Diesel Technician Job Description - Learn The Details Of This Career

Why do many students seek out an accredited trade schools to learn the diesel mechanic trade? Because they know that hands-on skilled careers like diesel mechanics cannot be outsourced and that these skills are in demand. For those who want to turn their passion for diesel engines and trucks into an essential technical job that that must be done locally, then a diesel technician training program can be very beneficial for them. Statistics certainly support this scenario: more than 24,000 diesel technician positions are projected to be available across the nation every year from now until 2032¹, making this a steady career path to consider.

New technicians entering the field might not be able to predict what each workday will be like, so this job description can serve as a guide to better define the typical day on the job at a diesel maintenance facility.

You'll draw on every skill that you master during training and put them to good use during your daily tasks. While the work of a diesel technician is often physically demanding, the technicians who work on this essential type of equipment really enjoy what they do. Each day on the job brings new challenges to solve, and drawing on your technical know-how and skills to find solutions allows for a sense of satisfaction that technicians get from successfully completing a technical task.

What Do Diesel Technicians Do?

The daily routine for a diesel technician will depend on the type of job you accept. And this is where it gets very interesting. Diesel power is used in so many industries that the applications seem endless.

Major uses of diesel power

• Trucking Firms & Public Service - Diesel trucks, buses and first responder vehicles.
• Transoceanic Shipping: Locomotives, tugboats, large ships, and dockside cranes.
• Builders: Portable industrial generators used on jobsites for welders and portable offices.
• Localized Power Grids: Power applications for remote locations in forestry and navigational aids.
• Refrigerated Transport: Portable refrigeration for shipping containers & local delivery Trucks.
• Enterprise-Level Back-up Power: On-site critical back-up power for critical facilities, like hospitals, blood banks, pharmaceutical companies, and military bases.

This is why the diesel mechanic is considered an essential job. Every industry and employer will offer a slightly different daily routine, but you will use the same technical skills regardless of the application.

What Skills Do Diesel Technicians Need?

A diesel technician should have a solid foundational theory in the diesel power cycle, technical proficiency, mechanical aptitude, and strong problem-solving skills. Technicians need an in-depth understanding of the diesel engine, its components and ancillary equipment, electrical systems, and computerized diagnostic tools. Skills should also include:

• Perform routine maintenance on diesel engines.
• Troubleshooting systems to identify the point(s) of failure.
• Perform inspections to identify wear points.
• Replace or repair damaged and malfunctioning parts.
• Perform diagnostic testing to ensure peak operation and reduce emissions.
• Service fuel systems such as the Common Rail System, Detroit Diesel Electronic Controls (DDEC), Cummins Systems, and International HEUI systems.
• Use hydraulic machinery to lift large equipment and vehicles.
• Maintain and repair hydraulic and electrical systems.
• Perform post-repair quality assurance testing to certify proper repair.
• Strong interpersonal skills to clearly discuss and explain technical issues.
• Tech savvy for usage of diagnostic equipment.
• Continued learning about new improvements in diesel technology.
• Familiarizing themselves with new improvements in Diesel Technology.
• Additionally, attention to detail & physical endurance.

In summary, the diesel mechanic job description involves a mix of hands-on technical tasks and diagnostic work. From fixing engine components to conducting emissions tests, the diesel mechanic's responsibilities are as diverse as the applications and industries they are used in.

Education Requirements For A Diesel Technician

A high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement. Many employers look for candidates that have completed diesel technician training at a reputable vocational school. This is how a prospective employer knows that the candidate being considered has a certain level of understanding and skill needed to enter the field.

The right candidate can receive training through either an apprenticeship or a technical school. While the former is possible, the latter offers a wider exposure to new technology, industry tools and software and the many nuances that are gained only through learning from a combination of classroom, simulator², and hands-on technical training.

What Certifications Should a Diesel Technician Work Towards?

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers various certifications, including the Diesel Engines (T2) certification. This certification can enhance your career prospects as it certifies a specific level of competency. It is also beneficial to earn a commercial driver's license (CDL), as road testing for diagnosis and quality control are an important part of the job.

Diesel Techs Are Essential In So Many Ways

The diesel technician is a key component in keeping society powered safely, and the helps maintain a smoothly operating economy. This is why it should be considered an essential occupation. Lincoln Tech's diesel technician programs can give students the necessary theoretical education combined with hands-on training in an on-the-job like setting. This training is offered at six Lincoln Tech campuses.

References:

¹ National Center for O*NET Development. National Employment Trends: 49-3031.00 - Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved August 27, 2024, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/49-3031.00?g=Go

² "Air Brake Troubleshooting Demonstration Using the Bendix EC-60 ABS/ATC/ESP Advanced System Trainer", at the Lincoln Tech campus in Indianapolis, IN. Video demonstration: https://www.lincolntech.edu/media/automotive/diesel-technology/air-brake-troubleshooting-demonstration-using-bendix-ec-60

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