ThinkBIG Trainee

Job Description

Peterson Cat is now accepting applications for our Heavy Equipment and EPG Technician training program called ThinkBIG. The ThinkBIG program is two years in length and a new class of students starts every September. The ThinkBIG program teaches students how to service Cat equipment using cutting‑edge diagnostic and maintenance systems, advanced technologies and high‑tech tools. ThinkBIG combines classroom work with hands‑on learning in the field and in state‑of‑the‑art labs, so students see technologies in real‑world applications—solving problems and helping Caterpillar customers get their jobs done.

The program devotes approximately half of the time to technical/academic education at a partner college (Portland Community College in Beaverton, OR) where students are required to go to school full‑time for forty weeks in total, broken up in five sessions that are eight weeks in length. The remaining time in the program is spent receiving hands‑on training at a home store.

• Apply learning principles from school rotation in the workplace.
• Rotate through different shops to gain experience in several service environments.
• Assist with pre‑delivery setup and installation on all makes and models of Caterpillar equipment and allied products.
• Assist with repair, replace or rebuild engines, transmissions, fuel systems, final drives, steering clutches, cross‑shafts, hydraulic components including pumps, motors, valves, and all related components, electrical and air systems.
• Learn to write service reports that accurately document activities.
• Learn to prepare required documentation including work orders, parts lists, and timecards in an accurate and timely manner to enable other employees to do their job in a timely manner.
• Follow manufacturer and company service guidelines and procedures to ensure quality work and to preserve and document component failure information for accurate failure analysis.
• Maintain punctual, regular, and predictable attendance.

• High School diploma or GED and mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to attend school on an unpaid basis full‑time for five eight‑week sessions (40 weeks total) during the program.

Interested candidates are encouraged to fill out an application to start the process.

Peterson Machinery Co. is committed to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action. Minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. A drug screen and background check is required.