Airline Diesel/Heavy Equipment Mechanic

General Purpose Of The Job

At TDA, our ground service equipment keeps every ramp running. As a GSE Technician, you are the person who makes sure that equipment is safe, reliable, and ready when the operation needs it. From preventative maintenance and diagnostics to hands-on repairs, you will work across a wide variety of ground support equipment in a fast-paced, safety-critical airport environment.

This role is ideal for a hands-on mechanic who enjoys troubleshooting, takes pride in doing quality work, and wants to build a career in aviation ground operations. No prior aviation experience is required — if you have the mechanical foundation, we will train you on the rest.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Maintenance & Repair:

• Inspect, service, and maintain ground support equipment used in daily airport operations, including tugs, belt loaders, ground power units (GPU), air start units, air conditioning units, and service carts.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues using appropriate tools, diagnostic equipment, and service manuals.
• Perform scheduled and unscheduled preventative maintenance to maximize equipment uptime and reliability.
• Repair or replace defective components to restore equipment to safe, optimal operating condition.
• Build and assemble mechanical components and equipment as required.
• Clean, lubricate, and service machinery, equipment parts, and fluid systems.
• Check and replenish fluids, filters, and other consumable system components on schedule.
  
  

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date maintenance logs and complete all required GSE documentation in accordance with company standards.
• Ensure compliance with all company safety standards, operational procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Provide guidance to equipment operators on proper use, handling, and basic preventative care.
• Complete all required training.
• Only complete tasks for which you are fully trained.
• Report any safety hazard or equipment deficiency immediately to your supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Required

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Basic mechanical experience required — automotive, diesel, heavy equipment, or similar.
• Willingness to learn and develop skills through hands-on training in a GSE environment.
• Must provide own hand tools.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to fulfill the requirements to obtain a SIDA (Secure Identification Display Area) badge and successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
  
  

Preferred

• Experience with diesel engines, electrical systems, or hydraulic systems.
• Prior experience servicing or maintaining ground support equipment, fleet vehicles, or industrial machinery.
• ASE certification or equivalent technical credential.
• Experience in an aviation, airport, or logistics operational environment.
• Familiarity with GSE maintenance tracking or work order management systems.
  
  

Work Environment

Work is performed in an airport environment both indoors in GSE shops and maintenance bays, and outdoors on active ramps and operational areas. Subject to exposure to varying weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, wind, and precipitation. Exposure to noise from aircraft operations and ground equipment, as well as fluids, lubricants, and fuel vapors, is expected. Personal protective equipment is required and provided.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver heavy equipment parts and components regularly throughout the shift.
• Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, reaching, and working in confined spaces or awkward positions typical of equipment maintenance.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods on concrete, asphalt, and uneven ramp surfaces.
• Must possess sufficient vision, dexterity, and physical ability to safely perform all essential functions of the position.
  
  

Key Competencies

• Technical Aptitude: Strong mechanical foundation with the curiosity and drive to continuously develop diagnostic and repair skills across diverse GSE types.
• Safety First: Consistently follows all safety procedures and immediately reports equipment deficiencies or hazards — no shortcuts when safety is involved.
• Troubleshooting: Methodical and resourceful when diagnosing faults; identifies root causes efficiently and resolves them correctly the first time.
• Attention to Detail: Precise in maintenance documentation, parts replacement, and equipment inspections — small things matter in a safety-sensitive environment.
• Reliability: Dependable, punctual, and available for all assigned shifts including on-call and emergency response.
• Adaptability: Comfortable shifting between equipment types, maintenance tasks, and priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced airport environment.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with fellow technicians, operators, and ramp teams; communicates clearly and supports the operation as a whole.
• Initiative: Self-motivated and proactive; identifies maintenance needs before they become failures and takes ownership of equipment quality.