Trailer Mechanic (1st Shift)

Pinnacle Equipment; Fontana (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Pinnacle Equipment is seeking a Trailer Mechanic to inspect, diagnose, repair, and maintain our trailer fleet to DOT-compliant standards. The role focuses on shop and yard work, performing preventive maintenance, brake and electrical repairs, and road testing when needed.

The ideal candidate has at least 2 years of hands-on trailer experience, reads complex manuals, and upholds safety policies under Cal/OSHA. This position is based in Fontana, CA and requires a valid CA driver's license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2+ years hands-on experience repairing trailers, heavy-duty trucks, or similar equipment.
• Knowledge of air brake, electrical, hydraulic, and suspension systems.
• Ability to read repair manuals, schematics, and specs.
• Valid California driver's license and clean driving record.
• Must lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks.
• DOT, FMCSA, and Cal/OSHA safety regulations knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, diagnose, and repair trailers—brakes, suspension, axles, wheels, tires, lighting, electrical, and air systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance and annual inspections per FHWA/DOT requirements.
• Troubleshoot and repair air brakes, hydraulics, landing gear, suspension, doors, and reefer units as needed.
• Welding, fabrication, and structural repairs to frames, floors, and bodies.
• Replace tires, wheels, and bearings; ensure proper torque and alignment.
• Move and test trailers in yard; document inspections, repairs, and parts used.
• Maintain clean, organized, safe work area per Cal/OSHA and company policy.
• Respond to after-hours emergency repairs as required.

Skills

Repair manuals

DOT/FMCSA safety knowledge

Safety compliance

Manual dexterity

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Fleet maintenance software

Welding equipment

Job description

About this position

Position Summary: The Trailer Mechanic inspects, diagnoses, repairs, and maintains the company's fleet of trailers and related equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and DOT-compliant operation. Working primarily in the shop and yard, this role performs preventive maintenance and corrective repairs across braking, electrical, suspension, hydraulic, and structural systems to minimize downtime and keep the fleet roadworthy. The position is essential to the safety, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness of the company’s transportation assets.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspect, diagnose, and repair trailers, including brakes, suspension, axles, wheel ends, tires, lighting, and electrical and air systems
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance and federal annual (FHWA) inspections to keep trailers compliant with DOT, FMCSA, and California Highway Patrol (BIT) requirements
• Troubleshoot and repair air brake systems, hydraulics, landing gear, suspension/airbags, doors, and refrigeration (reefer) units as applicable
• Perform welding, fabrication, and structural repairs to trailer frames, floors, and bodies
• Replace and repair tires, wheels, and bearings, verifying proper torque and alignment
• Move, position, and road test trailers within the yard to confirm repair quality
• Accurately document inspections, repairs, parts used, and labor in the fleet maintenance management system
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in compliance with Cal/OSHA and company safety policies
• Respond to roadside or after-hours emergency repair needs as required
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience repairing and maintaining trailers, heavy-duty trucks, or comparable commercial equipment
• Working knowledge of air brake, electrical, hydraulic, and suspension systems
• Ability to read and interpret repair manuals, schematics, and technical specifications
• Valid California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record
• Possession of personal hand tools appropriate to the trade
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with DOT, FMCSA, and Cal/OSHA safety regulations
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and perform physically demanding work in varying conditions
• Must be at least 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States

Preferred Skills and Experience

• ASE certification (T-Series Medium/Heavy Truck, e.g., T3 Drive Train, T4 Brakes, T6 Electrical) or equivalent
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Certified welding experience (MIG, TIG, or stick)
• Experience servicing refrigerated (reefer) units such as Thermo King or Carrier
• California BIT/FHWA inspector qualification or brake adjustment certification
• Experience with electronic fleet maintenance management software

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.