Diesel Apprentice
We’re seeking a motivated individual to join our team as a Diesel Apprentice. Our apprenticeship program is built around a long-term career path that provides continuous training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities—from learning engine teardown fundamentals to becoming a master diesel technician.
As a Diesel Apprentice, you’ll work alongside experienced mechanics rebuilding some of the largest Caterpillar mining engines in the world. You’ll receive extensive hands-on training in diesel engine remanufacturing while developing the technical knowledge, work ethic, and attention to detail required to become a well-rounded diesel technician.
We’re looking for individuals who share our commitment to quality craftsmanship, professionalism, safety, organization, and continuous improvement. If you’re coachable, dependable, and eager to build a long-term career in the diesel industry, we’d like to meet you.
STARTING WAGE
$25 hr
HOURS PER WEEK
40+
PAY FREQUENCY
Weekly
401(k) MATCHING
4%
Required Responsibilities
- Tear down and disassemble diesel engines and engine components for inspection and remanufacturing.
- Clean, organize, inspect, and prepare engine components for rebuilding and assembly.
- Inspect components for wear, damage, and defects while documenting findings accurately.
- Organize and stage engine components for efficient reassembly.
- Complete required inspection forms, quality documentation, and production paperwork.
- Work with the team to meet production schedules and teardown deadlines.
- Assist other departments as needed to support production flow.
- Operate forklifts, overhead cranes, and material handling equipment safely (training provided, if needed).
- Operate shop equipment including parts washers, cleaning stations, and other shop machinery.
- Perform basic maintenance and servicing of shop equipment and work areas.
- Maintain an organized, clean, and safe work environment at all times.
- Follow all company safety procedures and quality standards with zero shortcuts or exceptions.
- Demonstrate a willingness to learn, retain technical information, and continually improve.
- Accept coaching and feedback while maintaining a positive, team-first attitude.
- Perform additional duties assigned by management.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED.
- Valid driver's license.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with excellent attention to detail.
- Willingness to learn diesel engine systems, shop tools, and remanufacturing processes.
- Dependable, punctual, and able to meet production deadlines in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment.
- Comfortable working in a loud industrial shop environment.
- Ability to lift up to pounds and safely perform physically demanding tasks throughout the workday.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to safely operate or learn to operate forklifts and overhead cranes.
- Strong organizational skills and commitment to workplace cleanliness.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining quality and safety standards.
- Commitment to following all safety procedures without exception.
- Coachable with the ability to quickly retain and apply new information.
- A passion for Diesel Engines
Preferred Qualifications
- Technical school or diesel technology education preferred, but not required.
- Previous experience in an industrial, manufacturing, automotive, agricultural, or mechanical environment preferred, but not required.
- Previous experience operating forklifts or overhead cranes preferred, but not required.
- Experience using hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, parts diagrams, or basic schematics preferred.
- Basic computer skills for documentation and production tracking are a plus.
Benefits
- Full on-the-job training and mentorship from experienced diesel technicians
- A ten-year career path within a world-class diesel remanufacturing facility
- Competitive hourly wage with rapid advancement potential
- All tools are provided at no expense
- A clean, professional, and safety-first work environment
- Full hour for lunch
- On-site gym
- Monday to Friday schedule
- No assembly line work, you’ll learn how to completely tear down and rebuild the engines
- No field work, you’ll be working from our 40,000 sf facility built in 2023
- After a 90-day probationary period, benefits that include:
- 100% employer provided insurance plan options
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- 401(k) and matching after the first year
Ready to Work Here?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous diesel engine experience to work at Independent Rebuild Specialist?
Not every position requires previous diesel engine experience. For select entry-level roles, we look for candidates with mechanical aptitude, a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn through hands-on training.
What kind of training will I receive when I join the team?
Training is hands-on and designed to build comprehensive knowledge of the engines and rebuild process. During the first six months, entry-level technicians focus primarily on teardown to learn the shop, the engines, and the standards we expect. During months seven through twelve, they begin taking on light assembly work as their skills and understanding develop.
That first year is the foundation of our 10-year career plan. As technicians progress, they take on greater responsibility in inspection, measurement, assembly, diagnostics, quality control, mentoring, and leadership. The goal is to give employees a clear path from entry-level technician to highly skilled senior and master-level roles.
Will I learn the complete engine rebuild process or work on an assembly line?
Our goal is to develop technicians with a comprehensive understanding of the rebuild process rather than limiting them to one repetitive assembly task. As their skills develop, employees gain experience across multiple stages of the process, building in-depth knowledge of each engine platform and the standards, precision, and workmanship required to produce a reliable rebuild.
What benefits does Independent Rebuild Specialist offer employees?
Specific benefits vary by position and location, but most roles include employer-paid insurance options, a 401(k) match after the applicable eligibility period, uniforms, paid holidays, and access to our on-site gym, among other benefits. Review the current job posting for the complete benefits available with each position.
Is there a defined career path for technicians who want to advance?
Yes. We have a 10-year plan designed to provide technicians with a clear path for growth in technical capability, responsibility, and compensation. Technicians progress from entry-level teardown work into inspection and measurement, partial assembly, full teardown and assembly, complex diagnostics, quality control, mentoring, and eventually senior and master technician responsibilities.
Progression is based on demonstrated ability, not simply time in a position. Technicians who develop the required skills and consistently meet our standards can advance as quickly as their capabilities allow.
Where are Independent Rebuild Specialist positions located, and what are the typical work schedules?
Shop-based positions are located at our purpose-built 40,000-square-foot headquarters in Brighton, Colorado, which opened in 2023. These roles are on-site Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Field service roles are based at client sites, including Canadian oil sands operations, and typically require two-week rotations with 12-hour shifts.
What qualities do you look for when hiring technicians and other team members?
We look for people who are dependable, coachable, detail-oriented, accountable, and serious about doing quality work. Mechanical aptitude and technical skill are important, but so are consistency, professionalism, willingness to learn, teamwork, and pride in the finished product.