Hydraulic Crane and Lifting Systems Shop Technician

Palfinger North America; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

PALFINGER is seeking a Shop Technician at our Birmingham, AL facility to diagnose and repair articulating cranes, truck-mounted forklifts, and other lifting equipment. You will perform preventive maintenance, annual DOT inspections, and warranty service, with emphasis on mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems.

The role requires 3 years of experience, a high school diploma or GED, and the ability to lift 75 lbs+ while maintaining safety standards in a workshop environment.

Qualifications

• 3 years of mechanical experience or formal training preferred (articulating cranes and forklifts emphasis).
• Hands-on expertise across mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems.
• Strong diagnostics and welding capability.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair articulating cranes, truck-mounted forklifts, bucket trucks, platforms, conveyors, trucks and trailers in a shop setting.
• Execute preventive maintenance and Annual DOT inspections, plus warranty service.
• Respond to emergency or unscheduled troubleshooting needs during work and non-working hours.
• Communicate findings and recommended repairs clearly with the shop manager.
• Produce service documentation: estimates, authorizations, parts ordering/recording, labor entries and inventory records.

Skills

Mechanical experience

Diagnostics

Welding capability

Basic computer skills

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Windows

Job description

Hydraulic Crane and Lifting Systems Shop TechnicianFor more than 90 years, PALFINGER has set benchmarks with innovative crane and lifting solutions worldwide. As a leading technology and mechanical engineering company, we transform customer needs into seamlessly integrated solutions while providing opportunities for our people to grow, collaborate, and push beyond limits. We foster an environment where we reach up, reach out, and reach beyond. Become part of our team and let’s lift each other to create what’s next.Based at our new service facility at 1415 Meadow Craft Rd., Birmingham, AL 35233, you’ll report to the Regional Service Manager and work on industry-leading articulating cranes, truck-mounted forklifts, and other lifting equipment—keeping customers’ fleets ready for the next lift.A day in this roleYou arrive to a clean, organized shop and open the day’s work orders. First up: troubleshooting an articulating crane with intermittent electrical faults. After isolating a sensor issue, you document the estimate, obtain work order authorization, and order the parts. Midday, you complete a scheduled preventive maintenance and Annual DOT inspection on a truck-mounted forklift, then pivot to a warranty repair on a bucket truck. Before close, you brief the shop manager on a conveyor repair plan and finish inventory documentation. If an urgent call comes in after hours, you’re prepared to provide emergency support.Core responsibilitiesDiagnose and repair articulating cranes, truck-mounted forklifts, bucket trucks, platforms, conveyors, trucks, and trailers in a shop setting.Execute preventive maintenance aligned to customer schedules, complete Annual DOT inspections, and perform warranty service.Respond to emergency or unscheduled troubleshooting needs during working and non-working hours.Communicate clearly with the shop manager regarding mechanical findings and recommended repairs.Produce timely service documentation: estimates, authorizations, parts ordering/recording, labor entries, and inventory records.Follow state and federal safety regulations and maintain safe, clean, orderly work areas.What you bringHigh school diploma or GED, plus 3 years of mechanical experience or formal training (articulating cranes and forklifts emphasis preferred).Hands-on expertise across mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems; strong diagnostics and welding capability.Basic computer proficiency, including Windows applications, for documentation and parts lookup.Self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently and resourcefully.Physical ability to sit, stand, bend, squat, crouch, reach, and repeatedly lift 75 lbs+ for extended periods.Comfort working around inside/outside environments with noise, vibration, oils, and related hazards.Personal hand tools required (Palfinger proprietary tools provided).Technical strengths that set you apartValid Driver’s License and strong customer service focusConstruction/heavy equipment maintenance and repairHydraulic systems, components, and diagnosticsElectrical systems and diagnostics (heavy equipment)Crane and lifting equipment systemsPreventive maintenance and inspectionLift truck repair and maintenanceEquipment troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repairBasic computer skillsRewards and growthCompetitive compensation401(k) with Company matchMedical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and short- and long-term disability (depending upon state); wellness program offeredPaid Company holidays and paid Personal Time Off (PTO)Continuous learning and career growth opportunitiesThis job posting describes the general nature of work performed by employees within this classification. The information on this posting is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of all responsibilities required of employees assigned to this job. Other duties may be assigned.PALFINGER is not utilizing any external recruiting agencies for this opportunity.We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled