On‑Site Heavy Equipment Service Technician (Cranes & Forklifts)

Palfinger North America; Cedar Rapids (IA); Remote; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Health insurance

Paid holidays

PTO

Job summary

PALFINGER North America is seeking a skilled Field Service Technician to diagnose and repair articulating cranes and truck-mounted lifting systems from Cedar Rapids, IA. You will perform preventive maintenance, DOT inspections, and respond to emergency service needs, while maintaining clarity in communications with fleet managers.

Experience with hydraulics, electrics, and welding is essential, as is a valid CDL or commitment to obtain within 60 days.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ mechanical experience or training focused on articulating cranes and forklifts.
• Fluent in English (read/write/speak).
• Valid CDL or ability to obtain within 60 days.
• Personal tools required (PALFINGER tools provided).

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair articulating cranes, truck-mounted forklifts, conveyors, trucks, and trailers.
• Complete quarterly preventive maintenance and annual DOT inspections.
• Respond to emergency service needs during and outside normal hours.
• Explain issues and corrective actions clearly to site contacts and fleet managers.
• Capture timely and accurate records: estimates, work authorizations, parts usage, labor time, and inventory entries.
• Operate with strict adherence to safety regulations; keep vehicles and sites neat and orderly.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Hydraulic systems

Electrical diagnostics

Welding proficiency

Tools

PALFINGER tools

Job description

Your missionAt PALFINGER, we’ve elevated lifting for 90+ years—engineering breakthrough crane and truck‑mounted solutions that meet real customer needs. We believe in reaching up, reaching out, and reaching beyond—together. If you’re ready to keep essential equipment moving and make a visible impact in the field, this role is for you.Impact you’ll makeOperating remotely from Cedar Rapids, IA, you’ll be the trusted expert customers count on. You’ll report to the Regional Field Service Manager and serve as the go‑to problem solver for truck‑mounted lifting systems.Picture thisA fleet manager calls with a crane down at a busy job site. You arrive, quickly assess hydraulic and electrical symptoms, communicate the plan, pull the right parts, and get the system lifting again—safely and on time. By day’s end, preventive maintenance is done, the DOT inspection is complete, and your documentation is wrapped up with precision.Your core responsibilitiesDiagnose and repair articulating cranes, truck‑mounted forklifts, conveyors, trucks, and trailers—using seasoned judgment and technical depth.Complete quarterly preventive maintenance to customer schedules, annual DOT inspections, and warranty service work.Respond to emergency and unscheduled service needs during and outside normal hours.Explain issues and corrective actions clearly to site contacts and fleet managers.Capture timely and accurate records: estimates, work authorizations, parts ordering/usage, labor time, and inventory entries.Operate with strict adherence to state and federal safety regulations; keep vehicles, tools, and sites neat and orderly.What you’ll need to succeedProven mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical troubleshooting capability; welding proficiency.Work capacity in all weather conditions; ability to sit, stand, bend, squat, crouch, reach, and lift 75 lbs+ for extended periods.Minimum 3 years’ mechanical experience or training focused on articulating cranes and forklifts.Fluent in English (read/write/speak).Valid CDL—or commitment to obtain within 60 days of employment.Personal tools (PALFINGER‑specific tools provided).Growth, rewards, and supportCompetitive compensation401(k) with Company matchMedical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and short- and long-term disability (varies by state), plus a wellness programPaid Company holidays and paid Personal Time Off (PTO)Continuous learning and career development pathwaysTechnical strengths we valueDriver's LicenseConstruction Equipment MaintenanceHeavy Equipment RepairAdvanced Troubleshooting & Mechanical DiagnosticsHydraulics ExperienceLift Truck Repair & MaintenanceHydraulic Systems & ComponentsElectrical Systems & Diagnostics (Heavy Equipment)Crane & Lifting Equipment SystemsEquipment Repair & MaintenanceBasic Computer SkillsNotesThis 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.