Entry Level Diesel Mechanic

Interstate Companies, Inc.; Madison, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Uniforms provided

Tuition assistance

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

PTO accrual starting day one

401(k) with company match

Company-paid disability

Company-paid life insurance

Healthiest You

PPE reimbursement

Employee discounts

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Interstate Companies, Madison, WI, is seeking an Entry-Level Diesel Mechanic to join our I-State Truck Center service team. You’ll perform preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on Class 6–8 trucks and trailers alongside seasoned technicians.

The ideal candidate is a recent diesel tech graduate or has 1–2 years of hands-on experience, with a safety-first mindset. We offer competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, tuition assistance, and growth opportunities in a fast-paced shop.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical diploma or certification in automotive, diesel mechanics, or heavy-duty truck repair preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience with diesel trucks or heavy equipment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine inspections, oil changes, and preventive maintenance on diesel engines, transmissions, brakes, and electrical systems.
• Assist senior technicians with diagnostics using OEM software and handheld tools.
• Disassemble, repair, and reassemble components including fuel and aftertreatment systems under supervision.
• Document all work using service management software.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area in compliance with OSHA standards.
• Coordinate with parts department to identify needed components.
• Participate in on‑the‑job training and manufacturer certification programs.

Skills

Basic diesel engine knowledge

Air brakes and hydraulics

Reading service manuals

Attention to detail

Team-oriented attitude

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical diploma or certification in automotive, diesel mechanics, or heavy-duty truck repair

Tools

Cummins Insite

Detroit Diesel DiagnosticLink

Diagnostic tools (OBD scanners, multimeters)

Job description

Are you looking for a great job with a great company? See what we have to offer! We have opportunities for experienced and entry-level technicians and many other rewarding jobs.

Our jobs come with great benefits, such as health insurance, 401(k) plans with a company match and flexible PTO.

We’re proud to operate in vibrant cities in 14 states in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions. Start your career here. We encourage career development across our dozens of branches.

Our wide-ranging job opportunities include:

Strong Benefits Package

• Variety of Insurance Programs to Meet Your Needs
• Immediate PTO for Fulltime Employees
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to
  25% company match

Interstate provides a competitive benefits package and many additional perks for its
employees. We know that benefits are an important part of an employee’s overall
compensation, and we build a benefits package to help meet those employee expectations.

Though our job opportunities may be quite different, there is one constant
that comes with every position – Interstate Companies’ commitment to
Pride in Service, our promise to deliver exceptional customer service every day.

Many Employee Perks

In addition to our competitive benefits package, we offer these programs to employees:

• Membership banking with Wells Fargo
• Dell discount program
• New vehicle discount programs with General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and Ford

With multiple locations throughout the U.S., Interstate Companies is a dynamic organization that provides rewarding careers in a variety of professions. The opportunities are wide-ranging, from diesel technicians and purchasing specialists to sales professionals and industrial managers.

We take personal pride in our work and our relationship with customers. Whether we are delivering a new Freightliner to a buyer in Montana or building a V&H Work Ready Truck at our manufacturing plant in Marshfield, Wisconsin, we share a common value, Pride in Service.

We Are Interstate Companies

Our employees reflect our company values

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We work to be good business partners in our community.

We help one another. Experienced employees are eager to help new hires get off to a good start.

We stress open communication and value everyone’s opinion on how to strengthen our company.

We are trusted and enjoy autonomy in much of our work.

We find our success in the success of our customers.

Customers rely on us to help solve their problems.

We are committed to providing quality, reliable service.

We work to be good business partners in our community.

We help one another. Experienced employees are eager to help new hires get off to a good start.

Open Positions

Apply Today

We have several great opportunities for individuals looking for a rewarding career with Interstate Companies.

Please review these current openings and start the application process today!

I-State Truck Center is a leading provider of heavy-duty truck sales, parts, and service in the Midwest, specializing in Freightliner, Western Star, and Detroit Diesel products. With a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, we serve commercial fleets, owner-operators, and businesses across Wisconsin and beyond. Our Madison location offers a dynamic environment for skilled tradespeople to grow their careers.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in diesel engine repair, diagnostics, and maintenance, with a focus on delivering high-quality service to ensure customer satisfaction. This role offers highly competitive wages and opportunities for career growth in a fast-paced work environment.

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated Entry-Level Diesel Mechanic to join our Madison service team. This role is ideal for a recent graduate from a diesel technology program or someone with 1–2 years of hands‑on experience in diesel repair. You’ll work alongside seasoned technicians performing preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on Class 6–8 trucks and trailers. If you’re eager to apply your foundational skills while continuing to learn advanced techniques, this is an excellent opportunity to build a long‑term career in heavy‑duty diesel service.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine inspections, oil changes, and preventive maintenance on diesel engines, transmissions, brakes, and electrical systems.
• Assist senior technicians with diagnostics using tools such as OBD scanners, multimeters, and air gauges.
• Disassemble, repair, and reassemble components including fuel systems, aftertreatment systems, and suspension components under supervision.
• Accurately document all work performed using digital service management software.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in compliance with company policies and OSHA standards.
• Coordinate with the parts department to identify needed components.
• Participate in on‑the‑job training and manufacturer certification programs.

Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Technical diploma or certification in automotive, diesel mechanics, or heavy‑duty truck repair preferred

Experience:

• 1–2 years of experience working on light‑duty automotive or heavy‑duty diesel trucks (Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Volvo, Mack, etc.)

Skills:

• Basic understanding of diesel engine systems, air brakes, and hydraulics
• Familiarity with OEM diagnostic platforms (Cummins Insite, Detroit Diesel DiagnosticLink, etc.)
• Ability to read service manuals, wiring diagrams, and schematics
• Strong attention to detail, problem‑solving skills, and safety‑first mindset
• Dependable attendance and team‑oriented attitude

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50–75 lbs
• Ability to work in confined spaces and varying shop conditions

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Freightliner and Detroit Diesel platforms
• Exposure to diagnostic software such as DiagnosticLink or Jaltest
• Basic welding or fabrication experience a plus

Employee Benefits

• Competitive wages – be paid your worth
• Uniforms provided and cleaned
• Tuition assistance for ongoing education and career growth
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month following hire
• PTO accrual starting day one
• 401(k) with company match
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability
• Company-paid life insurance
• Healthiest You virtual healthcare
• PPE reimbursement (safety glasses and safety boots)
• Employee discounts on products and services
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – free 24/7 access
• Paid health and wellness screening

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and may be modified at any time.

Interstate Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.