Product Performance Technician

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

Benefits offered by this job

Company‑paid health care premium option

401k with company match and profit sharing

Paid parental leave

Three weeks of accrued PTO

Job summary

Western States Equipment in Missoula, MT, is seeking a heavy equipment technician to perform diagnosis, troubleshooting, and repair of various equipment and telematics systems. Candidates should have exceptional customer service skills and prior maintenance experience. Responsibilities include preventative maintenance and ensuring a safe work environment.

The role necessitates a high school diploma and extensive hands-on experience with heavy equipment. The company offers several benefits, including health insurance and a 401k plan with matching.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of heavy equipment maintenance experience required.
• Valid CDL with a clean driving record and DOT compliance.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in heavy equipment diagnosis and repair.

Responsibilities

• Perform engine preventative maintenance and inspect/repair external engine components.
• Assist with repairs and diagnosing machine failures.
• Complete Job Hazard Analysis prior to job tasks.

Skills

Exceptional customer service

Advanced communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Specialized knowledge in electrical systems

Telematics systems knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED required

Associate degree from an accredited vocational school preferred

Tools

ET software

STW software

SIS Web

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: The Power of our Purpose: “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.

Benefits

• 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

Safety Responsibilities

• Actively cares, promotes, manages, and advocates safety at Western States; ensures all employees, vendors, and clients have a safe work environment while adhering to all applicable safety policies, procedures and standards.
• Completes Job Hazard Analysis (JHA’s) prior to any job‑related tasks according to WSECO’s policy and standards.
• Maintains clean/clutter‑free personal work areas to ensure a safe environment for all WSECO employees.
• Adheres to required personal protective equipment (PPE) as identified in safety policy.

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.
• Identifies leaks, replaces seals/hub bearings and races, adjusts clutch brakes, removes/inspects axles, and identifies u‑joint and yoke series.
• Understands and assists in replacement of various brake systems.

Electrical, Hydraulics, HVAC, and Cab

• Understands basic electrical components with the ability to test, repair, and replace circuits, including Deutsch and Ampseal connectors, 6/12/24 battery voltage systems, and 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.
• Has basic understanding of general mechanical/electrical cab functions pertaining to operator interfaces.

Undercarriage

• Under supervision of a 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

• Installs, repairs, and activates 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.

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’ 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, walk, sit, repetitively climb stairs, reach (including above‑shoulder reaching), 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 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 be able to meet all safety requirements for applicable safety policies.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to 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.