Technician Training and Development Manager

Altorfer•Addison, IL

About The Position

The Technician Training and Development Manager develops and coordinates programs that prepare Altorfer Power Systems technicians for safe, productive careers, with a primary focus on electric power generation (EPG). The role supports service growth through structured onboarding, mentoring, and career development for the broader EPG workforce and technicians dedicated to large data center generator sets. Training may also address industrial engine-driven products and marine engines based on business needs. Reporting to the Director of Product Support, the position leads through collaboration and influence across service locations. Responsibilities include curriculum development, training coordination, individual development tracking, and recruiting support, with approximately 10–20% of time devoted to selected instruction and practical learning. Technicians continue to report through their department supervisors and service managers. The position is based at one of the division’s three primary technician locations and involves regular travel among company facilities, training locations, and customer sites, including occasional overnight travel. Work is primarily in office, classroom, and training center settings, with visits to service shops, manufacturing areas, and outdoor job sites. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; weekend work is needed as required. The employee is expected to work the hours necessary to fulfill the position’s duties. The role requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with company driving requirements. Physical activities include computer use, extended sitting, standing and walking during training or facility visits, and reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, and occasionally lifting, carrying, or positioning materials, tools, and demonstration equipment up to 25 pounds. Worksite visits may involve weather, uneven surfaces, moving equipment, and varying noise levels. Required safety procedures and personal protective equipment must be followed. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required by law.

Requirements

Associate or bachelor’s degree in technical education, workforce development, adult learning, diesel or power generation technology, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of relevant education, technical training, and experience.
At least five years of relevant experience in technical training, technician development, service operations, or a related technical environment, including developing or coordinating structured learning programs.
Working knowledge of EPG equipment, engine systems, electrical fundamentals, and controls sufficient to assess development needs, collaborate with technical experts, and teach foundational topics.
Ability to read, understand, and apply service literature, service manuals, troubleshooting guides, electrical schematics, parts diagrams, and parts documentation when identifying training needs and developing instructional materials.
Ability to apply adult learning principles to practical curricula, onboarding, and skills assessments using classroom, online, and supervised hands-on learning.
Strong organizational and analytical skills to coordinate training across locations, maintain accurate development records, interpret performance information, and balance learning needs with operational requirements.
Strong communication, instruction, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence across departments and develop partnerships with technical experts, training providers, and schools.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams, and experience with learning management systems or comparable employee development platforms.
Commitment to safe work practices and ability to incorporate applicable safety and qualification requirements into technician development programs.
Ability to be based at one of the division’s three primary technician locations and travel regularly among company facilities, training locations, and customer sites, including occasional overnight travel.
Valid driver’s license and compliance with company driving requirements.

Nice To Haves

Caterpillar dealer, large generator set, or mission-critical power experience.
Mentoring, apprenticeship, or technician career progression program experience.
Skilled-trades recruiting or school outreach experience.

Responsibilities

Develop and launch an accelerated onboarding program within the first 6–12 months, including structured mentoring, supervised field experience, and progress reviews.
Develop an EPG-centered curriculum combining classroom, online, and practical learning, with shared engine, electrical, controls, diagnostics, and safety foundations; provide additional industrial engine and marine instruction based on assignments.
Partner with the Data Center Product Support Manager, project managers, service leaders, and Technical Services to develop a specialized pathway for commissioning, testing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing approximately 3 MW generator sets and associated power and ancillary equipment.
Assess current and future training needs with service leaders, Technical Services, and Sales, using skills assessments, service performance, customer requirements, and anticipated products and technologies to set priorities.
Work with service leadership and Human Resources to harmonize classification and advancement requirements across locations, using existing apprentice, Levels 1–4/Journeyman, and Master Technician definitions as a starting point while recognizing specialized career paths.
Maintain individual technician development plans and records covering training, demonstrated competencies, qualifications, renewals, and next-level requirements.
Coordinate progress reviews and practical assessments with supervisors and qualified experts to support management decisions about advancement and work assignments.
Evaluate and secure training through Caterpillar, regional training centers at other Cat dealerships throughout the United States, and third-party providers.
Coordinate prerequisites, enrollments, and onsite and offsite class logistics with service leaders to support customer coverage.
Partner with Altorfer’s internal training center to identify Power Systems needs and request and help develop targeted classes, practical exercises, and materials.
Deliver selected instruction within demonstrated areas of expertise and engage specialists for advanced subjects.
Incorporate effective use of Caterpillar service information, parts resources, and diagnostic tools into technician training.
Partner with Safety and service leadership to incorporate applicable safety, compliance, and customer site training into development programs and track required completion and renewals.
Build community college and technical school partnerships and support the HR recruiter through school outreach, selected job fairs, career pathway presentations, and technical input during candidate evaluation.
Align hiring plans with onboarding capacity and mentor availability, including internship and apprenticeship opportunities.
Maintain training calendars, learning management system information, and program reports.
Recommend training priorities and budgets, track expenditures, and improve programs using competency attainment, task readiness, technician progression, and supervisor and mentor feedback.