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 Walnut Creek Mine is a captive lignite operation with an impressive capacity, producing over 2 million tons of lignite annually. Additionally, the mine operates a blending program to ensure consistent quality lignite for fueling a 308-megawatt power plant.

Opportunity Summary 

The Mechanical Maintenance Technician, Heavy Equipment is responsible for performing essential maintenance and repair tasks that ensure safe and efficient Mine operations. This role includes diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing a wide range of mechanical and electrical equipment while adhering to strict safety and environmental protocols. As a critical team member, the Mechanical Maintenance Technician works collaboratively with Operations and contractors to support the Mine’s daily objectives and long-term reliability goals.

Primary Functions

Utilize established procedures to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair both mechanical and electrical equipment, performing tasks such as drilling, tapping operations, metal heating/cutting, and machinery alignment to ensure reliable functionality and performance. Assemble, disassemble, repair, and adjust various types of electrical and mechanical equipment as needed, ensuring equipment operates at optimal levels and any issues are promptly addressed to maintain operational efficiency. Diagnose and resolve complex electrical control system issues on CAT and Komatsu heavy equipment, while disassembling, repairing, and rebuilding critical mechanical components such as engines, transmissions, torque converters, axel assemblies, and differentials to enhance system reliability and minimize downtime. Participate in the Mine’s preventive maintenance program by performing routine maintenance tasks, including collecting trend information for the Maintenance Manager. Use operating manuals, technical references, diagrams, and preventive/predictive maintenance records to complete assigned duties effectively and ensure accuracy in work performed. Adhere to safety and environmental regulations by implementing safe work practices, promptly identifying hazards, and recommending or carrying out necessary repairs. Maintain an organized and clean work area to promote safety, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards. Accurately document maintenance activities, repairs, and updates in the Mine’s computer-based maintenance systems. Work closely with Operations employees to support daily Mine operations, ensuring alignment between maintenance and production goals. Train others as necessary to enhance their technical skills and knowledge in maintenance procedures. Schedule, coordinate, and monitor contractor employees on specific tasks, ensuring work quality and adherence to Mine standards. Identify mechanical design issues or potential machinery improvements, recommending modifications to address and resolve these issues. Take on other responsibilities as directed by management to support overall Mine operations.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of 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 for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds. Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g., hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves, and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). Work with hazardous materials may be required. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening. 

Work Schedule

Position requires extended work hours and varied shifts, with the possibility of weekend and holiday work; as required by schedules, workload, and Plant conditions. The ability to be on “On-Call” status may be periodically required. 

Compensation

Initial starting compensation will range from $41.03 to $53.75 per hour, plus an annual performance bonus.

Job Qualifications

Ability to understand procedures and instructions specific to the area of assignment, typically acquired through four years of high school education. Comprehensive mechanical maintenance experience on heavy equipment in industrial, mining, production or other relevant environments, with a strong grasp of mechanical principles and repair methods, ensuring effective maintenance and troubleshooting. Skilled in welding, rigging, machine alignment, and interpreting mechanical drawings, with hands-on experience rebuilding components such as engines, transmissions, torque converters, and axles. Adept at diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing both mechanical and electrical equipment, with a focus on preventive and predictive maintenance to optimize functionality. Experience troubleshooting and repairing Tier 4 Final emissions systems, including diesel particulate filters (DPF), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems, and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) components. Proficient in maintaining and rebuilding CAT and Komatsu heavy equipment, with expertise in diagnosing electrical control systems to minimize downtime and maximize operational efficiency. Experienced in utilizing technical manuals, diagrams, and maintenance records to accurately assemble, disassemble, and repair equipment. Proficient with diagnostic tools such as CAT SIS, CAT ET, and Cummins Insite, enabling efficient troubleshooting and system analysis to improve operational reliability. Competent in using Windows-based software for documentation, maintenance records, and operational tracking. Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to motivate, utilizing strong decision-making, problem-solving, and communication abilities to foster a collaborative, inclusive culture and ensure continuous team growth and performance improvement. Skilled at working effectively within a team to support daily mine operations, ensuring smooth coordination and optimal workflow. Must possess a valid, unrestricted driver's license, with the requirement that it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is the leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have established ourselves as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Additionally, our growing family of companies enables us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.