic to join our dynamic team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience working alongside our network installation team.

The Diesel Engine Specialist manages the scheduling, performance, and recording of all maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs for approximately 5+ backup power systems ranging from 5kW to 150kW (gas, diesel, and propane). Operating in the Ridgecrest/China Lake area, this role is critical to maintaining military base operational readiness. The selected candidate will ensure 100% equipment availability while maintaining strict environmental compliance under California high-desert regulatory bodies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Self-motivated and ability to work with minimal supervision.


• Excellent verbal and written communication.


• Ability to organize, prioritize and and handle multiple tasks.


• Minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience maintaining, troubleshooting, diagnosing, adjusting, repairing, or overhauling backup power systems


• Direct experience executing complete engine overhauls and handling major/minor mechanical engine repairs.


• Skilled at starting up equipment to record gauge readings, checking outputs at Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS), and verifying automatic safety shutdown mechanisms.


• Proven ability to inspect generator controllers, main circuit breakers, alternators, drive belts, and radiators for wear or defects.


• Experience inspecting fuel tanks (including day tanks and lines), managing fluid top-offs, and tightening connections to fix oil, fuel, or coolant leaks.


• Ability to diagnose battery charging alternators, test terminal electrolyte/specific gravity levels, and inspect wiring for chaffing or corrosion.


• Proficient in completing real-time logs and entering maintenance history into online, searchable Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) databases (pp. 2, 5).


• Flexibly to work or train on new tasks in a dynamic environment.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Ability to lift 50lbs and may require standing/bending/stooping/ crawling/climbing.


• Basic computer skills utilizing Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Word.


• Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance.

Desired Qualifications (not required, but a huge plus)

• EGSA Certification: Certification by the Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) (Journeyman or Technician level) is highly desired.


• ASE Certifications: Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Medium/Heavy Truck Certifications, specifically T2 (Diesel Engines) and T6 (Electrical/Electronic Systems).


• Opacity Verification: Valid California Air Resources Board (CARB) or district-approved certification to read and document official visual opacity parameters (Ringelmann or Opacity Percent).


• OEM Factory Training: Factory-certified training from major manufacturers (e.g., Cummins Power Generation, Caterpillar, or John Deere).


• Safety Training: Possession of Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) training certifications.