Experienced Liftgate & Fabrication Technician

Eastern Truck and Trailer; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern Truck and Trailer in Columbus, OH seeks a hands-on technician skilled in liftgate repair, welding, and trailer fabrication to join our shop. You will diagnose hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical systems, perform liftgate installations, fabricate structural components, and support general trailer body repairs while maintaining safety and productivity.

We value independence, craftsmanship, and teamwork—you will work with a range of liftgate manufacturers, adhere to repair procedures, and

Qualifications

• Proven professional experience in commercial liftgate diagnostics, repair, and installation.
• Proficiency in MIG, TIG, and Stick (SMAW) welding across steel and aluminum.
• Experience welding and fabricating with steel and aluminum.
• Strong knowledge of structural fabrication, metalworking, cutting, fitting, and assembly.
• Experience performing major and minor truck and trailer body repairs.
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to assess damage, determine repair procedures, and execute repairs.
• Experience operating welding equipment, plasma cutters, torches, grinders, and related tools.
• Follow manufacturer specifications and proper repair procedures.
• Strong time management and the ability to meet labor expectations.
• Consistent attendance and dependable work ethic.
• Willingness to perform extra trailer body and structural repairs as needed.
• Maintain accurate repair documentation and communicate with management.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical liftgate systems.
• Perform liftgate installations, replacements, and modifications.
• Repair and replace platforms, cylinders, motors, pumps, wiring, switches, and structural components.
• Work with liftgate manufacturers including Maxon, Waltco, Tommy Gate, Palfinger, Anthony, and others.
• Perform major and minor trailer body repairs.
• Repair and replace structural components including crossmembers, side panels, roof components, flooring, comer posts, and other body parts.
• Assist with accident-related trailer repairs and structural restoration.
• General trailer maintenance and repairs within the technician's capabilities.
• Collaborate with other shop technicians to meet production schedules and deadlines.
• Complete assigned repairs efficiently while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Skills

Liftgate diagnostics

MIG welding

TIG welding

Stick welding

Steel welding

Aluminum welding

Structural fabrication

Trailer repair

Diagnostics (hydraulic/electrical)

Repair documentation

Tools

Plasma cutter

Welding equipment

Grinding tools

Torch

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical liftgate systems.
• Perform complete liftgate installations, replacements, and modifications.
• Repair and replace platforms, cylinders, motors, pumps, wiring, switches, and structural components.
• Work with various liftgate manufacturers, including Maxon, Waltco, Tommy Gate, Palfinger, Anthony, and others.

Welding & Fabrication

• Perform major and minor fabrication repairs on commercial trucks, trailers, and truck bodies.
• Perform MIG, TI G, Stick, and other applicable welding processes.
• Perform structural welding and fabrication using both steel and aluminum.
• Fabricate custom brackets, supports, reinforcements, and replacement components.
• Perform cutting, grinding, measuring, fitting, and assembly.
• Complete structural repairs and modifications according to proper repair procedures and safety standards.
• Handle a wide variety of fabrication projects, excluding axle fabrication and repair.

General Trailer Repair & Shop Responsibilities

In addition to liftgate and fabrication duties, this technician will be expected to assist with general shop operations and perform commercial trailer repairs as assigned.

Responsibilities include:

• Perform major and minor trailer body repairs.
• Repair and replace structural components, including crossmembers, side panels, roof components, flooring, comer posts, and other body components.
• Assist with accident-related trailer repairs and structural restoration.
• Perform general trailer maintenance and repairs within the technician's capabilities.
• Work collaboratively with other shop technicians to meet production schedules and customer deadlines.
• Complete assigned repairs efficiently while maintaining quality and safety standards.

Required Qualifications

• Proven professional experience in commercial liftgate diagnostics, repair, and installation.
• Proficiency in multiple welding processes, including MIG, TIG, Stick (SMAW), and other applicable welding techniques.
• Demonstrated experience welding and fabricating with both steel and aluminum.
• Strong knowledge of structural fabrication, metalworking, cutting, fitting, and assembly.
• Experience performing major and minor commercial truck and trailer body repairs.
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to independently assess damage, determine appropriate repair procedures, and execute repairs.
• Experience operating welding equipment, plasma cutters, torches, grinders, and other fabrication equipment.
• Ability to follow manufacturer specifications and proper repair procedures.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to complete repairs within established labor expectations.
• Consistent attendance, punctuality, and a dependable work ethic.
• Willingness to perform work outside of primary liftgate and fabrication responsibilities as shop demands require.
• Ability to maintain accurate repair documentation and communicate effectively with management and coworkers.

Position Expectations

This is a hands-on, multi-skilled technician position. While liftgate repair, installation, and fabrication will be primary responsibilities; the selected candidate must understand that this is a commercial truck and trailer repair facility. The technician will be expected to assist with general trailer body and structural repairs whenever needed. This is not an exclusively welding or liftgate position. We are seeking an experienced individual who takes ownership of their work, maintains consistent attendance, works their scheduled hours, and contributes to the overall productivity of the shop.

IMPORTANT

Applicants must have hands-on experience with MIG, TIG, and Stick welding, including steel and aluminum applications. This position also requires commercial liftgate experience and a willingness to perform general trailer body and structural repairs as assigned. We are seeking an experienced, well-rounded technician rather than an entry-level welder or a liftgate-only technician.