Mechanical Maintenance Technician, Heavy Equipment

The Walnut Creek Coal Mine is a prominent surface coal mine featuring state-of-the-art equipment, including an 80-cubic-yard dragline, a 29-cubic-yard mass excavator, a 24-cubic-yard hydraulic backhoe, and a fleet of 150-ton end-dump trucks. The captive lignite operation produces over 2 million tons annually and uses a blending program to ensure consistent-quality fuel for a 308-megawatt power plant.

Opportunity Summary

The Mechanical Maintenance Technician, Heavy Equipment is a developmental maintenance role supporting the inspection, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of heavy equipment used in mine operations. Working alongside experienced technicians, this position performs routine maintenance and assists with mechanical and electrical repairs while developing the skills required to progress toward full technician qualification.

Your scope of responsibility as Mechanical Maintenance Technician, Heavy Equipment includes the following primary functions:

• Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, lubrication, and basic repairs on heavy equipment and associated mechanical systems.


• Assist experienced technicians with troubleshooting and repairing engines, transmissions, torque converters, axle assemblies, differentials, and electrical control systems on CAT and Komatsu equipment.


• Support equipment disassembly, assembly, adjustment, and alignment activities using established procedures and appropriate tools.


• Apply basic fabrication techniques, including drilling, tapping, metal cutting, and heating, under qualified supervision.


• Reference operating manuals, diagrams, and technical resources to complete assigned work and build familiarity with equipment systems and maintenance procedures.


• Collect equipment condition and trend data as directed to support preventive and predictive maintenance activities.


• Document completed maintenance activities, equipment conditions, and work updates in the Mine’s computer-based maintenance system.


• Follow established safety and environmental requirements, recognize workplace hazards, and maintain clean and orderly work areas.


• Coordinate with Operations personnel to support equipment availability and daily mine production requirements.


• Provide assistance to contractors and other maintenance personnel while supporting site safety, quality, and work expectations.


• Participate in on-the-job training to progressively develop the mechanical, electrical, diagnostic, and troubleshooting skills required for full technician qualification.


• Complete other duties as assigned to support Mine maintenance and operations.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Work Relationships

The Mechanical Maintenance Technician reports to the Maintenance Manager and receives general direction from the Mine Manager. Additionally, collaborates with Operations employees on matters related to the daily operations of the Mine.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing and walking for extended periods on uneven, rough, or inclined surfaces; climbing stairs, ladders, and equipment; and working from elevated platforms or confined locations at varying heights. Frequent lifting, carrying, and maneuvering of materials or tools weighing up to 50 pounds is expected.

Coal mining environment may involve working in underground or surface mine settings, which can include confined spaces, low-clearance areas, or restricted pathways. Tasks may require crawling, kneeling, or stooping in tight quarters. Exposure to coal dust, fumes, vibration, high noise levels, moisture, extreme temperatures, and low-light conditions is common. Work may also occur in remote or outdoor environments subject to changing weather.

Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and may include hard hats, safety glasses or goggles, steel-toed boots, respiratory protection (air-purifying or supplied-air respirators), hearing protection, gloves (including hot and cut-resistant), flame-resistant clothing (FRC), and fall protection harnesses. Respirator fit testing may be required. Strict no-smoking policies apply in and around the mine site and designated work zones.

Fitness for Duty

All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The Mechanical Maintenance Technician, Heavy Equipment works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule. This position will require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed to support plant operations and business needs and may also require callout availability. Depending on the position, on-call status may or may not apply.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $31.10 to $45.00 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Technical Skills and Maintenance Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, with the ability to follow written and verbal instructions related to mechanical maintenance work.


• Basic mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience working with equipment in an industrial, mining, agricultural, automotive, or similar environment.


• Familiarity with common hand and power tools used for maintenance, repair, and equipment disassembly.


• Ability to read and interpret basic technical manuals, diagrams, maintenance instructions, and equipment documentation.


• Some knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, with an interest in developing troubleshooting and repair skills through hands-on training.


• Exposure to diesel engines, heavy equipment, or emissions systems is preferred, with an interest in developing maintenance skills on CAT and Komatsu equipment; experience with Tier 4 Final systems such as DPF, SCR, EGR, and DEF components is a plus.


• Willingness to learn diagnostic tools and software such as CAT SIS, CAT ET, and Cummins Insite, along with Windows-based applications used to document maintenance activities and equipment information.


• Demonstrated reliability, safe work habits, and the ability to work effectively with maintenance, operations, and contractor personnel.


• Commitment to ongoing training and progression toward full qualification as a Mechanical Maintenance Technician.


• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We serve clients across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors throughout North America and internationally, supporting the full life cycle of power generation and other industrial facilities.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, USERRA-protected status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.