Upfit Technician

Owen Equipment Company; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Owen Equipment Company in Salt Lake City is seeking an Upfit Technician to convert cab-chassis into finished, ready-to-work trucks. You will install bodies, cranes, hooklifts, and related equipment per OEM specifications.

Responsibilities include chassis prep, hydraulic and electrical integration, welding, testing, and quality checks. A valid driver's license and hands-on toolset are required; CDL is a plus. 2+ years in heavy-duty installation preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of experience in truck equipment installation, upfit, or heavy-duty mechanical work.
• AWS certification or manufacturer installation training preferred.
• Ability to MIG weld steel and aluminum.
• Proficiency with basic computer functions for work orders and documentation.
• Must possess a personal set of hand tools.
• Valid driver’s license; Class B CDL a plus.

Responsibilities

• Chassis Preparation & Equipment Installation: Verify chassis specs and prepare chassis for upfit.
• Mount and install truck bodies, cranes, hoists, and accessories per instructions.
• Hydraulic, Electrical & Pneumatic Systems: Install PTOs, pumps, valves, and wire routing.
• Welding, Fabrication & QC: Weld, fabricate mounts, and conduct functional tests.
• Work Order & Parts Management: Track labor, parts, and installation notes.
• Technical Proficiency & Equipment Operation: Read drawings and operate shop equipment.
• Safety & Compliance: Follow OSHA standards and maintain a clean work area.

Skills

MIG welding

read diagrams & schematics

basic computer skills

hand tools ownership

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

AWS certification

Tools

Installation tools set

Welding equipment experience

Job description

POSITION SUMMARYThe Upfit Technician is responsible for converting cab-chassis into finished, ready-to-work trucks by installing and integrating truck bodies and equipment to customer, OEM, and company specifications. This includes IMT mechanic and crane bodies; Henke, Wausau-Everest, and Swenson snow and ice control equipment; as well as service bodies, dump bodies, flatbeds, hooklifts, liftgates, and related accessories. This role combines mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and fabrication skills to ensure every build is completed safely, accurately, and in alignment with manufacturer installation requirements. This position works closely with the Service Manager and the parts and sales teams to deliver quality builds on schedule with minimal supervision.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESChassis Preparation & Equipment InstallationVerify chassis specifications, including cab-to-axle, wheelbase, GVWR, and frame, against the work order before work begins.Prepare chassis for upfit, including frame layout and drilling, subframes and frame extensions, and relocation of fuel, DEF, exhaust, and air components per OEM body builder guidelines.Mount and install truck bodies, cranes, hooklifts, liftgates, plows, spreaders, and accessories according to manufacturer installation instructions.Hydraulic, Electrical & Pneumatic SystemsInstall PTOs, hydraulic pumps, reservoirs, valves, and controls, and plumb high- and low-pressure hydraulic circuits.Route, connect, and protect 12V/24V wiring for lighting, controls, and body circuits using the chassis manufacturer’s upfitter connections.Install air-operated components, and diagnose and correct hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic issues during installation and testing.Welding, Fabrication & Quality ControlWeld steel and aluminum (MIG) and use torch and plasma cutting equipment to fabricate brackets, mounts, and subframes.Perform functional testing of completed units, including crane, hoist, and liftgate operation, hydraulic leak checks, lighting, and controls.Correct deficiencies and verify each build meets manufacturer specifications and company quality standards before delivery.Work Order & Parts ManagementIdentify required parts and materials, and report shortages or build specification conflicts to the Service Manager.Accurately complete work orders, ensuring proper tracking of labor, parts, materials, and installation notes within company systems.Technical Proficiency & Equipment OperationRead and interpret installation drawings, parts diagrams, hydraulic and electrical schematics, and OEM body builder manuals.Safely operate shop equipment, including forklifts, overhead cranes, and vehicle lifts.Safety & ComplianceFollow all OSHA and company safety standards in shop and yard environments.Maintain a safety-first mindset when lifting, welding, and working beneath vehicles.Maintain a clean, organized work area and properly use PPE at all times.QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE ENVIRONMENTHigh school diploma or equivalent; 2+ years of experience in truck equipment installation, upfit, or heavy-duty mechanical work; service and crane body, snow equipment, hooklift, or liftgate experience preferred.Strong working knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and 12V electrical systems, with the ability to read and interpret drawings, schematics, and installation instructions.Ability to MIG weld steel and aluminum; AWS certification or manufacturer installation training preferred.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, welding, and heavy equipment.Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, 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.