Diesel Technician

Actalent; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Employee referral program

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Actalent in San Francisco, CA, is seeking a Service Technician III to lead advanced diagnostics and repair of complex heavy‑duty vehicle systems. The role requires mentoring junior technicians, supporting quality control, and traveling up to 70% to customer sites and vendor locations.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of hands‑on experience with mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic systems on buses, trucks, and transit equipment, with proficiency in diagnostics software and safety

Qualifications

• 5+ years of service and repair experience in manufacturing, automotive, or equipment environment
• Expert knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and diagnostic systems on heavy‑duty vehicles
• Experience diagnosing electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems on heavy‑duty vehicles
• Experience with diesel powertrains; exposure to EV/hybrid/CNG powertrains beneficial
• Ability to lead complex service projects with minimal supervision
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints/electrical diagrams/technical manuals
• Proficiency with diagnostic software/tools for vehicle diagnostics
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to travel ~70%

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced troubleshooting and diagnostics on electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems for transit vehicles and other heavy‑duty equipment.
• Lead complex service and repair projects with minimal supervision, ensuring timely and high‑quality completion of all work.
• Calibrate, repair, and maintain critical system components and safety equipment to meet performance and safety standards.
• Provide remote and on‑site technical assistance to customers, field personnel, and internal teams to resolve complex service issues.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on products and systems, offering guidance on best practices and technical solutions.
• Mentor and train junior service technicians, including Service Technician I and II levels, to build technical capability and consistency across the team.
• Deliver technical training to external customers or internal production teams as needed to support proper use, maintenance, and repair of equipment.
• Complete, review, and submit service documentation accurately and thoroughly, ensuring all work performed is clearly recorded.
• Coordinate with engineering, production, and OEM partners to diagnose root causes, resolve service issues, and support product improvement initiatives.
• Travel regularly to customer sites, vendor locations, and company facilities, with approximately 70% travel.
• Maintain tools, diagnostic equipment, and service vehicles in safe, functional condition, and report issues promptly.
• Adhere to safety policies and regulations; promote safety across the team.
• Manage multiple tasks and projects, prioritizing effectively in a dynamic environment.

Skills

Heavy-duty vehicle diagnostics

Electrical systems

Diesel powertrains

EV/Hybrid/CNG powertrains

Project leadership

Mentoring/Training

Troubleshooting

Reading blueprints/diagrams

Technical communication

Travel readiness

Tools

Diagnostic software

Calibration tools

On-site service equipment

Job description

Job Description

The Service Technician III is a master-level technician responsible for advanced diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repair of complex mechanical, electrical, electronic, and pneumatic systems on transit and other heavy-duty vehicles. This subject matter expert plays a critical role in ensuring service excellence by leading complex service projects, providing remote and on‑site technical assistance, and serving as a primary technical resource for the service and warranty organization. In addition to hands‑on repair work, the Service Technician III mentors junior technicians, supports production quality control, contributes to engineering product improvement, and participates in continuous improvement initiatives. The role may also deliver technical training to external customers and support internal production training efforts, while frequently traveling to customer sites, vendor locations, and company facilities.

Job Title: Service Technician III

Job Description

The Service Technician III is a master-level technician responsible for advanced diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repair of complex mechanical, electrical, electronic, and pneumatic systems on transit and other heavy-duty vehicles. This subject matter expert plays a critical role in ensuring service excellence by leading complex service projects, providing remote and on‑site technical assistance, and serving as a primary technical resource for the service and warranty organization. In addition to hands‑on repair work, the Service Technician III mentors junior technicians, supports production quality control, contributes to engineering product improvement, and participates in continuous improvement initiatives. The role may also deliver technical training to external customers and support internal production training efforts, while frequently traveling to customer sites, vendor locations, and company facilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced troubleshooting and diagnostics on electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems for transit vehicles and other heavy‑duty equipment.
• Lead complex service and repair projects with minimal supervision, ensuring timely and high‑quality completion of all work.
• Calibrate, repair, and maintain critical system components and safety equipment to meet performance and safety standards.
• Provide remote and on‑site technical assistance to customers, field personnel, and internal teams to resolve complex service issues.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on products and systems, offering guidance on best practices and technical solutions.
• Mentor and train junior service technicians, including Service Technician I and II levels, to build technical capability and consistency across the team.
• Deliver technical training to external customers or internal production teams as needed to support proper use, maintenance, and repair of equipment.
• Complete, review, and submit service documentation accurately and thoroughly, ensuring all work performed is clearly recorded.
• Coordinate with engineering, production, and OEM partners to diagnose root causes, resolve service issues, and support product improvement initiatives.
• Support production quality control activities by identifying defects, verifying repairs, and contributing to continuous improvement of processes and products.
• Identify areas for improvement in service procedures and provide input on process enhancements and best practices.
• Participate in ongoing training to stay current with evolving technologies, diagnostic tools, and industry standards.
• Maintain tools, diagnostic equipment, and service vehicles in safe, functional condition, and report any issues promptly.
• Adhere to and actively promote company safety policies and procedures, and ensure compliance with applicable safety standards and regulations.
• Manage multiple service tasks and projects simultaneously, prioritize workload effectively, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Travel regularly, including air travel, to customer sites, vendor locations, and company facilities, with an approximate travel requirement of 70%.
• Perform physically demanding tasks in diverse field environments, including lifting, climbing, and working in confined or challenging spaces as required.
• Read and interpret blueprints, electrical diagrams, and technical manuals to diagnose issues and guide repair activities.
• Use diagnostic software and tools to identify system faults, verify repairs, and optimize equipment performance.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of relevant service and repair experience in a manufacturing, automotive, or equipment‑based environment.
• Expert knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and diagnostic systems on heavy‑duty vehicles such as buses, cargo trucks, and street sweepers.
• Demonstrated experience performing electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic troubleshooting and diagnostics on heavy‑duty vehicles.
• Experience working with diesel powertrains, with exposure to EV, hybrid, and CNG powertrains highly beneficial.
• Proficiency in leading complex service or repair projects with minimal supervision.
• Ability to calibrate, repair, and maintain critical system components and safety equipment.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills, with experience training and guiding junior technicians.
• Excellent problem‑solving and troubleshooting ability for complex technical issues.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, electrical diagrams, and technical manuals accurately.
• Proficiency with diagnostic software and tools used for vehicle and equipment diagnostics.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with customers, colleagues, and cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently, including overnight and emergency assignments, with approximately 70% travel.
• Physical ability to perform demanding tasks in diverse field environments.
• Knowledge of safety standards and regulatory compliance relevant to heavy‑duty vehicles and service operations.
• Ability to maintain all necessary identification and documentation, including a valid driver’s license.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with EV, hybrid, and CNG powertrains in addition to diesel is highly desirable, especially the ability to work on two or three different powertrain types.
• Working on transit vehicles, buses, cargo trucks, or street sweepers in a service or maintenance capacity.
• Familiarity with coordinating with engineering, production, and OEM partners to resolve service and product issues.
• Experience supporting production quality control and contributing to engineering product improvement and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Comfort with delivering technical training to external customers and internal production teams.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when completing and reviewing service documentation.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and adherence to established policies and procedures.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily in field and shop environments focused on transit and heavy‑duty vehicles, involving regular travel to customer sites, vendor locations, and company facilities, with approximately 70% of the time spent traveling, including air travel and overnight stays. Work is hands‑on and may take place in maintenance bays, outdoor yards, and various field locations, requiring the use of diagnostic software, specialized tools, and standard mechanical and electrical equipment. The position involves physically demanding tasks such as lifting components, climbing on and around vehicles, and working in confined or challenging spaces. Technicians typically wear appropriate work attire and personal protective equipment suitable for mechanical and electrical service work. The environment emphasizes safety, collaboration with engineering and production teams, and continuous learning to keep pace with evolving vehicle technologies and diagnostic methods.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of San Francisco, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $95000.00/yr. 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. Comprehensive benefits package: Medical (including FSA & HSA), dental, vision, life and disability insurance, EAP, mental health, and wellness programs 401(k) with employer match Paid time off and twelve (12) paid holidays Employee referral program Career growth and development opportunities

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Francisco,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 2026.

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 (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.