Reefer Mechanic

Pinnacle Equipment LLC; Stockton (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pinnacle Equipment LLC in Stockton, CA seeks a Reefer Mechanic to inspect, diagnose, maintain, and repair transport refrigeration units on a mixed fleet of refrigerated trailers and trucks.

The role requires recent experience with Thermo King or Carrier systems, EPA 608 certification, and a valid CA DL. The technician will handle preventive maintenance, electrical diagnostics, and timely repairs to ensure cold-chain integrity.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years' experience servicing transport refrigeration units (Thermo King, Carrier) or similar diesel/HVAC equipment.
• EPA Section 608 Universal Certification required.
• Valid California driver's license with clean record.
• Ability to read technical manuals, schematics and wiring diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair reefer units on trailers and trucks.
• Perform preventive maintenance including oil/filter changes and refrigerant checks.
• Repair electrical, mechanical, and microprocessor control faults.
• Recover, recycle, evacuate, and recharge refrigerants per EPA 608.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections for temperature compliance.
• Respond to road calls and perform emergency repairs to minimize downtime.
• Maintain accurate work orders, service records, and parts usage logs.
• Follow safety policies and regulatory requirements (Cal/OSHA/OSHA).

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Reading manuals & schematics

Electrical & mechanical diagnostics

Bilingual English/Spanish

Tools

Fleet maintenance software

Electronic diagnostic tools

Job description

Position Summary: The Reefer Mechanic inspects, diagnoses, maintains, and repairs transport refrigeration units on the Company's fleet of refrigerated trailers and trucks. This role ensures that all reefer units operate safely, efficiently, and within required temperature-control specifications so that perishable and temperature-sensitive freight is protected throughout transit. The position is critical to minimizing equipment downtime, supporting on-time deliveries, and maintaining regulatory and safety compliance across operations.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Inspect, diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair transport refrigeration (reefer) units, including Thermo King and Carrier Transicold systems, on trailers and trucks
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance, including oil and filter changes, belt replacement, and refrigerant level checks
• Diagnose and repair electrical, mechanical, and microprocessor control faults on refrigeration units
• Recover, recycle, evacuate, and recharge refrigerant in compliance with EPA Section 608 requirements
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections to verify units meet temperature and performance standards
• Respond to road service calls and perform emergency repairs to minimize freight downtime
• Maintain accurate work orders, service records, and parts-usage logs
• Follow all Company safety policies and comply with Cal/OSHA and OSHA regulations

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of two (2) years' experience servicing transport refrigeration units (Thermo King, Carrier Transicold) or comparable diesel/HVAC equipment
• EPA Section 608 Universal Certification
• Valid California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record
• Working knowledge of diesel engines, electrical systems, and refrigeration diagnostics, including the ability to read technical manuals, schematics, and wiring diagrams

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• ASE certification or Thermo King/Carrier factory training certifications
• Class A or Class B commercial driver's license (CDL)
• Experience with fleet maintenance software and electronic diagnostic tools
• Welding or metal-fabrication skills
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged standing (warehouse/onsite support)
• Walking for extended periods across facilities or yards
• Lifting up to 50 lbs
• Bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching
• Reaching above/below shoulder level
• Repetitive hand/wrist movements (typing, scanning, equipment use)
• Operating equipment (forklift, pallet jack, etc.)
• Driving as part of job duties (local or regional travel)
• Climbing stairs or ladders

Work Environment:

• Outdoor work (yards, loading areas, client sites)
• Exposure to varying temperatures (heat/cold)
• Exposure to moderate/high noise levels
• Fast-paced, high-volume operational environment

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We make all employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to any status protected by applicable law. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. The statements should not be construed as an exhausted list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. There may be additional duties outside the normal responsibilities to be performed as needed.