Diesel Technician - Heavy Duty Truck Repair

Palmer Trucks; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Palmer Trucks is seeking a Diesel Technician to diagnose and repair heavy- and medium-duty trucks, engines, and related systems. The role covers inspection, maintenance, installation, and repair on heavy-duty trucks, buses, and tractor-trailers in a shop setting with equipment and tools provided.

Ideal candidates will have strong troubleshooting skills, the ability to interpret repair orders, and a safety-first mindset.

Qualifications

• Basic computer skills and repair order processing software familiarity.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL preferred but not required.
• Working hours may include evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance procedures.
• Run diagnostic tests and determine a course of action for repairs.
• Routinely use computerized equipment and specialized tooling.
• Record time, cause, and correction on Repair Orders.
• Test components by driving trucks before and after repairs.
• Participate in training and professional development.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Heavy-duty diesel repair

Diagnostics

Repair orders

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Customer service

Tools

Repair Order Software

Job description

Diesel Technician - Heavy Duty Truck Repair

Reports To: Service Manager

Summary

The primary function of the Service Technician is to diagnose and complete repairs on heavy and medium-duty trucks. The individual will perform a variety of tasks on heavy-duty trucks, large construction vehicles, buses, and tractor-trailers. Those tasks include Inspection, diagnosis, maintenance, installation, and repair of components, engines, and systems related to heavy-duty and medium-duty vehicles.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform recommended routine maintenance procedures.
• Perform diagnostic tests for issues, failures, and performance
• Determine a course of action for damaged parts and systems.
• Routinely use computerized equipment and specialized tooling.
• Complete assigned repairs and tasks in a timely and safe manner.
• Accurately records time, cause, and correction on Repair Orders.
• Tests components that may require driving trucks before and after repairs.
• Participates in and completes technical training and professional development.
• Other duties as assigned

Business Skills

Individual has demonstrated a strong set of business skills listed below

• Continuous Learning - Taking initiative to regularly learn new concepts, technologies, and/or methods
• Decision Making - Analyzing all aspects of a situation to make consistently sound and timely decisions
• Resiliency - Quickly recovering from adversity
• Teamwork - Cooperating with others to meet objectives
• Customer Focus - Anticipating, meeting and/or exceeding customer needs, wants and expectations
• Self-Starting - Demonstrating initiative and willingness to begin working
• Time and Priority Management - Prioritizing and completing tasks in order to deliver desired outcomes within allotted timeframes

Qualifications

• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of basic Computer skills and Repair Order Processing Software.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
• Position requires a valid drivers license and the ability to operate motor vehicles. All service technicians must maintain a safe driving record.
• A current Commercial Driver's License is preferred but not required.
• Working hours: Heavy-duty diesel technicians may work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and potentially on-call or emergency repair shifts, as diesel engine maintenance and repairs are often required outside of regular business hours.

Behaviors

• Interaction - The job requires frequent communication and engagement with others.
• People-Oriented - The job requires building rapport with a wide range of individuals.
• Customer-Oriented - The job requires identification and fulfillment of customer expectations.
• Versatile - The job requires adapting to various situations with ease.
• Frequent Change - The job requires rapid shifts between tasks.
• Urgency - The job requires decisiveness, quick response, and fast action.
• Persistence - The job requires finishing tasks despite challenges or resistance.
• Following Policy - The job requires adhering to rules, regulations or existing methods.
• Consistent - The job requires predictable performance in repetitive situations.

Physical Requirements

• Mobility: The heavy-duty diesel technician should be capable of moving around the workshop or service area, which may involve walking, standing, bending, and potentially working in confined spaces or under vehicles. Ability to climb ladders. Ability requires a person to bend, twist, squat, reach in order to perform tasks on truck components.
• Vision: Good eyesight and visual acuity are important for a heavy-duty diesel technician to inspect and troubleshoot engine components, read technical manuals, and perform precision work.
• Hearing: The technician should have good hearing to diagnose engine sounds, communicate effectively with colleagues and customers, and be aware of any audible warnings or signals in the workshop. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, due to tools and engine noise.
• Manual dexterity: A high level of manual dexterity is essential for a heavy-duty diesel technician to handle tools, components, and equipment with precision, and perform tasks such as disassembling, repairing, and reassembling engine parts.
• Lifting: This role often involves lifting heavy components or tools. The technician should have the physical strength and ability to safely lift and move heavy objects, following proper lifting techniques to prevent injury.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 60lbs – 150 lbs. unassisted.

Benefits

Palmer Trucks is a family-owned company with nearly 60 years of success, treating everyone with respect and dignity. Our team is always ready to help you find the best benefits package for you and your family.

Individual, Spouse and Family coverage Multiple Products are affordable and provide value for you and your family.

• Health and Wellness Benefits
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Supplemental Products like Short-Term, Long-Term Disability

Financial stability and Retirement Preparedness:

• Our 401(k) program includes a company match
• Retirement Planning Assistance
• Financial Guidance and Education

Paid Time Off:

• Full-time employees enjoy paid holidays and personal time
• Vacation based on the length of service.

Resources when we face major challenges and life events:

• Life Insurance Hospital Stay, Critical Illness, other products
• Bereavement Services and Employment Assistance Program
• Mental Health Resources readily accessible and without stigma

Paid Training and Tools Assistance to do the job right

About Palmer Trucks

Palmer Trucks is a full-service Kenworth dealership network serving Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois with a comprehensive package of products and services. As a family-owned business with more than a half-century history of growth and success, Palmer Trucks has grown to a team of more than 700individuals. With more than two million trucks on U.S. highways and interstates at any given time, a paramount need exists to keep the industry moving forward – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We maintain a commitment to forming authentic and valuable connections through fulfilling the industry’s unique, time-sensitive needs as a trusted partner. We accomplish this by providing products and services of the highest quality and value – personalized for you.

Because of this philosophy, we develop and nurture long-term, valuable relationships with our partners. The Palmer Trucks team has the utmost privilege and gratitude of doing business, and these core values are what keep customers returning year-after-year and are what have kept us – On the Road Since 1965.

Job Posting Information

This position is with an immediate opening start date and will allow for the proper notice for existing employer.

Palmer Trucks is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability during any part of the application process, please contact: [e-mail]

Palmer Trucks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All Applicants are considered for employment without a regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age (40 or older), disability, veteran status or any other legally protected.

Revised: August 2025