Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Position Title: Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Location: St. Catharines, ON

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Target salary range of $90,000 – $100,000 per year, based on experience

About Ontario Shipyards

Ontario Shipyards operates two premier marine facilities on Lake Ontario: our main fabrication hub in Hamilton and the historic Port Weller Dry Docks on the Welland Canal in St. Catharines. Together, we form the largest Canadian-owned ship repair and refit operation on the Great Lakes. As a trusted partner to the Canadian Coast Guard and major commercial fleets, our combined yards deliver everything from advanced manufacturing to massive vessel life extensions.

The company is embarking on an unprecedented period of growth driven by the opportunities created by Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. At the same time, the company is executing the Ontario Shipyard Modernization Project (OSMP) which is a multi-million-dollar initiative that is revolutionizing shipyard operations in Ontario and ultimately Canada. Our team takes immense pride in keeping the Great Lakes fleet moving, building and maintaining the giant vessels that drive Canada's economy – where water meets mettle.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Facilities Manager, the Heavy Equipment Mechanic is responsible for the preventative maintenance, tune-ups, and troubleshooting of all diesel, gasoline, and propane-powered yard equipment and vessel systems. Unlike standard shop mechanical jobs, our environment requires technicians to work directly on-site, navigating ships, dry docks, and fabrication shops daily to keep operations moving safely. Your main goal is to ensure maximum equipment uptime and safe mechanical operations while working within the unique physical constraints of a marine environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure strict safety and regulatory compliance in all maintenance and repair activities.
• Troubleshoot, service, and repair yard compressors, forklifts, snorkel lifts, scissor lifts, bantam cranes, and heavy yard cranes.
• Maintain, tune up, and service company yard trucks to ensure daily operational readiness.
• Assist when required with mechanical issues, overhauls, and troubleshooting on ships and tugboats.
• Maintain all mechanical storage areas, keeping an accurate inventory of stocked items, and documenting minimum/maximum stock levels.
• Monitor parts usage and advise the purchasing department promptly of any part shortages or upcoming supply requests.
• Work with production workers and trade crews daily to find out their equipment needs for the day and minimize operational downtime.
• Execute all other mechanical duties and special tasks requested or assigned by management.

Qualifications & Experience

• A valid Heavy-Duty Equipment Technician (421A) License, Interprovincial Red Seal endorsement, and Propane Certification License are highly preferred; equivalent valid certifications in related trades (e.g., 310T Truck and Coach, 433A Millwright, or 282E Powered Lift Truck) will also be considered.
• Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving abstract.
• Must be of legal age to work in Ontario and legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Comfort and physical capability to work in a rugged shipyard environment, including climbing scaffolding, navigating dry docks, and entering tight, confined vessel spaces daily.
• Strong diagnostic background in diesel, gasoline, and propane engines, as well as hydraulic and pneumatic systems

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on skills and experience
• Comprehensive health benefits including health, dental, vision, life and disability coverage for you and your dependents
• RRSP matching program and Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Paid vacation time and statutory holidays
• Discounts on Safety Boots & Safety Glasses
• Opportunities for professional development and specialized shipyard training
• On-site parking

This job posting is for an active, immediate vacancy. Every application is reviewed individually by a member of our human recruitment team; we do not use AI or automated computer systems to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.

Ontario Shipyards is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. We prohibit discrimination and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. We will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources, and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.