Journeyman Shop Mechanic

The Opportunity

National Lift Truck in Franklin Park, IL is seeking an experienced, hands-on Journeyman Shop Mechanic to join our service team. This is a role for someone who takes pride in diagnosing problems, fixing them right the first time, and delivering high-quality work in a fast-paced shop environment.

As a Journeyman Shop Mechanic, you will work primarily out of our Franklin Park shop, performing maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on forklifts, telehandlers, aerial lifts (scissor lifts and boom lifts), cranes, and other material handling and industrial equipment. You will use your own hand tools along with company-provided specialty tools and diagnostic equipment, and you’ll have the backing of an experienced service team and parts department.

This is a union position (Local 150, International Union of Operating Engineers) well suited to an experienced, journeyman-level mechanic who wants steady, consistent shop-based work, real earning potential, and a company built on reliable, honest service and family values.

About National Lift Truck

National Lift Truck is a family-owned forklift and aerial lift equipment rental, sales, and service company with over 70 years of experience and a team of 225+ professionals across seven locations in Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, and New York. From warehouses and distribution centers to construction sites and commercial businesses, our customers depend on us to deliver reliable equipment, expert service, and responsive support.

Our Culture

We are a team built on service, relationships, accountability, and integrity. We believe in showing up for our customers and for each other by being responsive, solutions-oriented, and dependable. Whether in the field, in the shop, or supporting the business behind the scenes, we take pride in solving problems, moving quickly when it matters, and following through every time.

We are a team that values: ownership, teamwork, integrity, growth, and customer commitment.

What We’re Looking For

• A mechanically-minded problem solver who takes ownership of the job from diagnosis through completion
• Comfortable accurately quoting repairs and delivering excellent customer service
• Strong equipment diagnostic and problem-solving skills across gas, propane, diesel, and electric-powered equipment
• Strong equipment diagnostic and troubleshooting skills across gas, propane, diesel, and electric-powered equipment
• A reliable, safety-conscious approach to physical, hands-on work
• Willingness to learn new equipment and systems as technology evolves
• Team-oriented mindset, keeping shop admin informed on service status, estimates, and completion times

What You’ll Do

• Perform both routine and unique maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on forklifts, telehandlers, aerial lifts, cranes, and other material handling and industrial equipment
• Troubleshoot complex issues across a wide array of material handling equipment
• Conduct routine preventive maintenance to prolong equipment lifespan
• Utilize diagnostic tools and equipment to identify and resolve issues
• Follow established procedures for timecards, work orders, parts ordering, and electronically updating repair notes
• Ensure proper documentation of service activities, including work orders and client communication
• Keep shop admin informed of service status, repair estimates, and completion times
• Manage parts and materials inventory for shop service
• Adhere to safety guidelines and maintain a clean, organized workspace
• Stay current on equipment models, technologies, and industry best practices
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience repairing forklifts, aerial lifts, cranes, or other heavy material handling equipment with hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical systems, at the journeyman level
• Must supply your own hand tools; National Lift Truck provides specialty tools and diagnostic equipment as needed
• Experience accurately quoting repair work
• Strong familiarity with multiple equipment manufacturers
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Will be required to join Local 150, International Union of Operating Engineers, and complete a mechanical aptitude test used to gauge foundational knowledge

Position Overview

• Full-time
• Shop-based, Franklin Park, IL 
• Reports to: Shop Service Manager
• Monday through Friday 
• Frequent overtime opportunities based on workload

Work Environment

• Warehouse/shop setting at our Franklin Park facility

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking in the shop
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
• Flexibility to bend, stoop, and kneel

Benefits

• Union wages and benefits through IUOE Local 150
• Consistent overtime opportunities
• Health, dental, and life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Company paid holidays

Compensation

• $36.65–$49.30/hour, based on experience (union wage scale)

National Lift Truck is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.