Lead Heavy Equipment Mechanic

careers-uicalaska; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Bowhead is seeking a Lead Heavy Equipment Mechanic to lead preventive and unscheduled maintenance of heavy-duty vehicles and related equipment on a military installation in Columbia, SC. You will guide mechanics, prioritize work, and ensure repairs meet safety and mission requirements, using diagnostic tools and test equipment.

Responsibilities include diagnosing diesel engines, brakes, transmissions, hydraulics, and electrical systems; conducting road tests; documenting work orders; and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of experience repairing heavy-duty trucks, diesel-powered vehicles, or comparable equipment.
• Working knowledge of diesel engines, air-brake systems, electrical systems, transmissions, steering, suspension, and hydraulic systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, wiring diagrams, maintenance instructions, and work orders.
• Ability to operate diagnostic equipment and common automotive and heavy-truck repair tools.
• Valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain authorization to operate assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to meet employment screening and military installation access requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively, follow instructions, and accurately document completed work.

Responsibilities

• Performs preventive maintenance checks and services on heavy-duty trucks, generators, tractors, trailers, and other assigned vehicles or equipment.
• Diagnoses and repairs diesel engines, transmissions, drivetrains, steering systems, suspension systems, air and hydraulic brake systems, electrical systems, and fuel systems.
• Inspects vehicles to identify worn, damaged, missing, or defective components.
• Uses diagnostic equipment, tests instruments, hand tools, and power tools to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical problems.
• Removes, repairs, replaces, and installs vehicle or generator components and assemblies.
• Performs air-brake inspections, adjustments, and repairs in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Conducts road tests and operational checks to confirm that repairs were completed properly.
• Responds to service calls and assists with disabled vehicle recovery when required.
• Reviews work orders, technical manuals, maintenance instructions, and equipment records before performing maintenance.
• Documents inspections, labor, parts, deficiencies, and completed repairs accurately on applicable work orders and maintenance records.
• Notifies the supervisor when additional repairs, replacement parts, or specialized support are required.
• Maintains accountability for tools, equipment, repairs parts, and Government-furnished property.
• Keeps work areas clean, organized, and free of safety hazards.
• Properly handles and disposes of oil, fuel, batteries, filters, and other hazardous materials.
• Follows company policies, installation requirements, traffic regulations, and safety procedures.
• Wears required personal protective equipment and exercises Stop Work Authority when an unsafe condition exists.
• Supports quality-control inspections and corrects identified maintenance deficiencies within the authorized scope of work.
• Minimum basic understanding of electricity and hydraulics, and the skill needed to make adjustments and settings.
• As identified by the Supervisor or Management, performs other related duties necessary to support vehicle or generator maintenance operations.
• Must have a basic understanding of on-board computer diagnostic systems and other test equipment, and the ability to test automotive computer control systems and emission systems.
• EPA certified.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Diesel engine repair

Preventive maintenance

Reading technical manuals

Safety compliance

Documentation

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Job description

Overview

Lead Heavy Equipment Mechanic (2026-26252):

Bowhead is seeking a Lead Heavy Equipment Mechanic to lead and perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, inspection, troubleshooting, repair, and servicing of heavy-duty vehicles, tactical vehicles, and related heavy equipment located on a military installation. The Lead Heavy Equipment Mechanic provides technical guidance and oversight to mechanics, assigns and prioritizes work, monitors work-order progress, and ensures maintenance activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with mission requirements.

Responsibilities

• Performs preventive maintenance checks and services on heavy-duty trucks, generators, tractors, trailers, and other assigned vehicles or equipment.
• Diagnoses and repairs diesel engines, transmissions, drivetrains, steering systems, suspension systems, air and hydraulic brake systems, electrical systems, and fuel systems.
• Inspects vehicles to identify worn, damaged, missing, or defective components.
• Uses diagnostic equipment, testes instruments, hand tools, and power tools to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical problems.
• Removes, repairs, replaces, and installs vehicle or generator components and assemblies.
• Performs air-brake inspections, adjustments, and repairs in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Conducts road tests and operational checks to confirm that repairs were completed properly.
• Responds to service calls and assists with disabled vehicle recovery when required.
• Reviews work orders, technical manuals, maintenance instructions, and equipment records before performing maintenance.
• Documents inspections, labor, parts, deficiencies, and completed repairs accurately on applicable work orders and maintenance records.
• Notifies the supervisor when additional repairs, replacement parts, or specialized support are required.
• Maintains accountability for tools, equipment, repairs parts, and Government-furnished property.
• Keeps work areas clean, organized, and free of safety hazards.
• Properly handles and disposes of oil, fuel, batteries, filters, and other hazardous materials.
• Follows company policies, installation requirements, traffic regulations, and safety procedures.
• Wears required personal protective equipment and exercises Stop Work Authority when an unsafe condition exists.
• Supports quality-control inspections and corrects identified maintenance deficiencies within the authorized scope of work.
• Minimum basic understanding of electricity and hydraulics, and the skill needed to make adjustments and settings.
• As identified by the Supervisor or Management, performs other related duties necessary to support vehicle or generator maintenance operations.
• Must have a basic understanding of on-board computer diagnostic systems and other test equipment, and the ability to test automotive computer control systems and emission systems.
• EPA certified.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of experience repairing heavy-duty trucks, diesel-powered vehicles, or comparable equipment.
• Working knowledge of diesel engines, air-brake systems, electrical systems, transmissions, steering, suspension, and hydraulic systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, wiring diagrams, maintenance instructions, and work orders.
• Ability to operate diagnostic equipment and common automotive and heavy-truck repair tools.
• Valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain authorization to operate assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to meet employment screening and military installation access requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively, follow instructions, and accurately document completed work.

Physical Demands:

• Frequently lifts items weighing up to 30 pounds independently and occasionally lifts up to 65 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to stand, walk, and sit for prolonged amounts of time.
• Uses arms, hands, and fingers for pulling and positioning materials, using tools.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED: Must be able to obtain a security clearance at the Public Trust Level (NACI). Due to the location of this work, U.S. citizenship is required. Bowhead reserves the right to change this requirement if necessitated by business needs or contractual obligations.