The Installer is responsible for assembling, installing, troubleshooting, and validating complex mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems used in grapple trucks, grapple loaders, and knuckle boom loader equipment. This role performs advanced installations, interprets engineering drawings, and ensures equipment is installed to meet engineering specifications, safety standards, and quality requirements. The Installer may provide technical guidance to junior installers and assist supervisors in coordinating installation activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Install and integrate complex equipment systems including grapple loaders, knuckle boom cranes, outriggers, and hydraulic lifting systems onto commercial truck chassis.

• Perform advanced installation of structural components such as subframes, reinforcement members, mounts, and custom brackets.

• Install, route, and connect hydraulic systems including pumps, valves, cylinders, hose assemblies, and hydraulic reservoirs.

• Install electrical wiring, sensors, control panels, and safety systems associated with equipment operation.

• Interpret and work from complex engineering drawings, hydraulic schematics, wiring diagrams, and build documentation.

• Perform layout work, drilling, cutting, grinding, fitting, and mechanical assembly of components.

• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical installation issues.

• Conduct functional testing and verification of installed equipment to ensure proper operation.

• Identify and resolve installation or fitment issues in coordination with engineering and quality teams.

• Assist supervisors with workflow coordination, task prioritization, and quality checks.

• Ensure compliance with company safety standards and applicable OSHA requirements.

• Maintain accurate build documentation and quality checklists.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the installation process.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.

• 5+ years of experience in heavy equipment assembly, truck equipment installation, crane installation, or similar mechanical installation environment.

• Advanced knowledge of hydraulic systems and mechanical assemblies.

• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, engineering drawings, hydraulic schematics, and electrical diagrams.

• Proficiency using hand tools, power tools, torque tools, and measurement instruments.

• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Demonstrated ability to assist in training or mentoring junior technicians.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience installing grapple loaders, knuckle boom cranes, refuse equipment, forestry equipment, or truck-mounted material handlers.

• Experience working with commercial truck chassis (Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Mack, International, etc.).

• Welding or fabrication experience.

• Knowledge of hydraulic load testing and equipment commissioning.

• Familiarity with truck electrical systems (12V / 24V).

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift and move materials weighing up to 30 pounds

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (8-10 hours per shift).

• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and climbing.

• Ability to work on ladders, elevated platforms, and truck frames.

• Manual dexterity to operate tools, install fasteners, and perform precision adjustments.

• Ability to reach overhead and work in confined areas on equipment.

• Visual ability (corrected if necessary) to read detailed drawings and perform inspections.

Work Environment

• Work performed in a manufacturing and heavy equipment installation facility.

• Exposure to moving mechanical parts, hydraulic systems, heavy machinery, and powered industrial vehicles.

• Regular exposure to noise, vibration, metal dust, grease, and shop conditions.

• Work may involve indoor and outdoor environments depending on production activities.

• Required use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, steel-toe boots, and other protective equipment as required.

Certifications and Licenses

Required (or required within a defined training period)

• Forklift Operator Certification (OSHA compliant)

• Overhead Crane Operator Training

• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Safety Training

• Hazard Communication (HazCom) Training

Preferred Certifications

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) - for moving vehicles within yard or facility

• Welding Certification (AWS or equivalent)

• Hydraulic Systems Training or Certification

• First Aid / CPR Certification

• Rigging and Hoisting Certification

Alamo Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability or veteran status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing (where permitted by law).