Darrel Blunck
Wichita
Summary
Detail-oriented Diesel Mechanic with proven leadership in team collaboration and preventive maintenance. Recognized for mentoring junior mechanics and maintaining accurate service records, contributing to enhanced safety and compliance within the workshop environment. Solid foundation in diesel mechanics and history of ensuring optimal performance of heavy-duty vehicles. Successfully contributed to major repairs and maintenance projects, demonstrating precision and reliability. Proven expertise in troubleshooting and engine diagnostics, paired with keen ability to implement effective solutions in diverse mechanical challenges.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Diesel Mechanic Technician II
Fleet Pride
Wichita, KS
03.2022 - 02.2026
- Diagnosed and repaired diesel engine malfunctions using advanced diagnostic tools.
- Performed routine maintenance on heavy-duty trucks to ensure optimal performance and safety.
- Collaborated with team members to troubleshoot complex mechanical issues effectively.
- Mentored junior mechanics in proper repair techniques and safety protocols.
- Maintained accurate records of vehicle repairs, contributing to compliance with industry standards.
- Conducted inspections and preventive maintenance on various makes and models of diesel engines.
- Utilized hand tools and power tools to repair and maintain diesel engines according to industry standards.
- Completed checklist of fluid levels, air filter, tire pressure, and more as part of service orders.
- Troubleshot and diagnosed problems with brakes, steering, and transmissions.
- Performed preventive maintenance on engines, transmissions, tires, and other vehicle systems.
- Maintained detailed records of all repairs, parts replacements, and services performed for reference during future work.
- Troubleshot electrical system issues accurately to reduce the likelihood of recurring problems down the line.
- Installed new systems and components in vehicles.
- Used specialty equipment, standard tools, and gauges to complete assessments and repairs.
Diesel Mechanic Assistant
Darling Ingredients Inc
Wichita, KS
10.2013 - 01.2021
- Assisted in diagnosing mechanical issues using diagnostic tools and equipment.
- Supported senior mechanics in performing routine maintenance and repairs on diesel engines.
- Organized parts and tools to enhance workflow efficiency during repair processes.
- Maintained accurate records of service performed, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Collaborated with team members to troubleshoot complex mechanical problems effectively.
- Executed preventive maintenance tasks, contributing to overall vehicle reliability and uptime.
- Mentored new hires on safety protocols and operational procedures within the workshop environment.
- Cleaned shop, stored new supplies and put away tools to maintain organized work area.
- Helped mechanics complete repairs by organizing supplies, maintaining tools and passing needed items.
- Completed minor repairs and basic upkeep work with minimal supervision.
- Ensured timely completion of repairs by prioritizing tasks based on project timelines and customer needs.
- Repaired lighting, brake and hydraulic systems adjacent to diesel engines.
- Supported team productivity by consistently providing assistance with heavy lifting and maneuvering of large parts during repair processes.
- Improved engine performance by conducting thorough diesel engine inspections and identifying necessary repairs.
- Collaborated with senior mechanics to troubleshoot complex diesel engine problems, resulting in successful repair solutions.
- Assisted in the overhaul of major diesel engine components such as cylinder heads, fuel injectors, and turbochargers for optimal performance restoration.
- Ran diagnostic tests on equipment and vehicles submitted with malfunctions.
- Minimized rework by double-checking completed tasks for accuracy before returning vehicles to customers or moving onto the next stage of the repair process.
- Reduced downtime for clients by efficiently completing routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, and belt adjustments.
- Supported shop efficiency by performing routine equipment calibration checks and coordinating necessary repairs or replacements as needed.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns and inquiries regarding maintenance recommendations, repair timelines, and cost estimates.
- Conducted safety and environmental checks on vehicles.
- Used fleet maintenance software program to complete required paperwork.
- Maintained accurate service records for each client vehicle, facilitating clear communication between mechanics and customers regarding repair history and future maintenance needs.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and best practices for diesel mechanic assistants.
- Contributed to a positive workplace atmosphere through active participation in team meetings, sharing ideas for process improvements, and maintaining professional relationships with colleagues.
- Followed safety protocols and best practices for installation, maintenance, or repair work..
- Operated variety of power tools and hand tools.
- Inspected and tested equipment for conformance with specifications.
- Followed safety protocols on job sites.
- Answered customer questions and helped resolve various concerns.
- Cleared work sites of hazardous items.
- Inspected and tested machinery and equipment to diagnose malfunctions.
- Diagnosed problems with electrical systems and rewired components to restore safe flow of electricity.
Welder /Welding Fabricator
Southard's Welding & Manufacturing Inc.
Wichita, KS
05.2010 - 10.2013
- Operated MIG and TIG welding equipment to fabricate components according to specifications.
- Interpreted blueprints and technical drawings to ensure precise measurements and assemblies.
- Conducted quality inspections on welds, ensuring structural integrity and adherence to safety standards.
- Trained junior welders on techniques, safety protocols, and proper equipment usage.
- Welded in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
- Maintained clean working environment by consistently organizing tools and equipment, promoting workplace safety.
- Demonstrated versatility in various welding methods including MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux Core Welding techniques.
- Fabricated shop parts directly from blueprints.
- Inspected welds and checked critical measurements to meet specifications.
- Operated hoists, cranes, and power tools to dismantle equipment to find and remove defective parts.
- Clamped, held, tack-welded, heat-bent and bolted component parts to achieve required configurations and positions.
- Prepared welding equipment to perform advanced welding work.
- Removed and repaired unacceptable welds with air arc and grinder to meet quality guidelines.
- Utilized blueprints and diagrams to compare finished products against design specifications.
- Completed welding projects using gas tungsten arc, gas metal arc, flux-cored arc, plasma arc, and shielded metal arc equipment.
Truck Driver
Quick Transfer
Wichita, KS
05.2003 - 05.2010
- Ensured compliance with federal and state transportation regulations during all deliveries.
- Maintained accurate logs of driving hours, mileage, and fuel consumption for reporting purposes.
- Conducted pre-trip and post-trip inspections to guarantee vehicle safety and functionality.
- Delivered goods on schedule while optimizing routes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Collaborated with dispatchers to adjust delivery schedules based on traffic conditions and customer needs.
- Mentored junior drivers on safe driving practices and company policies to enhance team performance.
- Implemented strategies to minimize vehicle downtime through regular maintenance checks and timely repairs.
- Operated with safety and skill to avoid accidents and delays.
- Dropped and hooked trailers and changed configuration of equipment.
- Inspected trucks for malfunctions and reported vehicles to management for corrective action.
- Maintained daily, legible DOT log book and submitted corresponding documents.
- Demonstrated safe driving by following regulations and safety procedures, resulting in zero accidents.
- Kept accurate records of cargo delivery times and vehicle maintenance to provide documentation to dispatch for billing and inventory purposes.
- Obtained necessary permits and licenses to operate various commercial vehicles legally.
- Complied with truck driving rules as well as company policies and procedures regarding safe vehicle operations.
Education
High School Diploma -
Derby High School
Derby 06-1978
Skills
- Oil changes
- Preventive Maintenance
- Heavy equipment repair
- Diesel engine repair
- Engine repair
- Welding and fabrication
- Vehicle inspections
Timeline
Diesel Mechanic Technician II
Fleet Pride
03.2022 - 02.2026
Diesel Mechanic Assistant
Darling Ingredients Inc
10.2013 - 01.2021
Welder /Welding Fabricator
Southard's Welding & Manufacturing Inc.
05.2010 - 10.2013
Truck Driver
Quick Transfer
05.2003 - 05.2010
High School Diploma -
Derby High School