Become a Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer with the U.S. Army Reserve

Are you a skilled mechanic looking to apply your talents to a mission-driven career? The U.S. Army Reserve is seeking a dedicated Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer to join the 88th Readiness Division in Des Moines, Iowa. This unique role blends the security of a federal civilian position with the honor of serving as a member of the Army Reserve.

Job Responsibilities

As a Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer, your daily work will be varied and technical. You will be responsible for:

System Maintenance: Troubleshooting and repairing cooling, braking, hydraulic, and powertrain systems.
Preventative Checks: Performing operational inspections to identify potential issues before they cause equipment failure.
Complex Repairs: Assisting senior technicians in replacing major components such as engines, transmissions, and fuel injection pumps.
Field Operations: Operating motor vehicles to verify repairs and working on construction, industrial, and power generation equipment.

Comparison: Standard Mechanic vs. Military Technician

Feature	Standard Private Sector Mechanic	Army Reserve Military Technician
Benefit Package	Varies by employer	Full Federal Civil Service Benefits
Primary Mission	Customer vehicle repair	Military unit mission readiness
Dual Roles	No	Civilian employee + Reservist
Career Development	Industry training	Federal Logistics Career Field training

Requirements

To be considered for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen and maintain active membership as a soldier in the Army Reserve. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to perform standard maintenance tasks without needing heavy supervision. Physical requirements include the ability to lift 40 pounds, crouch, reach, and climb while working on large machinery. You will also need to pass a pre-employment drug screening.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $26.61 to $31.03, inclusive of local market supplements. Beyond the pay, you will enjoy a robust federal benefits package, which includes health insurance, retirement planning, and paid leave. Additionally, new employees may be eligible for moving expense reimbursement if moving to their first official duty station.

How to Apply

Prepare: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less and contains all necessary dates and hour-per-week calculations.
Apply: Visit the USAJOBS portal to submit your application by August 10, 2026.
Monitor: Regularly check your application status on the USAJOBS dashboard.

Working as a Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the readiness and safety of our Army Reserve forces. If you are ready to take the next step in your mechanical career, we encourage you to apply today.

Why This Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer Job Matters

Launch a rewarding career with the U.S. Army Reserve as a Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer in Des Moines—where your mechanical expertise keeps our mission moving forward.

Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer Job Overview

Join the 88th Readiness Division as a Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer. This Military Technician role is a vital position within the U.S. Army Reserve, offering a unique opportunity to serve as both a civilian professional and a citizen soldier. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, you will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operational readiness of tactical, combat, and industrial equipment. This role is essential for maintaining the combat readiness of our forces, blending technical hands-on work with federal civilian benefits.

Requirements for Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be able to maintain active membership in the Army Reserve.
Must be able to demonstrate the ability to perform the work without more than normal supervision.
Ability to perform preventative maintenance, operational inspections, and basic repairs.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and perform strenuous physical tasks.
Must complete a one-year probationary period.
Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

Preferred Qualifications for Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer

Documented experience in automotive or tactical vehicle repair.
Proficiency in troubleshooting hydraulic, powertrain, and cooling systems.
Technical experience with construction, industrial, or power generation equipment.
Ability to work effectively in both indoor and outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive Federal Civil Service benefits package.
✓Full Military Reserve benefits.
✓Local market salary supplement included.
✓Potential for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances.
✓Professional development and career training in the Logistics Career Field.
✓Opportunities for moving expense reimbursement for new federal employees.

💡 How to Apply Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer Job

Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Complete the online questionnaire via the official application portal.
Select and upload all required supporting documentation (e.g., performance appraisals, military documents).
Ensure your resume explicitly details hours worked per week and specific dates of experience.
Review your application for completeness and submit before the August 10, 2026, deadline.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to two pages; longer resumes will be automatically disqualified.
Use plain language and avoid internal military acronyms that a human resources specialist might not understand.
Explicitly detail your duties and include dates (Month/Year) and hours per week for every position listed.
Ensure your documentation is uploaded early to account for the mandatory virus scanning process.
Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Military Technician do?

A Military Technician is a civilian employee who also serves as a member of the Army Reserve. They provide essential technical support to the military mission and receive benefits from both sectors.

Is a security clearance required for this position?

No, a security clearance is not required for this specific role.

Can I work remotely?

No, this position is onsite in Des Moines, Iowa, as it requires direct physical interaction with tactical and combat equipment.

Do I need a security clearance?

No, this role does not require a security clearance.

Is the work strenuous?

Yes. You will often work in uncomfortable positions, handle heavy parts, and deal with exposure to dirt, grease, and weather elements.

Job from U.S. Army Reserve Command

The 88th Readiness Division, under the Department of the Army, plays a critical role in the U.S. Army Reserve's combat readiness. Civilian employees are the backbone of this operation, providing the highly specialized technical skills required to maintain advanced military equipment. By joining the Military Technician program, you serve as a vital link between the civilian workforce and the military, ensuring that our nation's combat and tactical vehicles are always mission-ready.