Hydraulic Crane and Lifting Systems Shop Technician

Job Description

Job DescriptionHydraulic Crane and Lifting Systems Shop Technician

For more than 90 years, PALFINGER has set benchmarks with innovative crane and lifting solutions worldwide. As a leading technology and mechanical engineering company, we transform customer needs into seamlessly integrated solutions while providing opportunities for our people to grow, collaborate, and push beyond limits. We foster an environment where we reach up, reach out, and reach beyond. Become part of our team and let’s lift each other to create what’s next.

Based at our new service facility at 1415 Meadow Craft Rd., Birmingham, AL 35233, you’ll report to the Regional Service Manager and work on industry-leading articulating cranes, truck-mounted forklifts, and other lifting equipment—keeping customers’ fleets ready for the next lift.

A day in this role

You arrive to a clean, organized shop and open the day’s work orders. First up: troubleshooting an articulating crane with intermittent electrical faults. After isolating a sensor issue, you document the estimate, obtain work order authorization, and order the parts. Midday, you complete a scheduled preventive maintenance and Annual DOT inspection on a truck-mounted forklift, then pivot to a warranty repair on a bucket truck. Before close, you brief the shop manager on a conveyor repair plan and finish inventory documentation. If an urgent call comes in after hours, you’re prepared to provide emergency support.

Core responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair articulating cranes, truck-mounted forklifts, bucket trucks, platforms, conveyors, trucks, and trailers in a shop setting.
• Execute preventive maintenance aligned to customer schedules, complete Annual DOT inspections, and perform warranty service.
• Respond to emergency or unscheduled troubleshooting needs during working and non-working hours.
• Communicate clearly with the shop manager regarding mechanical findings and recommended repairs.
• Produce timely service documentation: estimates, authorizations, parts ordering/recording, labor entries, and inventory records.
• Follow state and federal safety regulations and maintain safe, clean, orderly work areas.

What you bring

• High school diploma or GED, plus 3 years of mechanical experience or formal training (articulating cranes and forklifts emphasis preferred).
• Hands-on expertise across mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems; strong diagnostics and welding capability.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Windows applications, for documentation and parts lookup.
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently and resourcefully.
• Physical ability to sit, stand, bend, squat, crouch, reach, and repeatedly lift 75 lbs+ for extended periods.
• Comfort working around inside/outside environments with noise, vibration, oils, and related hazards.
• Personal hand tools required (Palfinger proprietary tools provided).

Technical strengths that set you apart

• Valid Driver’s License and strong customer service focus
• Construction/heavy equipment maintenance and repair
• Hydraulic systems, components, and diagnostics
• Electrical systems and diagnostics (heavy equipment)
• Crane and lifting equipment systems
• Preventive maintenance and inspection
• Lift truck repair and maintenance
• Equipment troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repair
• Basic computer skills

Rewards and growth

• Competitive compensation
• 401(k) with Company match
• Medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and short- and long-term disability (depending upon state); wellness program offered
• Paid Company holidays and paid Personal Time Off (PTO)
• Continuous learning and career growth opportunities

This job posting describes the general nature of work performed by employees within this classification. The information on this posting is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of all responsibilities required of employees assigned to this job. Other duties may be assigned.

PALFINGER is not utilizing any external recruiting agencies for this opportunity.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled