Lead Diesel Mechanic

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced Lead Diesel Mechanic who knows how to turn a wrench, find the problem, and get equipment back to work. This is a hands‑on lead position working on our fleet of diesel trucks, trailers, heavy equipment, and processing equipment. You’ll help lead the shop, prioritize repairs, troubleshoot tough problems, and make sure the equipment our crews depend on is safe and ready to run.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day‑to‑day work in the shop and help prioritize repairs.
• Diagnose and repair diesel engines, transmissions, brakes, suspension, steering, fuel systems, and drivetrains.
• Troubleshoot hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical problems.
• Work on Class A diesel trucks, road tractors, trailers, and heavy equipment.
• Perform mechanical repairs on:
  • Bulldozers
  • Rubber‑tire loaders
  • Excavators
  • Skid steers
  • Forestry equipment
  • Other construction and heavy equipment
• Troubleshoot and repair hydraulic systems, including cylinders, pumps, valves, hoses, and motors.
• Diagnose electrical issues, wiring, sensors, and electronic controls.
• Work with diagnostic software and equipment‑specific computer systems.
• Perform preventative maintenance and inspections to keep equipment running and reduce breakdowns.
• Help troubleshoot and repair conveyors, trommel screeners, horizontal grinders, and other processing equipment.
• Weld, cut, fabricate, and modify equipment as needed.
• Help train and mentor other mechanics.
• Check completed repairs to ensure the job was done right.
• Work with Operations to get down equipment back up and running as quickly as possible.
• Keep repair orders, inspections, and maintenance records up to date.
• Help manage parts and keep the shop organized.
• Respond to equipment breakdowns and emergency repairs when needed.
• Follow all company safety requirements and DOT standards.
• Look for ways to keep equipment running longer and reduce downtime.

Requirements

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of diesel mechanic experience.
• Strong hands‑on experience working on heavy equipment and diesel trucks.
• Experience repairing Class A trucks and trailers.
• Mechanical experience with equipment such as bulldozers, rubber‑tire loaders, excavators, road tractors, skid steers, and forestry equipment.
• Strong diesel engine knowledge.
• Strong hydraulic troubleshooting skills.
• Strong electrical diagnostic skills.
• Ability to read wiring diagrams and hydraulic schematics.
• Good mechanical troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Must provide your own mechanic tools.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred:

• Previous Lead Mechanic, Lead Technician, or Shop Foreman experience.
• CDL.
• ASE Diesel Certification.
• Diesel or heavy‑equipment technical school training.
• Welding and fabrication experience.
• Experience working on conveyors, trommel screeners, horizontal grinders, or similar processing equipment.
• Experience using diagnostic software and computer systems for different makes and types of equipment.
• Experience with CAT, Volvo, John Deere, Komatsu, Vermeer, Doppstadt, Morbark, or similar equipment.

Physical Requirements

This is a hands‑on mechanic job. You’ll regularly lift up to 75 pounds, stand, bend, kneel, crawl, climb, and work underneath equipment. Work is performed outdoors in hot, cold, wet, muddy, and dusty conditions, using hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, and diagnostic equipment. You’ll be around moving machinery, grease, hydraulic fluid, diesel fuel, loud equipment, and uneven ground.

Work Environment

The position is based primarily at our Advance, NC facility and includes both shop and outdoor work. You’ll be around heavy equipment and trucks, mud, dirt, dust, grease, hydraulic fluids, diesel fuel, loud machinery, hot and cold weather, and uneven terrain. Overtime, weekend work, and occasional emergency call‑outs may be required based on operational needs.

What We Expect From Our Lead Mechanic

• Leads by example.
• Takes pride in doing the job right.
• Diagnoses problems instead of just replacing parts.
• Helps less‑experienced mechanics learn the trade.
• Keeps safety first.
• Communicates with Operations and the shop team.
• Prioritizes what needs to be fixed first.
• Owns equipment safety, reliability, and readiness.

Benefits

• Mission‑driven work in a rapidly growing sustainability company.
• Opportunities for professional growth and learning (Ascend Employee Development Program, 6,000+ courses).
• Collaborative, values‑driven team culture.
• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Comprehensive medical plans (including copay and HSA options).
• Dental and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Generous 401(k) match up to 4%.
• Company‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability, AD&D, and life insurance.
• Voluntary life insurance options for employees and families.
• Health Savings Plan.
• Paid Time Off, sick time, family leave, and 9 paid holidays.
• Weekly pay.