Diesel Technician / Mechanic I

Zūm; Johnston (RI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Zūm is seeking an experienced Technician I to join our maintenance team, supporting diagnostics, repairs, and preventive maintenance across our fleet. You will diagnose mechanical and electrical issues, conduct safety inspections, and ensure vehicles meet DOT and safety standards.

The role requires strong diagnostic skills, ownership of repairs, ability to work flexible schedules, and a proactive approach to keeping vehicles safe and reliable for students and communities.

Qualifications

• 5 years of fleet experience in Diesel, Heavy/Med duty fleets.
• Minimum of five years Auto/Truck or Bus mechanical repair experience.
• Experience with DOT compliance for Med/Heavy Trucks.
• Computer proficiency for fleet management systems and documentation.
• Possess the recommended minimum hand tools for a Medium and Heavy Duty and Diesel Technician.
• Strong experience with computerized diagnostics.
• Ability to use good judgement and decision-making skills.
• Background in planning and scheduling maintenance repairs.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose malfunctions and perform vehicle repairs including steering, electrical, cooling, lubricating, braking systems, drivetrains, suspensions, steering systems, clutches, transmissions, and oil, temperature, gas regulating components.
• Adjust, test, and rebuild engines and related duties within qualification level, in accordance with all relevant Federal, State/Provincial and local guidelines and requirements.
• Perform test drives during Preventative Maintenance inspections to identify driver reported issues and conduct test drives after service to confirm repairs have been completed successfully.
• Install, program, replace and verify telematic devices.
• Perform the work needed to implement preventive maintenance for the vehicles serviced by this maintenance facility.
• Perform the work needed to complete unscheduled repairs to the vehicles serviced by this maintenance facility.
• Perform road calls and on-the-road repairs as assigned.
• Record time spent, parts used and repairs and/or maintenance conducted on the work tablet and/or authorized form.
• Maintain a safe, clean, productive, and efficient work area including ensuring the work area is in compliance with all relevant Federal, State/Provincial, local guidelines and requirements, and company Housekeeping standards and safety regulations.
• Perform work within scope of duties and in accordance with DOT compliance requirements.
• Work assigned shift and overtime as needed.

Skills

Fleet maintenance

Diesel & heavy-duty

DOT compliance knowledge

Diagnostics software

Fleet management tools

Planning & scheduling

Flexible schedules

Tools

Fleet management systems

Job description

About Zūm

Zūm is revolutionizing mass mobility with its Connected Mobility Experience ( Zūm CMX ) system that connects and coordinates people, vehicles, and operations in real time. In the $50 billion student mobility market - the largest segment of the mass mobility industry - Zūm CMX is transforming a daily source of anxiety and disruption into a reliable, transparent, and efficient mobility experience for students and families. Today, more than 6,500 schools rely on Zūm CMX . Recognized globally for its innovative approach and operational execution, Zūm has been named to Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies, CNBC Disruptor 50 and Changemakers, the World Economic Forum, and the Financial Times’ Fastest Growing Companies lists. Zūm is backed by leading investors including Sequoia Capital, GIC, TPG, and Softbank.

About The Role

We're seeking an experienced Technician I to serve as a cornerstone of our maintenance operations. This role encompasses comprehensive vehicle diagnostics, repairs, and preventive maintenance across our fleet. You'll diagnose complex mechanical and electrical issues, perform critical safety inspections, and ensure every vehicle meets rigorous DOT and safety standards. You'll be essential to our transportation operations, keeping our fleet safe, reliable, and ready to serve students and communities.

What Makes You Successful In This Role

You're a skilled diagnostician who thrives in a fast-paced maintenance environment where no two days are the same. You balance speed with precision, never compromising on safety or quality standards. You're a natural problem-solver who can trace issues from symptoms to root causes across complex vehicle systems. You take ownership of your work and pride yourself on first-time fixes. You're equally comfortable rebuilding an engine, troubleshooting intricate electrical systems, or conducting thorough preventive maintenance inspections. You maintain an organized workspace where tools are properly stored, documentation is complete, and every repair meets professional standards.

Responsibilities

Vehicle Diagnostics & Repair

• Diagnose malfunctions and perform vehicle repairs including steering, electrical, cooling, lubricating, braking systems, drivetrains, suspensions, steering systems, clutches, transmissions, and oil, temperature, gas regulating components
• Adjust, test, and rebuild engines and related assigned duties within qualification level, in accordance with all relevant Federal, State/Provincial and local guidelines and requirements
• Perform test drives during Preventative Maintenance inspections to identify driver reported issues and conduct test drives after service to confirm repairs have been completed successfully
• Install, program, replace and verify telematic devices

Maintenance Operations

• Perform the work needed to implement preventive maintenance for the vehicles serviced by this maintenance facility
• Perform the work needed to complete unscheduled repairs to the vehicles serviced by this maintenance facility
• Perform road calls and on-the-road repairs as assigned
• Record time spent, parts used and repairs and/or maintenance conducted on the work tablet and/or authorized form

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain a safe, clean, productive, and efficient work area including ensuring the work area is in compliance with all relevant Federal, State/Provincial, local guidelines and requirements, and company Housekeeping standards and safety regulations
• Perform work within scope of duties and in accordance with DOT compliance requirements
• Work assigned shift and overtime as needed

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• 5 years of fleet experience in Diesel, Heavy/Med duty fleets
• Minimum of five years Auto/Truck or Bus mechanical repair experience
• Experience with compliance with the local applicable DOT compliance of Med/Heavy Trucks
• Computer proficiency for fleet management systems and documentation
• Possess the recommended minimum hand tools for a Medium and Heavy Duty and Diesel Technician
• Strong experience with computerized diagnostics
• Ability to use good judgement and decision-making skills
• Background in planning and scheduling maintenance repairs (Daily, Weekly, Monthly)
• Willingness to work flexible schedules

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid CDL License (Must be able to obtain within the first 90 days of employment)
• ASE Certification in brakes, suspension, engine, electrical, A/C or a Master School Bus and/or a Master Truck Technician

$40 - $43 an hour

Zūm Services, Inc. and all its subsidiaries provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as Lever, Fountain, Factory Fix, Metaview, Gem, Claude, to support parts of the hiring process, including reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on applicant’s provided data or publicly available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us at [email protected].