Chassis Integration Technician

Sparrow Company

Chattanooga, TN

Full Time

Paid

Responsibilities
Position Summary
The Refuse Vehicle Integration Technician is responsible for the integration, programming, diagnostics, testing, validation, and commissioning of refuse collection bodies installed on commercial truck chassis. This position serves as the technical bridge between chassis manufacturers, body engineering, production, service, and customers to ensure all vehicle systems operate as a fully integrated solution.
The ideal candidate possesses advanced electrical diagnostic skills, extensive knowledge of vehicle multiplexing systems, CAN Bus communications, chassis programming, transmission programming, and body integration. This individual will troubleshoot complex vehicle and body systems, configure electronic controls, validate vehicle performance, and provide technical support throughout the product lifecycle.
Additionally, the Integration Technician plays a critical role in identifying, documenting, and communicating technical issues discovered during production, testing, commissioning, and field support activities. The position serves as a key technical resource between Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Service, and OEM partners, ensuring issues are effectively communicated, tracked, and resolved to improve product reliability, manufacturability, and customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Vehicle Integration & Diagnostics
- Perform complete integration of refuse collection bodies onto commercial truck chassis.
- Configure, validate, and troubleshoot body control systems and vehicle interfaces.
- Diagnose complex electrical, electronic, hydraulic, and software-related issues.
- Perform advanced electrical troubleshooting using wiring diagrams, schematics, and diagnostic equipment.
- Verify proper operation of body functions, safety systems, PTO controls, and interlocks.
- Conduct final vehicle commissioning, operational testing, and validation.
- Support production teams during vehicle assembly and startup activities.
- Assist service departments and dealer networks with advanced troubleshooting and technical support.
CAN Bus & Network Communications
- Diagnose and analyze CAN Bus communication systems and multiplex vehicle architectures.
- Troubleshoot J1939, RP1210, RP1708, J1708, and OEM-specific communication networks.
- Analyze network traffic and communication faults using diagnostic software and data monitoring tools.
- Validate communication between chassis systems, body controllers, transmission controllers, engine controllers, and operator interfaces.
- Troubleshoot multiple-network CAN Bus systems and gateway communications.
Chassis Programming & Configuration
- Configure chassis parameters using OEM diagnostic software.
- Program body builder options and chassis interface parameters.
- Configure PTO operation, idle management, safety interlocks, and vehicle operating logic.
- Support programming and diagnostics for major chassis manufacturers including:
Transmission Programming
- Configure and program transmission parameters utilizing Allison DOC and other OEM programming platforms.
- Troubleshoot transmission communication and operational issues.
- Validate proper transmission integration with body controls and PTO systems.
- Support calibration updates and parameter modifications as required.
Testing & Validation
- Perform vehicle-level validation testing of integrated systems.
- Verify compliance with engineering specifications and customer requirements.
- Conduct functional testing of electrical, hydraulic, safety, and control systems.
- Document test procedures, results, and corrective actions.
- Assist Engineering with prototype testing and new product development initiatives.
Technical Documentation & Stakeholder Communication
- Document all production, integration, electrical, software, and engineering-related issues in a clear, detailed, and professional manner.
- Maintain accurate records of software revisions, parameter settings, configuration changes, test results, and corrective actions.
- Develop technical reports detailing diagnostic findings, root cause analyses, and recommended solutions.
- Identify recurring product, manufacturing, and integration concerns and communicate findings to appropriate stakeholders.
- Track technical issues from identification through resolution and verify corrective actions have been implemented.
- Assist in developing technical documentation, troubleshooting guides, service bulletins, and work instructions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Serve as a technical liaison between Production, Engineering, Quality, Service, Supply Chain, and OEM chassis manufacturers.
- Participate in problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support Engineering investigations regarding product performance, manufacturability, and field concerns.
- Communicate technical risks, project status, and issue resolution progress to management and key stakeholders.
- Participate in engineering reviews, production meetings, and quality improvement activities.
- Provide technical recommendations for product enhancements and process improvements.
Required Qualifications
- Associate Degree in Electrical Technology, Automotive Technology, Heavy Equipment Technology, Mechatronics, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in heavy-duty truck diagnostics, vehicle integration, body controls, or related field.
- Strong understanding of:
- Experience utilizing OEM diagnostic software and programming tools.
- Ability to read and interpret:
- Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong computer and documentation skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the refuse vehicle industry.
- Experience with automated side loaders, front loaders, rear loaders, and roll-off systems.
- Experience with body controller programming and multiplex control systems.
- Experience with Allison DOC and transmission diagnostics.
- OEM chassis certifications.
- Allison Transmission certifications.
- Experience supporting dealer and field service networks.
- Familiarity with engineering change management processes.
Key Competencies
Technical Competencies
- Advanced Electrical Diagnostics
- CAN Bus Network Analysis
- J1939 Diagnostics
- Vehicle Systems Integration
- Chassis Programming
- Transmission Programming
- Multiplex Control Systems
- Hydraulic/Electrical Integration
- Root Cause Analysis
- Vehicle Testing and Validation
Professional Competencies
- Technical Documentation
- Cross-Functional Communication
- Stakeholder Management
- Problem Solving
- Continuous Improvement
- Project Coordination
- Attention to Detail
- Time Management
- Customer and Dealer Support
- Leadership and Mentoring
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in manufacturing, testing, and service environments.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to climb ladders and access elevated work areas.
- Ability to work around heavy equipment, moving machinery, and vehicles.
- Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, and walk for extended periods.
Travel Requirements
- Occasional travel to customer sites, dealerships, supplier locations, trade events, and OEM facilities for training, troubleshooting, and technical support.
Reporting Structure
Reports To: Engineering Manager / Product Support Manager / Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Works Closely With:
- Engineering
- Production
- Quality Assurance
- Service
- Dealer Network
- OEM Chassis Manufacturers
- Suppliers
- Customers
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience, comprehensive benefits package, ongoing technical training, certification opportunities, and career advancement within a leading refuse equipment manufacturing organization.