Traveling HDD Drill Mechanic

North Sky Communications; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly Paychecks

Paid Time Off

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Match

Stock Purchase Plan

Education Reimbursement

Legal Insurance

Gym Discounts

Pet Insurance

Job summary

North Sky Communications is seeking a Traveling HDD Drill Mechanic for preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and field repair of HDD rigs, mud systems, vacuum excavators, and related heavy equipment. This role requires frequent travel across the Pacific Northwest to minimize downtime and keep drilling operations safe and productive.

You will diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and diesel engine issues, read schematics, and perform routine service on HDD rigs.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of mechanical repair experience on HDD drill rigs or heavy equipment.
• Valid Driver's License (CDL often preferred) and ability to operate service trucks.
• Experience with field repairs and preventive maintenance is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and diesel engine issues on HDD rigs and support vehicles.
• Travel to project sites across designated regions for emergency field repairs and routine service overhauls.
• Read and interpret schematics to troubleshoot hydraulic pumps, lines, motors, valves, and wiring.
• Perform preventive maintenance such as oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid sampling.
• Maintain a clean field workspace and accurate service logs while following safety protocols.
• Handle other assigned tasks as needed.

Skills

Hydraulic systems

Electrical troubleshooting

Diesel engines

Welding/fabrication

Job description

Discover a more connected career

A Traveling HDD Drill Mechanic is responsible for the preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and field repair of horizontal directional drilling rigs (such as Vermeer or Ditch Witch), mud mixing systems, reclaimers, track vehicles, and supporting fleet equipment.

This role involves frequent travel to active utility, telecommunications, or pipeline job sites to minimize equipment downtime and keep drilling operations running safely and efficiently. You will travel all over the Pacific Northwest - from WA, down to CA - over to NV and ID.

Connecting You To Great Benefits

• Weekly Paychecks
• Paid Time Off, Parental Leave, and Holidays
• Insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance)
• 401(k) w/ Company Match
• Stock Purchase Plan
• Education Reimbursement
• Legal Insurance
• Discounts on gym memberships, pet insurance, and much more!

What You’ll Do

• Equipment Repair & Maintenance: Diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and diesel engine issues on HDD rigs, mud systems, vacuum excavators, and heavy support vehicles.
• Field Support & Emergency Response: Travel to project sites across designated regions to perform emergency field repairs, component replacements, and routine service overhauls.
• Hydraulic & Electrical Systems: Read and interpret schematics to troubleshoot high-pressure hydraulic pumps, fluid lines, motors, valves, and electrical wiring.
• Preventive Service: Execute routine maintenance programs, including oil changes, filter replacements, track tensioning, and fluid sampling.
• Safety & Compliance: Maintain a clean field workspace, follow OSHA and site-specific safety protocols, and maintain accurate service/repair logs.
• other assigned tasks

What You’ll Need

• Experience: 3+ years of mechanical repair experience working on heavy equipment, specifically HDD drill rigs, heavy construction machines, or diesel fleets.

Technical Skills

Strong proficiency with hydraulic systems, 12V/24V electrical troubleshooting, diesel engines, and welding/fabrication.

Travel Flexibility

Willingness to travel extensively (often 70%–100% travel) across multi-state regions or project zones.

Licensing

Valid Driver's License (Commercial Driver's License Class A or B often preferred or required for operating service trucks and towing equipment).

Physical Demands

Ability to lift 50–75 lbs, work outdoors in extreme weather conditions, and maneuver around heavy machinery.

IND1

Why grow your career with us

Your career here is more than just a job — it's your pathway to opportunity. Our hands‑on training, supportive environment, and responsive leadership connect you to work with purpose. Our commitment to you extends beyond professional development to a safety‑first culture that ensures you can do what you do best, with peace of mind.

Building stronger solutions together

Our company is an equally‑opportunity employer — we are committed to providing a work environment where everyone can thrive, grow, and feel connected.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.