Lead Mechanic (Diesel Mechanic) - Req. ID: 4055

About Company:

Denali is the leading organic recycling company on a mission to unlock the power of unused food and organics, transforming them into resources to feed, fuel and replenish the earth.  Our work is essential to keeping water clean, reducing the need for new landfill capacity, building soil fertility, helping farmers be more resilient, and reducing society’s reliance on fossil fuels. Denali provides meaningful and measurable change for any business that handles food, creating value with our scalable solutions across the nation. Our services and products touch thousands of acres and businesses, millions of tons of organic material, and nearly every person who purchases and consumes food in the U.S. Apply to join our team today!

Lead Diesel Mechanic

Location: Advance, NC Facility
Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Job

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.

You’ll work on everything from Class A trucks and road tractors to dozers, loaders, excavators, skid steers, and forestry equipment, along with conveyors, trommel screeners, grinders, and other stationary equipment.

We need someone who can diagnose problems, make repairs, help train other mechanics, and keep the shop moving.

What You'll Do

• 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 make sure 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.

What We're Looking For

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
  • 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 is a plus.
• 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, and you’ll be working around heavy equipment every day.

• Lift up to 75 pounds regularly.
• Stand, bend, kneel, crawl, climb, and work underneath equipment.
• Work outside in hot, cold, wet, muddy, and dusty conditions.
• Use hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, and diagnostic equipment.
• Work around moving machinery, grease, hydraulic fluid, diesel fuel, loud equipment, and uneven ground.

Work Environment

This position is based primarily at our Advance, NC facility and includes both shop and outdoor work.

You should be comfortable working around:

• Heavy equipment and trucks
• Mud and dirt
• Dust and odors
• Grease and hydraulic fluids
• Diesel fuel
• Loud machinery
• Hot and cold weather
• Uneven terrain

Overtime, weekend work, and occasional emergency call-outs may be required based on operational needs.

What We Expect From Our Lead Mechanic

We’re looking for someone who:

• Leads by example.
• Takes pride in doing the job right.
• Knows how to diagnose a problem instead of just throwing parts at it.
• Can help less-experienced mechanics learn the trade.
• Keeps safety first.
• Communicates with Operations and the shop team.
• Can prioritize what needs to be fixed first.
• Takes ownership of keeping equipment safe, reliable, and on the road.

What we offer: 

• Mission-driven work in a rapidly growing sustainability company
• Opportunities for professional growth and learning
• Collaborative, values-driven team culture
• Competitive salary and benefits

Why You’ll Love Working at Denali- Benefits & Perks 

At Denali, the work we do begins and ends with you – our employees. That's why we strive to ELEVATE you to be your best, both at work and at home. Our benefits aren’t just about compensation; they’re part of a broader commitment to helping you thrive in all aspects of life. Here’s how we live out our values every day: 

• E – Employee: At Denali, we believe in offering competitive compensation packages that include not only great benefits but also a strong focus on safety, flexibility, and rewards and recognition. You are the backbone of our success, and we make sure you’re valued every step of the way.
• L – Learning: We’re committed to your growth and development. Our Ascend Employee Development Program and access to over 6,000 professional courses via our Learning Management System empower you to climb higher in your career – all at no cost to you.
• E – Environment: Our employees deserve a clean Earth. We’re dedicated to doing our part in keeping waste out of landfills, so you can be proud of the work we do together to make a positive environmental impact.
• V – Valued: At Denali, we take pride in creating a culture of care. With resources that support your well-being, volunteerism opportunities, and a commitment to safe working conditions and inclusivity, you’ll always feel like you belong here.
• A – Advancement: We believe in succession planning and providing opportunities for advancement. We want you to grow, and we’ll be right there with you, supporting your career every step of the way.
• T – Together: We’re stronger when we work together. At Denali, you’ll have opportunities to give and receive support not just within the workplace, but within our broader community. Our team is united, and we celebrate the value of working and succeeding as one.
• E – Employees: You are the heart of Denali. We believe our employees deserve the very best. This is why we offer an array of benefits that support your overall well-being, from health coverage to work-life balance, because when you succeed, we all succeed.

Our Benefits Package Includes: 

• Comprehensive Medical: Our self-insured medical plans are designed with your health in mind, offering competitive options including copay and HSA plans so you can choose what best suit your health needs.
• Dental & Vision: Keep your smile bright and your vision clear with full coverage for you and your family.
• Generous 401(k) Match: We’re here for your long-term future – we offer a generous 401(k) match of up to 4%, helping you build the foundation for tomorrow.
• Company-Paid Disability & Life Insurance: We’ve got you covered with company-paid Long-Term and Short-Term Disability, as well as AD&D and Life Insurance, giving you peace of mind knowing you’re protected.
• Voluntary Life for Employees & Family: Customize additional coverage for you and your loved ones with our voluntary life insurance options.
• Health Savings Plan: Save on medical expenses with a Health Savings Plan designed for your needs.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Sick Time: We value your well-being. Take time for yourself, your family, and personal matters with generous PTO and Sick Time, including family leave.
• 9 Paid Holidays: Enjoy a well-rounded work-life balance with 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
• Paid Weekly: We believe in rewarding hard work consistently, which is why we offer weekly pay so you can stay on top of your financial goals.
• Professional Development: Ascend in your career with free access to thousands of courses that allow you to grow and develop professionally.
• Employee Assistance Program: Life can be challenging at times, and we’re here to support you with our confidential Employee Assistance Program that offers counseling and resources for a variety of personal and professional needs.
• Wellness Program: At Denali, we believe that well-being goes beyond health coverage. Our Wellness Program offers resources to keep you mentally, physically, and emotionally balanced as you climb higher in both life and career.

We want you to feel valued, supported, and equipped for success – because when you thrive, we all thrive. So, come for benefits. Stay for the culture. We can’t wait to see you reach new heights with us at Denali. 

Apply to join our team today!

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities for all employees. Accordingly, the Company will not engage in any form of employment discrimination based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. The Company hereby affirms its desire to maintain a work environment for all employees that is free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination.