Elite CAT & Waukesha Mechanic
Position Summary
Propak Energy Services is seeking an exceptional Elite CAT 3600 & Waukesha Mechanic to independently diagnose, overhaul, start up, commission, and support large gas-drive engines and reciprocating compressor packages.
This is a senior, hands-on field position for a mechanic who combines verified OEM training with extensive practical experience. The employee must be capable of progressing through complex overhauls, commissioning procedures, troubleshooting, quality-control documentation, and field leadership without requiring continuous technical guidance.
The ideal candidate is highly experienced with Caterpillar 3600 gas engines. Strong Waukesha VHP or VGF experience may also be considered, particularly when supported by formal OEM training and meaningful field experience. Candidates do not necessarily need to be experts in both engine platforms, but they must demonstrate top-level competency in at least one.
This is not an entry-level, general labor, automotive, or basic diesel-mechanic position. Propak is seeking the technician other mechanics contact when a complex overhaul, startup, or commissioning project requires advanced technical judgment.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation
$47.00-$60.00 per hour, depending on verified experience, certifications, and demonstrated technical capability.
Overtime may be available based on projects, travel, workload, and customer requirements.
Williston-based employees receive an additional 15% housing allowance calculated on the first 40 hours worked each week.
Employees must complete the applicable 40-hour workweek to receive the full housing allowance.
Housing allowance does not apply to overtime hours.
Relocation Assistance
Nationwide sourcing and relocation support are available for qualified candidates.
Relocation assistance for a top CAT 3600 commissioning mechanic may be approximately $15,000 or more.
The final amount will depend on the candidate's location, moving distance, qualifications, and individual circumstances.
Relocation assistance may require an approximately two-year employment commitment.
Propak prefers permanent relocation over routine fly-in/fly-out arrangements.
Benefits
Benefits include:
Health insurance.
Dental insurance.
401(k) with company match.
Vacation pay.
Sick pay.
Holiday pay.
Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
Williston housing allowance.
OEM equipment exposure.
Domestic and international project opportunities.
Technical leadership and mentoring opportunities.
Locations and Travel
Primary Work Locations
Candidates may be assigned to:
Williston, North Dakota
Casper, Wyoming
The Williston location currently supports most of the workload. A Casper-based candidate must be willing to travel regularly to Williston and other customer locations.
Travel Expectations
Approximately 90% of current work is performed in the field within roughly 100 miles of the assigned shop.
Approximately 10% may involve out-of-state assignments.
Travel may include North Dakota, Wyoming, Alaska, Florida, and other domestic locations.
Selected CAT 3600 commissioning mechanics may support international projects.
Upcoming international work may include two-week rotational assignments in Argentina.
Overnight travel is required when project scope and location demand it.
Employees must be willing to travel wherever customer and project needs require.
Key Responsibilities
Caterpillar and Waukesha Engine Work
Independently diagnose and repair Caterpillar 3500 and 3600 series gas engines.
Perform major overhauls on Caterpillar gas-drive engines.
Diagnose, repair, and overhaul Waukesha VHP and VGF gas engines.
Inspect critical engine components for wear, failure, damage, or out-of-tolerance conditions.
Perform required measurements, adjustments, clearances, and component replacements.
Identify root causes rather than relying on repeated temporary repairs.
Complete all overhaul procedures in accordance with OEM specifications.
Confirm that equipment is safe and ready for startup and operation.
Document findings, completed work, replacement parts, and follow-up requirements.
Startup and Commissioning
Lead engine and compressor-package startups.
Perform Caterpillar 3600 commissioning activities.
Configure and verify engine and package performance.
Complete performance-curve setup and operational checks.
Perform clearance adjustments and related commissioning tasks.
Identify startup and commissioning deficiencies.
Troubleshoot problems that arise during initial operation.
Communicate findings to customers, operators, and internal leadership.
Prepare accurate startup, commissioning, and quality-control documentation.
Support domestic and international commissioning assignments.
Ariel Compressor Support
Perform maintenance and basic troubleshooting on Ariel reciprocating compressors.
Support overhaul and turnaround work involving Ariel compressor packages.
Work with commonly serviced compressor models, including KBK and JGK units when assigned.
Perform cylinder-clearance and related package adjustments.
Identify mechanical conditions affecting compressor operation.
Coordinate compressor work with engine and package requirements.
Basic or Level 1 Ariel compressor training is sufficient when the candidate has strong Caterpillar or Waukesha credentials and field experience.
Controls and Diagnostics
Use Caterpillar's diagnostic and service software to evaluate engine and package performance.
Connect computers and diagnostic tools to equipment.
Interpret fault codes, operating data, trends, alarms, and performance information.
Troubleshoot instrumentation, control panels, and package-control systems.
Support PLC-related troubleshooting based on field experience.
Identify whether a problem is mechanical, electrical, instrumentation-related, or control-related.
Escalate highly specialized controls work when necessary.
Document diagnostic findings and corrective actions.
Overhaul and Turnaround Leadership
Lead multi-technician overhaul, turnaround, startup, and commissioning projects.
Assist with daily planning and work sequencing.
Coordinate technicians and assignments based on skill level and project priorities.
Monitor project quality and progress.
Identify tooling, parts, labor, and support requirements.
Communicate scope changes and technical findings.
Maintain accountability for workmanship and project documentation.
Mentor developing technicians.
Establish expectations for quality, safety, documentation, and productivity.
Customer Communication
Communicate directly with customer operators and representatives.
Explain equipment conditions, technical findings, recommended repairs, and scope changes.
Provide professional updates regarding progress, delays, and required parts.
Discuss change-order needs through the approved process.
Represent Propak professionally at customer locations.
Maintain appropriate communication during high-pressure field situations.
Protect customer relationships through technical credibility and reliable follow-through.
Quality Control and Documentation
Complete daily service reports and job documentation.
Record measurements, inspections, replacement parts, clearances, findings, and completed work.
Maintain accurate quality-control records.
Prepare documentation for overhauls, startups, commissioning, and repair projects.
Use computers and digital tools for field reporting.
Confirm that documentation meets internal and customer standards.
Ensure records are clear enough for technical review, billing, and future service.
Safety and Compliance
Follow field-safety, environmental, customer-site, and company requirements.
Use required personal protective equipment.
Apply safe isolation and lockout procedures.
Identify unsafe equipment and field conditions.
Maintain a clean and organized work area.
Operate company vehicles safely.
Maintain a driving record that meets commercial insurance requirements.
Comply with applicable DOT requirements.
Participate in required drug and alcohol screening.
Stop work and escalate concerns when conditions are unsafe.
Required Qualifications
Must-Have Qualifications
At least five years of hands-on experience with Caterpillar or Waukesha gas-drive engines.
Verified Caterpillar 3600 Master Mechanic training.
Extensive experience performing gas-engine repairs and overhauls.
Proven ability to progress through major overhaul procedures independently.
Experience leading or materially participating in startups and commissioning activities.
Mechanical aptitude demonstrated through hands-on field work.
Ability to troubleshoot complex equipment without continuous supervision.
Basic Ariel compressor knowledge or training.
Experience using computerized diagnostic and reporting tools.
Strong technical documentation skills.
Professional customer communication.
Ability to lead and mentor other technicians.
Willingness to work overtime or participate in on-call coverage when required.
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
Valid driver's license.
Clean and insurable driving record.
Ability to satisfy pre-employment motor vehicle, background, and drug-screening requirements.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Diesel, automotive, industrial, or mechanical trade education.
Current authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Strongly Preferred Qualifications
Verified Caterpillar 3600 Commissioning certification.
Caterpillar 3500 series training and experience.
Waukesha VHP or VGF OEM training.
Ariel Level 1 or equivalent compressor training.
Gas compression industry experience.
Experience commissioning complete gas-drive compressor packages.
CAT diagnostic software proficiency.
PLC and instrumentation troubleshooting experience.
Experience leading multi-technician overhaul projects.
Previous domestic and international field assignments.
Certification Verification
Candidates must be prepared to provide proof of applicable OEM training and certifications.
The hiring team has encountered candidates who claimed Caterpillar 3600 commissioning credentials but could not provide documentation. Recruiters should verify:
Certification title.
Issuing organization.
Completion date.
Current status.
Recent commissioning activity.
Whether any recurring OEM requirements have been maintained.
For top-level CAT 3600 commissioning consideration, Caterpillar 3600 Commissioner training and current practical competency are essential.
Core Competencies
Caterpillar 3600
Caterpillar 3500
CAT 3600 Commissioning
CAT 3600 Master Mechanic
Waukesha VHP
Waukesha VGF
Ariel Compressors
Gas Compression
Natural Gas Engines
Engine Overhaul
Compressor Overhaul
Startup and Commissioning
CAT Diagnostic Software
Mechanical Troubleshooting
Controls Troubleshooting
PLC Troubleshooting
Instrumentation
Performance Curves
Clearance Adjustments
Field Service
Quality Control
Technical Documentation
Project Leadership
Customer Communication
Technician Mentoring
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate:
Has both formal OEM training and substantial hands-on experience.
Can physically execute every major step of an engine overhaul.
Does not rely on theoretical knowledge alone.
Can diagnose difficult failures methodically.
Has advanced Caterpillar 3600 expertise or strong Waukesha VHP/VGF credentials.
Is confident leading startups and commissioning.
Can work on the tools for approximately 75%-80% of the role.
Can manage technicians, quality control, and documentation for the remaining workload.
Communicates professionally with customer operators.
Produces accurate field documentation.
Is willing to relocate to Williston or Casper.
Accepts domestic and international travel.
Maintains a clean driving record.
Demonstrates honesty when representing certifications and technical capabilities.
What Success Looks Like
A successful Elite Mechanic will:
Demonstrate the skills and certifications represented during recruitment.
Independently execute complex mechanical work.
Lead overhauls, startups, and commissioning assignments safely.
Complete daily quality-control and service documentation accurately.
Communicate effectively with customers and technicians.
Mentor developing mechanics.
Maintain equipment, tools, and work areas professionally.
Travel reliably when projects require it.
Resolve difficult technical problems without excessive handholding.
Build credibility with field technicians, leadership, and customers.
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$47 - $60 an hour
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information
