Product Performance Technician

Western States Equipment Company; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Western States Equipment Company is seeking an experienced technician to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair heavy equipment across our Montana service area. You will perform engine, powertrain, electrical, hydraulics, and telematics work under supervision, while coordinating with other technicians to ensure timely, quality service.

The role requires a minimum of five years’ diagnostic and repair experience, one year of heavy equipment maintenance or field service, and a willingness to travel up

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in heavy equipment diagnosis and repair.
• Minimum of one year of heavy equipment maintenance experience required; Caterpillar experience preferred.
• Minimum of one year of Field Service experience preferred.
• Proficiency in English (speaking, reading, writing).
• Willingness to travel up to 80% and work overtime as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Develops basic troubleshooting skills on engine and equipment systems under supervision.
• Performs preventative maintenance and inspections.
• Repairs and diagnoses machine failures per time guidelines.
• Writes complete service reports for files and warranty purposes.
• Collaborates with team to ensure safety and quality standards.
• Participates in continued education and training programs.

Skills

Customer service

Advanced communication

Microsoft Office

Problem solving

Technical documentation

ET/STW/SIS Web tools

Relationship building

Willingness to travel

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree preferred

Tools

ET

STW

Parts Integration

SIS Web

Job description

About Western States

Since 1956, Western States Equipment Company has been a leading employer across Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Wyoming. We are driven by our mission of solving our customers’ toughest challenges, guided by our core values of

About Western States

Since 1956, Western States Equipment Company has been a leading employer across Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Wyoming. We are driven by our mission of solving our customers’ toughest challenges, guided by our core values of Safety, Excellence, Teamwork, Integrity, Accountability, and Innovation. By joining Western States, you commit to upholding these values while contributing to our purpose of building our communities for a better tomorrow. Safety and our Customer Care Commitment remain foundational to our mission and the standard by which we measure our success.

Safety

• Actively cares, promotes, manages, and advocates for safety at Western States. As a team member in the organization, it is critical to ensure all employees, vendors, and clients have a safe work environment while adhering to all applicable safety policies, procedures and standards.
• Embraces our caring culture where we each care to adhere with applicable safety policies, PPE expectations and stop work authority.

Customer Care Commitments

• Convey Warmth and Empathy – Acknowledge customers and greet everyone with an authentic smile.
• Actively Listen – Give your full attention, make eye contact, avoid interrupting, and ask clarifying questions.
• Build Trust – Take ownership, act with urgency, and follow through on commitments.
• Say Thank you – Express genuine appreciation for effort, feedback, and collaboration.

Essential Functions

Diagnosis, Troubleshooting, and Repair

• Develops basic troubleshooting skills on various engine and equipment systems under the supervision of a Journeyman or Master Level Technician.
• Assists with skill level appropriate testing while comparing data to specifications to determine if the system is working as designed.
• Assists with repairs and diagnosing machine failures according to WSECO’s time requirement guidelines.
• Performs experience level appropriate tasks independently, including inspections and minor troubleshooting, when scheduled for required preventative maintenance service.

Engines and Powertrain

• Independently completes engine preventative maintenance and inspects/repairs external engine components.
• Performs preventative maintenance duties on powertrain including proper additive use and oil sampling.
• Basic troubleshooting and repair include identifying leaks, replacing seals/hub bearings and races, adjusting clutch brakes, removing/inspecting axles and identifying u-joint and yoke series.
• Basic understanding and assisted replacement of various brake systems.

Electrical, Hydraulics, HVAC, and Cab

• Understands basic electrical components with the ability to test, repair, and replace circuits. Includes Deutsch and Ampseal Connectors, 6/12/24 battery voltage systems, and ability to repair/replace various harness types.
• Independently performs basic hydraulic systems maintenance, including fluid and filter replacement, full system cleanout, adjusting relief valve pressures, and pump flows.
• Troubleshoots and services HVAC systems, including evacuating, recharging, and replacing components when required.
• Basic understanding of general mechanical/electrical cab functions pertaining to operator interfaces.

Undercarriage

• Under supervision of Journeyman or Master level technician performs general tasks in troubleshooting and repair of various frame and suspension systems, including tracks, track pads, drive sprockets, and idlers.
• Identifies undercarriage components and performs track sag measurements.

Telematics Installations and Repairs

• Install, repair, and activate telematics systems on equipment to enhance tracking and performance metrics.

Continued Development

• Participates in continued education and training initiatives as outlined in the Western States Equipment Technician Career Development Plan (TCDP).
• Utilizes service manuals (STW, SIS, and parts books) to address technical issues and perform all required tasks within technician level abilities, in accordance with printed procedures.
• Develops familiarity with parts reusability guidelines.
• Writes and reads complete, factual service reports for files and warranty purposes using STW for timely work order closing.
• Develops skill sets to address all inquiries in a prompt and friendly manner to meet or exceed internal/external client expectations.
• Performs other duties as assigned while developing a mindset for technician productivity.

Knowledge Skills And Abilities

• Exceptional customer service and advanced communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and similar systems.
• Ability to work autonomously under pressure with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Specialized knowledge in electrical, hydraulic, A/C, powertrain, and telematics systems.
• Strong capability in comprehending and applying technical documentation.
• Proficiency with software programs (ET, STW, Parts Integration, SIS Web).
• Effective relationship-building and maintenance skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively (up to 80%) and work overtime as necessary.

Education And Experience

• High school diploma or GED required, Associate degree from an accredited vocational school preferred.
• Minimum of one year of heavy equipment maintenance experience required; Caterpillar experience preferred.
• Minimum of one year of Field Service experience preferred.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in heavy equipment diagnosis and repair.
• Valid CDL with a clean driving record and DOT compliance.
• Proficiency in English (speaking, reading, comprehension, writing).

Physical Characteristics

• Ability to stand for long periods of time along with walking, sitting, repetitively climbing stairs, reaching (including but not limited to above-shoulder reaching), repetitive bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, leaning and twisting.
• Ability to repeatedly lift up to 60lbs from the ground and place on a shelf/platform set up to 65 inches off the ground.
• Ability to manually torque nuts, bolts, and similar components to required specifications, and perform frequent pushing, pulling, and other manual material handling activities as necessary to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Ability to carry up to 20 lbs. while repeatedly ascending/descending a minimum of ten, 8” stair steps.
• Ability to repeatedly ascend/descend a minimum of 10 rungs on various ladders.
• Ability to assemble/disassemble various sizes of nuts and bolts, while repeatedly bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and/or crouching.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures and environment.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. It is not intended be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this classification. This role is designated as safety-sensitive.