Heavy Equipment Mechanic - Pasadena, TX

plasticexpress; Georgia; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Family health benefits

Vacation pay

Holiday pay

401k retirement plan

Job summary

Plastic Express seeks a Heavy Equipment Mechanic to diagnose and repair heavy equipment across our warehouse operations. The role requires hands-on maintenance of forklifts, yard trucks, rail equipment, aerial lifts, and more, ensuring safety and efficiency on the job site.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of forklift and diesel engine experience, ASE certification, and the ability to read repair manuals, operate diagnostic tools, and work overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Forklift and Diesel Engine Mechanic.
• Ability to read repair manuals and use diagnostic tools.
• Experience with hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on heavy equipment including forklifts, rail kings, yard jockey trucks, aerial lifts, golf carts, and trailers.
• Use diagnostics to identify issues and align components for performance.
• Assemble/disassemble machinery parts for repairs or replacements.
• Inspect equipment for safety and regulatory compliance.
• Troubleshoot hydraulic systems, air brakes, and related components.
• Document repairs, parts used, and service performed.
• Maintain a clean, organized work environment and assist with overtime as needed.

Skills

Forklift operation

Diesel engines

Hydraulics

Electrical systems

Diagnostics

Reading manuals

Safety compliance

Troubleshooting

Communication in English

Tool usage

Documentation

Education

ASE Certification

Tools

Diagnostic tools

Hydraulic test equipment

DC electrical test tools

Diesel mechanic tools

Toyota Lift trucks

Cummins equipment

Hyster/Lift trucks

Job description

Company Overview

Come join a winning Team! Since 1970 Plastic Express has met the bulk trucking, bulk terminal, packaging, and warehousing needs of the plastics industry. Our strategic locations, modern systems, and dedicated employees allow us to provide custom tailored logistical solutions to fulfill the most challenging needs of our customers. Plastic Express operates from 22 full-service facilities, more than 40 bulk terminals, and 52 railcar terminals offering more than 8,500 railcar spots across the country. We are located near 9 major ports in the U.S. and rely heavily on our rail infrastructure to handle imports /exports as well as regional distribution. At many of the Plastic Express sites, we also handle some non-plastic commodities, which include; paper rolls, steel, building materials and other dry bulk materials. Plastic Express owns and operates roughly 250 trucks, with approximately 250 trailers performing full bulk truck distribution business. Plastic Express is headquartered in Houston, TX and has over 600 employees nationwide. Our goal has always been to exceed our customer's expectations, and our can do-attitude is what differentiates us from the competition.

Plastic Express employees have always been our key to success and total customer satisfaction. We are always looking for dependable & talented business professionals that will help us to grow and to continue our “Can Do” tradition.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Summary

The Heavy Equipment Mechanic will possess strong mechanical knowledge and experience in diagnosing and repairing various heavy equipment. This role requires a hands‑on approach to maintain and enhance the performance of our machinery, ensuring safety and efficiency on the job site.

Essential Functions / Duties

• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on heavy equipment, including but not limited to forklifts, rail kings, yard jockey tucks, aerial lifts, golf carts, and chassis trailers.
• Utilize automotive diagnostics to identify issues and align components for optimal performance.
• Assemble and disassemble machinery parts as needed for repairs or replacements.
• Conduct inspections of equipment to ensure compliance with safety regulations and operational standards.
• Work with hydraulic systems, including air brake systems, to troubleshoot and repair malfunctions.
• Provide excellent customer service by communicating effectively with clients regarding equipment status and repair needs.
• Execute heavy lifting tasks as required during maintenance procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, parts used, and service performed.
• Inspect forklifts, rail kings, yard jockey tucks, aerial lifts, and golf carts fleet to ensure all equipment are working properly and safely.
• Identify any forklift trucks that need repairs.
• Remove unsafe equipment from facility operating area and notifies supervisor.
• Troubleshoot. Repair and maintain various types of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues on equipment including, diesel, electric, gas-powered, and propane-powered.
• Test equipment to ensure repairs are completed correctly.
• Ensure batteries for electric equipment are fully charged, and water levels are accurate.
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, maintenance, and parts inventory.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Proven experience as a Forklift and Diesel Engine Mechanic (3+ years preferred).
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to operate forklifts and other machinery.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Prior experience on Toyota Lift trucks, Cummins, Rail Kings, Yard Jokey Trucks and Hyster Lift trucks is a plus
• Experience working in general maintenance
• Certification or training in diesel mechanics or related field is a plus.

Physical Demands

• Must be physically capable of accessing all parts of the heavy equipment needing repairs or maintenance, either by kneeling or lying on back.
• Must be able to work long hours, weekends and holidays when needed.
• Frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to perform physical labor such as, routinely lifting up to 60 lbs., moving up to 250 pounds, climbing ladders, operate control panels and working with hand tools.
• Adequate vision required, to include close visual confirmation of printed documents, have distance vision to safely and correctly identify objects and or markings, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus on subjects or objects at any safe working distance.

Licenses / Certificates

• ASE Certified

Skills

• Ability to use hand and power tools to repair heavy equipment.
• Ability to read repair manuals for various types of heavy equipment.
• Excellent mechanical repair skills.
• Capability to troubleshoot hydraulic systems.
• Aptitude to troubleshoot and repair DC electrical systems.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to recognize onsite risk factors and take appropriate action with firmness and tact.
• Regularly required to read, understand and speak English in order to ensure effective performance of the job, and the successful operation of the employer's business.
• Strong knowledge of diesel engine systems, hydraulics, electrical, and mechanical components.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair a wide range of issues with forklifts and diesel-powered equipment.

Additional Job Details

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Work Environment: Expected to operate in a warehouse setting, with some outdoor exposure during the workday. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines, and standard warehouse equipment such as hand trucks, box cutters and tape dispensers.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time position. Must be able to work overtime, long hours, weekends and holidays when needed.

Travel: Little to no travel is expected for this position.

Benefits and Perks

• Family health benefit packages - after 90 days
• Vacation pay - after 90 days
• Holiday pay - after 90 days
• Company matching 401k retirement program - after 90 days

In line with Plastic Express’ Environmental Promise, the hired individual is expected to enthusiastically support all facets of Operation Clean Sweep; specifically, making a conscious effort to prevent pellet, flake and powder loss into the environment and ensure any spills are swiftly and effectively cleaned up.