SURFACE MAINTENANCE MECHANIC

Cenith Innovations LLC; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 32,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Cenith Innovations LLC in Lincoln, NE is seeking a Surface Maintenance Mechanic (Position Description Number D1194000) for a full-time, permanent role. Responsibilities include troubleshooting and maintaining heavy-duty mobile equipment and vehicles, performing repairs on engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems, and related components.

Qualified applicants will undergo a drug test and security clearance process; position may require occasional travel.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoots and maintains heavy‑duty mobile equipment and vehicles, including engines and transmissions.
• Uses diagnostic tools (engine analyzers, voltmeters, gauges) to identify failures and plan repairs.
• Disassembles engines and major assemblies, repairs or overhauls parts, then reassembles and tests in vehicles.

Job description

SURFACE MAINTENANCE MECHANIC (Position Description Number D1194000)

Overview

Accepting applications Open 10/22/2026 to 10/03/2027

Salary $23.02 - $36.52 per hour

Pay scale & grade WG 5 - 10

Promotion potential None

Announcement number NE-13099200-AR-27-015

Control number 889851900

Initial cut-off date for first consideration 11:59 pm, CST, 5 NOV 2026

Location

Lincoln, NE

Work site options

• Telework eligible No
• Remote job No
• Relocation expenses reimbursed No

Work schedule

Full-time

Travel

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment type

Permanent

Occupations and job series

• 5801 Miscellaneous Transportation/Mobile Equipment Maintenance

Supervisory status

No

Federal service type

This job is in the Excepted Service

Union representation

No

Drug test

Yes

Security clearance

Secret

Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Background check type

• Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required

No

Open to

• Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement
• Current members, those who want to join or transitioning military members

Clarification from the agency

Nebraska National Guard Area 1 and 2 applicants.

Area of Consideration

AREA 1: Current permanent and indefinite technicians of the Nebraska Army or Air National Guard; and current Title 5 employees of the Nebraska Military Department who are military members of the Nebraska National Guard.

AREA 2: All Drill Status/M-Day members and temporary technicians of the Nebraska Air or Army National Guard.

AREA 3: Current military service members who are willing and eligible to become members of the Nebraska Air or Army National Guard.

AREA 4: All qualified candidates eligible and willing to become a member of the Nebraska National Air or Army National Guard prior to the effective date of hire.

Duties

1. • Troubleshoots, performs maintenance and major repairs on heavy-duty mobile equipment, combat, tactical and automotive vehicles. This may include self-propelled artillery, tracked cargo and personnel carriers, road graders, mobile cranes, front loaders, conveyors, bulldozers, power shovels, compressors, generators, tanks, tracked combat vehicles, sedans, buses, all terrain vehicles, trucks, semi trailers, forklifts, tractors, and accessory equipment. Troubleshoots, repairs and overhauls major systems to include internal combustion engines, turbine engines, automatic and non-automatic transmissions, heavy duty drive line systems, and hydraulic utility systems and controls. Makes repairs to assemblies and components such as voltage regulators, generators/alternators, brake cylinders, etc. Performs work in accordance with modification work orders, technical manuals, lubrication orders, maintenance bulletins, regulations or management policies. May repair a variety of more complex major systems to include engines, cross drive or similar multi-system transmissions and a variety of intricate fuel injection systems.
2. • Troubleshoots equipment and diagnoses the cause of mechanical failures by means of visual and auditory checks and/or uses test equipment such as engine analyzers, compression testers, voltmeters, ohmmeters, pressure gauges, and computer diagnostic tools. Utilizes embedded diagnostics in equipment and a wide variety of original equipment manufacturer system analyzers in order to determine the exact nature or extent of repair. Determines what adjustments may be necessary to complete work orders, and whether any additional repairs other than those specified or indicated on the work order are necessary.
3. • Removes and disassembles engines and major assemblies, sub-assemblies, components, and fuel, hydraulic, and oil pressure systems. Makes the appropriate repairs, overhaul, or modifications in accordance with the proper repair specifications and procedures. Reassembles engines and other systems, and adjusts, tests, and reinstalls in vehicles and equipment as necessary. Makes adjustments and repairs to electrical and suspension systems. May install pistons, sleeves, rings, bearings, rods, crankshafts, timing gears, and rocker arms. May be required to perform fuel injection equipment repair, overhaul, rebuild, and calibration duties utilizing a variety of complex test and calibration equipment.
4. • Independently performs repairs and maintenance functions in remote locations that can be accomplished by removing, cleaning, reinstalling, or replacing defective parts of components and systems such as injectors, leaking wheel cylinders, corroded mufflers, fuel tanks, brake cylinders and worn brake shoes, voltage regulators, generators, injector pumps, and fuel pumps. Provides technical guidance and specialized team leadership to lower grade employees within the team. Assists lower grade mechanics in performing major repair work. May provide Field and limited Sustainment maintenance at unit locations as part of a "contact team." Recovers and evacuates inoperable vehicles from the unit location of breakdown. May assist higher graded mechanics in repairing a variety of interconnected systems such as electrical, air and hydraulic systems, complex state of the art electrical and electronic systems that use specialized diagnostic equipment to identify problems, complex fuel injection systems and other similar complex systems.
5. • Conducts readiness and repair inspections on vehicles and associated equipment supported by the activity. Performs operational inspections and ensures vehicles and equipment are properly serviced, including brake adjustments, replacing hydraulic fluids, greasing, cleaning, etc., and performs other preventive maintenance operations as required. Inspects supported equipment prior to use during Inactive Duty Training (IDT) and Annual Training (AT), to ensure that it is functioning properly. May inspect in-process repair work of lower graded repairer to ensure equipment is being repaired in accordance with pertinent requirements. May serve as a commodity inspector during Command Maintenance Management evaluations (COMET) or as a member of a Maintenance Assistance Instruction Team (MAIT). Instructs operator/crew in the maintenance of equipment and provides technical advice and assistance to supported units when requested.
6. • Performs other duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

• Military membership in the Nebraska Army National Guard is required.
• Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Obtain/maintain the level of security clearance/background check required.
• Direct Deposit is mandatory.

Qualifications

NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED: This is a Title 32 excepted service position that requires membership in the Nebraska Army National Guard. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform daily. Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement.

FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING ELIGIBILITY TO JOIN THE NEBRASKA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PLEASE CONTACT THE LOCAL RECRUITING OFFICE AT 402-309-7458.

OPEN AREAS OF CONSIDERATION:

AREA 1 and 2

DEFINITION OF AREA(S) OF CONSIDERATION:

AREA 1: Current permanent and indefinite technicians of the Nebraska Army or Air National Guard; and current Title 5 employees of the Nebraska Military Department who are military members of the Nebraska National Guard.

AREA 2: All Drill Status/M-Day members and temporary technicians of the Nebraska Air or Army National Guard.

AREA 3: Current military service members who are willing and eligible to become members of the Nebraska Air or Army National Guard.

AREA 4: All qualified candidates eligible and willing to become a member of the Nebraska National Air or Army National Guard prior to the effective date of hire.

Military Grades: Maximum: E7; Minimum: E3; Military Grade inversion within the full time work forces is not permitted. The military grade of the full time supervisor must equal or exceed the military grade of the personnel supervised.

Compatibility will be followed in accordance with 32 USC 709(b) and 10 USC 10216. Compatibility requirements must be met prior to appointment to the position.

Security Clearance/Background Check requirements: In order to comply with US DOD requirements and ensure the safety and security of the missions, programs, property and personnel of the Nebraska Military Department, employees must obtain the appropriate background investigation and maintain the level of security clearance assigned to their respective work.

Nebraska National Guard Personnel Security Manager - Please send all inquiries to [e-mail]

GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Experience or training which demonstrates knowledge of equipment to be able to do routine jobs, simple preventative maintenance tasks, and can use common tools and equipment in the line of work.

Specialized Experience

WG-05: - 6 months experience or training using common hand tools in making repetitive repairs under close supervision. Experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the simpler and routine duties of the trade.

WG-08: - 12 months experience or training using common hand and power tools and a small variety of test and measurement devices to make mechanical repairs. Experience removing, adjusting, replacing, cleaning, and installing a variety of parts, components, and accessories. Experience which demonstrates a basic understanding of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic theory applying to vehicles; and skill to replace, fit, install, and make adjustments. Experience demonstrating an understanding of the makeup and operation of the various individual systems maintained and their interrelationships. Experience reading and interpreting parts lists, manufactures' repair manuals, diagrams, and electrical schematics.

WG-10: - 18 months experience or training leading to a thorough knowledge of the mechanical makeup, operation, and working relationships of complex systems, assemblies, and parts for a variety of combat, tactical, commercial, special purpose vehicles, and equipment. Ability to diagnose, repair, overhaul, and modify a variety of combat, tactical, commercial, special purpose vehicles, and equipment. Knowledge of electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, and other non-mechanical systems that have a functional relationship and effect on the operation of mechanical systems. Knowledge of hydraulic lifting, loading, turning, and positioning systems and their mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and electronic controls. Basic knowledge of electronics, sufficient to identify and replace defective components, such as sensors, diodes, and circuit boards. Ability to repair or overhaul major components such as diesel, multi-fuel or gasoline engines, turbine engines, automatic and manual transmissions, drive line assemblies, electrical and electronic systems and accessories, fuel injection systems, and emission control systems.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

Individuals with military incentive bonuses may be subject to recoupment.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Agency Contact Information

Jon Sronce

Phone [phone]

Email [e-mail]

NE FMS 1

1111 Military Road

Lincoln, NE 68508

US

Candidate Referral Order

1. Fully qualified Area 1 applicants
2. Fully qualified Area 2 applicants
3. Trainee