DoD SkillBridge Internship Military-Experienced Technician & Mechanic

DoD SkillBridge Internship OR Direct Hire for Military-Experienced Technicians in Houston, Texas

Job Summary:

Mustang CAT, in collaboration with BufferSprings, is offering a DoD SkillBridge Internship for Military-Experienced Technicians in Houston, Texas. Join our team and embark on a new mission, leveraging your skills and discipline honed in military service. This program is not just a job; it’s a launchpad for hands-on skills, mentorship, and a direct pathway to potential full-time positions at Mustang CAT.

Requirements

Duration:

3-6 months (DoD SkillBridge Program)

Eligibility:

Open to all qualified transitioning active-duty U.S. service members, both officer and enlisted, of any rank and branch. Must have at least 90 days of active duty service remaining before the date of separation and have obtained approval or be in the approval process from the unit/command.

Ideal Military Background:

We are looking for candidates with military experience in a direct support unit or a unit that performed third-echelon maintenance and higher.

• Army: Individuals with Army 91 series, specifically 91L or 91H
• Marine Corps: Individuals with 3521,3522, 2141, 2142, 2146, 2147, or 1341 MOS
• Navy: Seabees & Individuals with CM Rate
• Air Force: AFSCs with a focus on construction equipment repair under the AFSC 3E2X1 (Pavements and Construction Equipment) or a related field. For tracked vehicle repair, the AFSC 2T3X1 (Vehicle Maintenance) could also be relevant.

Individuals in similar roles with undercarriage maintenance experience are highly encouraged to apply!

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Solid mechanical background and aptitude
• Strong understanding of electrical and hydraulic systems
• Ability to demonstrate technical, mechanical, and troubleshooting skills
• Reliable with a strong work ethic
• Safety-oriented with 5-10 years of Caterpillar or competitive brand Construction Machinery technical experience

Education and Experience:

High school graduate or equivalent

Corporate Perks:

• Up to $2000 Sign-On Bonus
• Great Work-Life Balance
• Membership in a Military Veteran Employee Resource Group called “Mustang Cat Veterans Alliance”
• On-Premise Clinic
• Boot & Tool Allowances
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Vast Growth Opportunities
• Job Stability
• Full-Time Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) Employer Matching, Paid Vacation, Sick Time, Holidays
• Potential Eligibility for Technician Review Program
• Potential eligibility for gain share

Advancement Opportunities:

• Promotion in technician grade levels (T1-T6)
• Elevated shop roles
• Lead tech
• Tech coach/mentor
• Technical communicator
• Field tech
• Shop supervisor
• Management

Compensation & Bonuses:

• Pay hourly: $16/hr – $40/hr, depending on experience
• Guaranteed 40/hr work weeks with expected overtime
• Gain share (Dependent upon profitability/revenue generated across the company over the course of a year)
• Overtime and relocation help
• Medical – Blue Cross Blue Shield, HSA, FSA options
• Dental – Guardian
• Vision – VSP
• Basic life and AD&D through New York Life Insurance
• Voluntary life through New York Life insurance
• Short and long-term disability through Cigna
• 401k through Fidelity with a company-wide match
• Onsite clinic – Medicine at work

Interview Process:

• Initial phone screen with a BufferSprings Talent Coordinator
• Application discussed with the hiring manager
• Decision on whether to move forward with an interview (physical or virtual)
• Interview with the Mustang CAT team
• Decision made within a week from the interview with hiring managers
• If offered, a recruiter will contact the candidate to extend the offer and discuss the next steps

Position Details: Shop Technician

• Reports To: Shop Supervisor
• Department: Service Department
• Classification: T3 – T6
• Division: Construction Machinery

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Demonstrated technical, mechanical, and troubleshooting abilities
• Two plus years as a shop technician or equivalent experience
• Basic computer skills
• Preferred: 5-10 years of documented Caterpillar or competitive brand Construction Machinery technical experience, documented military experience in third echelon maintenance and higher, experience with Caterpillar Electronic Service Platform

Essential Job Functions:

1. Ensure workplace safety and environmental standards
2. Evaluate components or machines
3. Perform machine service
4. Maintain tools, equipment, and facilities
5. Coach and mentor less experienced employees
6. Use tools and measuring devices

Ergonomic/Physical Requirements:

• Must meet ergonomic and physical requirements
• Stand: 65%; Walk: 15%; Kneel: 20%
• Lift/Carry: 50 lbs
• Climb Stairs/Ladders/Equipment: 25%
• Push/Pull: 30%; Reach: 75%
• Grasp/Squeeze: 80%; Keyboarding: 10%
• Power Tools 30%

Other Essential Position Requirements:

• Must pass pre-employment criminal background check, physical, and drug screen
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be a U.S. citizen or provide proof of legal work status
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English
• Must successfully complete the in-house forklift safety training program
• Must agree to purchase and provide all required tooling for the position

Ideal Skills to Include:

Ability to leverage mechanical, diagnostic, and troubleshooting experience with Caterpillar or competitive brand Construction Machinery

Must Haves/Deal Breakers:

• High school graduate or equivalent
• Strong mechanical background and aptitude
• Strong understanding of electrical and hydraulic systems
• Ability to demonstrate technical, mechanical, and troubleshooting skills

Experiences or Skills from the Last Person in this Role:

• Reliable
• Strong work ethic
• Team player
• Safety-oriented
• 5-10 years of Caterpillar or competitive brand Construction Machinery technical experience
• Experience with Caterpillar Electronic Service Platform

BufferSprings is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.

Take control of your military transition with BufferSprings!