School Bus Diesel Mechanic

DRIVERGENT INC; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid overtime

Paid time off (PTO)

2 weeks of vacation

Health benefits (medical/dental/vision

Aflac supplemental

401(k) retirement with company match

Job summary

Drivergent Transportation is seeking a qualified School Bus Mechanic in Sterling Heights, MI. You will maintain and repair a fleet of school buses and support vehicles, ensuring safety and reliability for student transportation.

The role requires experience in vehicle maintenance, state licensing, and the ability to perform diagnostics, tune-ups, and component repairs on diesel engines and electrical systems. Benefits include PTO, vacation, health coverage, and a 401(k) match.

Qualifications

• Vehicle maintenance experience required; truck, tractor, and/or diesel maintenance preferred.
• Technical school degree in automotive preferred.
• Must possess or obtain current Mechanic Licenses through ASE or the State of Michigan in heavy duty brakes, suspension & steering, diesel engines, drivetrain, and electrical.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose vehicle problems and perform repairs on school buses and service vehicles.
• Inspect and repair electrical systems from front to rear.
• Perform engine tune-ups, troubleshoot engines, and rebuild if necessary.
• Inspect, service, and repair brakes, transmissions, cooling systems, and exhaust.
• Install seat belts and harnesses on special-needs buses and install accessories.

Skills

Vehicle maintenance

Diesel maintenance

Technical school background

Michigan mechanic licensing

Education

Technical school degree in automotive

Job description

Position Summary

Drivergent Transportation is a Metro Detroit school transportation company looking for a motivated, experienced School Bus Mechanic who wants to join our team!

As a School Bus Mechanic, you will be on the educational front lines ensuring our fleet of school buses operates safely and consistently, so our team of drivers can safely transport students, exceed customer expectations, and ensure routes are operated on time. Successful mechanics put safety first, are reliable, can succeed in a changing environment and are ready to work! Drivergent's team has over 15 years of transportation experience, so we know how to support our employees and create a positive work environment you’ll enjoy and feel rewarded for your hard work and dedication.

Job Details

Location: Sterling Heights, MI 48312

Salary: $30.00 – $35.00 per hour

Hours: Monday‑Friday 7AM–4PM or 11AM–8PM

Compensation & Benefits

• Up to $35.00 per hour
• Paid overtime
• Paid time off (PTO)
• 2 weeks of vacation
• Health benefits (medical/dental/vision) – after 30 days
• Aflac supplemental
• 401(k) retirement with company match

General Responsibilities

• All areas of vehicle maintenance, diagnosis, and repair on school buses, service vehicles, passenger vans, cars, and other equipment owned by the company.

Specific Responsibilities

• Diagnose vehicle problems and perform repairs as needed in accordance with manufacturers' instructions and state and federal regulations; perform road tests on vehicles.
• Inspect and repair electrical systems from front to rear.
• Perform engine tune‑ups, troubleshoot and repair engines; rebuild if necessary.
• Inspect, service, and repair transmissions, cooling lines, and filters.
• Inspect, service, and repair brake systems, air and hydraulic systems.
• Inspect, service, and repair drivetrain from transmission to rear axle.
• Inspect, service, and repair front suspension.
• Inspect, service, and repair windows and frames.
• Inspect, service, and repair wiper motors, switches, arms, and blades.
• Check body damage and handle some body repairs.
• Inspect, service, and repair cooling systems, radiator, hoses, pump, and block.
• Repair carburetors and fuel problems.
• Inspect, service, and repair exhaust systems.
• Answer service calls and respond to breakdowns; conduct on‑site repairs when possible.
• Repair hydraulic wheelchair lifts and hydraulic lift gates.
• Install seat belts and harnesses on special‑needs buses.
• Install accessories such as radios, strobe lights, camera boxes, etc.
• Prepare vehicle maintenance reports and submit to management; review technical reports, vehicle maintenance manuals, electrical diagrams, and meter readings to evaluate, diagnose, and repair.
• Consult with vendors concerning ordering or use of parts.
• Consult with bus drivers and other mechanics regarding maintenance problems and/or needs and advise or assist as necessary.
• Perform safety inspections, assist with Michigan State Police inspections.
• Clean shop floor, drain pan, buckets, etc.; properly dispose of unusable replacement parts such as batteries, brake drums, as well as used motor oil, transmission fluid, and antifreeze.
• May change oil and repair or replace tires.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Specific Requirements

• Meet all general qualifications for employment.
• Meet state requirements for appropriate mechanic licensing.
• Pass drug and alcohol screening as established by the company.
• Meet company standards for criminal history check.

Specific Experience and Qualifications

• Vehicle maintenance experience required; truck, tractor, and/or diesel maintenance preferred.
• Technical school degree in automotive preferred, with 1 to 3 years of vehicle maintenance experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform this job.
• Must possess or be able to successfully obtain (once hired) current Mechanic Licenses through either ASE or the State of Michigan in the following areas: heavy duty brakes, heavy duty suspension & steering, heavy duty diesel engines, heavy duty drivetrain, and electrical.
• May also be required to be certified in Computer Electronic Engine and Transmission Diagnostics.

Additional Experience and Qualifications

• Mechanic is preferred to have a satisfactory driving record, a minimum of five years’ driving experience, a valid driver’s license, and possess or be able to successfully obtain (once hired) a valid Michigan Commercial Driver’s License Class B with school bus (S) and passenger (P) endorsements and no air brake restriction.
• May possibly require mechanic to function as an emergency school bus driver if circumstances ever require additional drivers to transport students.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to physically perform the following duties with or without accommodation: operate a variety of automotive machines, mechanic tools, and equipment such as wrecker, A/C recovery recycler, injector tester, brake bleeder, various meters and gauges, tire machine, tire spreader, plasma cutter, sledgehammer, wrenches, cutting torch, hydraulic and air lift, engine hoist and stands, wheel dolly, drill press, tire iron, etc.; lift, push, pull, move, or carry heavy objects or materials; exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 35 to 50 pounds of force frequently; lift and/or carry 50 to 100 pounds.