Technician Training and Development Manager

Altorfer CAT•Addison, IL

2d•$95,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Technician Training and Development Manager develops and coordinates programs to prepare Altorfer Power Systems technicians for safe, productive careers, primarily in electric power generation (EPG). The role supports service growth through structured onboarding, mentoring, and career development for the wider EPG workforce and technicians working with large data center generator sets. Training may also cover industrial engine-driven products and marine engines according to business needs. Reporting to the Director of Product Support, the manager leads through collaboration and influence across service locations. The role focuses on curriculum development, training coordination, individual development tracking, and recruiting support. Approximately 10–20% of the position’s time is devoted to selected instruction and practical learning. Technicians continue to report to their department supervisors and service managers. The position is full-time and exempt. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with weekend work as needed; the employee is expected to work the hours necessary to fulfill the role. Work is primarily in office, classroom, and training center settings, with regular travel among company facilities, training locations, and customer sites, including occasional overnight travel. The role involves computer use, extended periods of sitting, and periods of standing and walking. Site visits may involve weather, uneven surfaces, moving equipment, and varying noise levels. Physical activities may include reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, and occasionally lifting, carrying, and positioning materials, tools, and demonstration equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. Heavier items are handled with appropriate equipment or assistance. Required safety procedures and personal protective equipment must be followed, and some schedule flexibility is needed for training, travel, and service operations. Altorfer describes itself as a third-generation, family-owned company founded in 1957, with more than 35 locations and 1,300 employees. It offers competitive pay, benefits, and a collaborative culture.

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, including 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.
Ability to accommodate some schedule flexibility for training, travel, and service operations.

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, within the first 6–12 months, an accelerated onboarding program featuring 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, plus broader EPG and assignment-based industrial engine and marine training.
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 related 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 advancement and work-assignment decisions.
Evaluate and obtain training through Caterpillar, regional training centers at other Cat dealerships across the United States, and third-party providers; coordinate prerequisites, enrollments, and onsite and offsite class logistics with service leaders.
Partner with Altorfer’s internal training center to identify Power Systems needs and request or help develop targeted classes, practical exercises, and materials.
Deliver selected instruction within areas of demonstrated 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 completion and renewals.
Build partnerships with community colleges and technical schools; 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 priorities and budgets, track expenditures, and improve programs using competency attainment, task readiness, technician progression, and supervisor and mentor feedback.
Travel regularly among company facilities, training locations, and customer sites, including occasional overnight travel.

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Disability insurance
Life insurance
401(k)
Paid holidays
Paid parental leave
Funeral leave
Paid time off: prorated 80 hours of PTO
Education assistance
Voluntary supplemental insurance, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
Legal assistance
Identity and fraud protection
Competitive pay