Product Performance Technician

Western States Equipment Co; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Three weeks of accrued PTO

Company paid health care premium option

401k with company match

Paid Parental leave

Educational reimbursements

Job summary

Western States Equipment Co is seeking a Heavy Equipment Technician in Missoula, Montana, to perform maintenance and repairs on various heavy equipment. The ideal candidate should have experience in troubleshooting and repairing electrical, hydraulic, and powertrain systems.

Responsibilities include ensuring safety standards while maintaining equipment and supporting customer service. Benefits include substantial PTO, health coverage, and 401k matching. Join us in making communities stronger and cleaner!

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of heavy equipment maintenance experience required; Caterpillar experience preferred.
• Valid CDL with a clean driving record and DOT compliance.
• Proficiency in English (speaking, reading, comprehension, writing).

Responsibilities

• Develop basic troubleshooting skills on various engine and equipment systems.
• Perform preventative maintenance duties on powertrain components.
• Independently perform basic hydraulic system maintenance.

Skills

Customer service

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Electrical systems knowledge

Hydraulic systems knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree from an accredited vocational school

Tools

Telematics systems

Service manuals (STW, SIS)

Job description

About Western States Equipment

Western States has a long legacy of providing quality equipment and excellent service to customers. Since 1956, our vision is to make our communities stronger, cleaner, and more productive, not just with our products and service but through our people. We are committed to:

• Building our Communities for a Better Tomorrow
• Performance through our Values: SAFETY, EXCELLENCE, TEAMWORK, INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, and INNOVATION
• Customer and Employee Care Commitments: Conveying Warm and Empathy, Actively Listening, Building Trust, and Saying Thank You

Why You'll Like It Here

Recognized as one of the top private companies to work for, we put our employees first. We are fiercely committed to SAFETY and sending every employee safely home, every single day. Our comprehensive benefits package and complete wellness programs include:

• Three weeks of accrued PTO to start, increases with tenure
• Company paid health care premium option for employees
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Wellness dollars
• 401k with company match and profit sharing
• Educational reimbursements, tool loans, and safety & tooling dollars
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental leave
• Care Leave

What We’re Looking For

Think‑Act‑Be Safe – At Western States, we empower every employee to work and promote a safe environment to ensure all employees, vendors, and clients have a safe work environment while adhering to all applicable procedures and standards. This includes maintaining clean, clutter‑free personal work areas and wearing the required personal protective equipment (PPE) as identified in safety policy.

Safety

• Actively care for, promote, manage, and advocate safety at Western States.
• Complete Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) prior to any job‑related tasks according to WSECO’s policy and standards.
• Maintain clean, clutter‑free personal work areas.
• Adhere to required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Diagnosis, Troubleshooting, and Repair

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

Engines and Powertrain

• Independently complete engine preventative maintenance and inspect/repair external engine components.
• Perform 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

• Understand basic electrical components with the ability to test, repair, and replace circuits, including Deutsch and Ampseal connectors, battery voltage systems, and harness types.
• Independently perform basic hydraulic system maintenance, including fluid and filter replacement, full system cleanout, adjusting relief valve pressures, and pump flows.
• Troubleshoot and service 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, perform general troubleshooting and repair of frame and suspension systems, including tracks, track pads, drive sprockets, and idlers.
• Identify undercarriage components and perform track sag measurements.

Telematics Installations and Repairs

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

Continued Development

• Participate in continued education and training initiatives as outlined in the Western States Equipment Technician Career Development Plan (TCDP).
• Utilize 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.
• Develop familiarity with parts reusability guidelines.
• Write and read complete, factual service reports for files and warranty purposes using STW for timely work order closing.
• Address all inquiries in a prompt and friendly manner to meet or exceed internal/external client expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned while developing a mindset for technician productivity.

Skills, Knowledge, 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 of 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 and walk, sit, repetitively climb stairs, reach, bend, stoop, push, pull, lean, and twist.
• Ability to generate 97 ft./lbs. of force by pushing and pulling.
• Ability to repeatedly lift up to 60 lbs. from the ground and place on a shelf/platform set up to 65 inches off the ground.
• 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.
• Must meet all safety requirements for applicable safety policies.

Disclaimer

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this classification.

This role is designated as safety‑sensitive.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.