Upfit Prep Technician

Owen Equipment Company; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Owen Equipment Company in Salt Lake City, UT is seeking an entry-level Upfit Prep Technician to pre-fit, drill, and assemble chassis, bodies, and equipment for installation per work orders and specs. This role supports IMT and other equipment lines, ensuring builds advance safely and on schedule.

You will work closely with the Service Manager and Upfit Technicians to keep operations moving, handle hydraulic hoses, mounting hardware, and vehicle components with care, and maintain accurate records

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; entry-level position, with automotive/diesel experience preferred but not required.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to read work orders, drawings, and measurements accurately.
• Basic knowledge of hydraulic and 12V electrical systems; MIG welding skills a plus.
• Must possess a personal set of hand tools and willingness to expand inventory as needed.

Responsibilities

• Pre-fit and drill bumpers, ladder racks, and mounting holes per work orders and drawings.
• Assemble equipment, mount hitches, shelves, and drawers, and install ladder racks.
• Assist with chassis prep, relocate fuel/DEF/air tanks and battery boxes when required.
• Cut, crimp, and assemble hydraulic hoses; troubleshoot leaks during installation.
• Record labor, parts, and materials; report shortages to the Service Manager.
• Safely operate hand and power tools, lifts, and related shop equipment; maintain a clean work area.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Read work orders/drawings

12V electrical systems

Hydraulic hose assembly

MIG welding (basic)

Safety conscious

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Hose crimpers

Forklifts

Vehicle lifts

Job description

POSITION SUMMARYThe Upfit Prep Technician is an entry-level position responsible for preparing chassis, bodies, and equipment for installation by pre-fitting, drilling, assembling, and mounting components to work order and manufacturer specifications. This includes prep work for IMT mechanic and crane bodies; Henke, Wausau-Everest, and Swenson snow and ice control equipment; as well as service bodies, dump bodies, flatbeds, hooklifts, and liftgates. This role combines mechanical aptitude and attention to detail to ensure each unit is prepped, assembled, and staged so upfit work can proceed safely and on schedule. This position works closely with the Service Manager and Upfit Technicians to keep builds moving efficiently through the shop.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESPre-Fit & DrillingPre-fit and drill bumpers, ladder racks, and other mounting holes as necessary, following work orders and drawings.Measure and lay out drill locations accurately, and deburr and apply corrosion protection to drilled areas.Equipment Assembly & Accessory InstallationGather materials, hardware, and components for each build, and properly assemble equipment prior to installation.Mount hitches, shelves, and drawers, and install ladder racks and mud flaps.Assist Upfit Technicians with chassis prep, including relocating fuel, DEF, and air tanks and battery boxes when the work order calls for it.Hydraulic Hose AssemblyCut, crimp, and assemble hydraulic hoses and fittings to specification.Troubleshoot hydraulic leaks and hose-related issues during installation and testing.Work Order & Shop SupportAccurately record labor time, parts, and materials on work orders within company systems.Report parts shortages or discrepancies to the Service Manager, and move and stage units in the shop and yard as directed.Technical Proficiency & Equipment OperationRead and follow work orders, drawings, installation instructions, and torque specifications.Safely operate hand, power, and pneumatic tools, hose crimpers, forklifts, and vehicle lifts after required training.Safety & ComplianceFollow all OSHA and company safety standards in shop and yard environments.May be required to handle, move, or perform administrative tasks involving hazardous materials, following SDS guidance, labeling, and company procedures.Maintain a safety-first mindset when lifting, drilling, and working beneath vehicles.Maintain a clean, organized work area and properly use PPE at all times.QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE ENVIRONMENTHigh school diploma or equivalent; entry-level position, with automotive, diesel, truck equipment, or shop experience preferred but not required.Strong mechanical aptitude, with basic knowledge of hydraulic and 12V electrical systems and the ability to read work orders, drawings, and measurements accurately.Hydraulic hose assembly experience and basic MIG welding skills a plus.Proficiency with basic computer functions for work orders and documentation.Must possess a personal set of hand tools and willingness to expand inventory as needed.Maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record; Class B CDL a plus.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENTWork performed in shop and yard environments with exposure to weather, temperature extremes, noise, and heavy equipment.Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, and work beneath vehicles.Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as required.TRAVEL AND SCHEDULE EXPECTATIONSBased in Salt Lake City, UT; occasional travel for training may be required.Standard Monday–Friday schedule with flexibility to meet build schedules.Occasional extended hours or weekend work may be required.