An Accurate Job Description of a Diesel Technician

Students come from all over the country for diesel technician training at Lincoln Tech’s campuses in South Plainfield, NJ; Denver, CO; East Windsor, CT; Grand Prairie, TX; Nashville, TN and Indianapolis, IN. More than 50,000 diesel technicians are projected be hired around the country over the next seven years, according to careerinfonet.org, making this an excellent career path to consider!

You may not be able to predict what each day will bring when you’re first getting started, but as you get a better sense of what the job requires, you will start to see how your days will be spent. Each skill you master while training at Lincoln Tech will be put to use during your daily work at your new career. While the tough work of diesel technicians isn't for everyone, those who work on these powerful engines and equipment truly enjoy what they do. Each day brings a new challenge and a new puzzle to solve, and finding those solutions allows for a sense of satisfaction that technicians get from completing hands-on work.

What do diesel technicians do?

Your duties as a diesel technician will depend on the type of job you accept. Every shop will offer a slightly different daily routine, but you will use the same basic skills in the end. You may go out on road calls in a specialized service truck, or you may solely work in a shop environment. Similarly, you could work on a wide range of diesel engines, drive train systems, steering and suspensions systems, braking systems and electrical and electronic systems in buses, trucks, cars and more, or you may specialize in one or more types of systems. Regardless, you must have a keen eye for detail and a knack for following a service manual and diagnostic troubleshooting procedures. Here are a few tasks and responsibilities a diesel technician may have:

• Complete routine maintenance as designated by the checklist.
• Perform tasks such as replacing oil or lubricating equipment.
• Inspect, replace and/or repair damaged and malfunctioning parts.
• Interpret diagnostic test results.
• Use hydraulic machinery to lift large equipment and vehicles.
• Inspect the parts and systems that make up the vehicle.
• Perform test drives to ensure the vehicle is working properly or troubleshoot.

What skills do diesel technicians need?

Most technicians will have their specific strengths and specialties, but all good technicians should have a solid foundation of skills they can always count on. These include:

• Troubleshooting to analyze the problem and repair accordingly.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with customers and clearly explain issues.
• Tech savvy for usage of diagnostic equipment.
• Being comfortable working on various engines.
• Thinking analytically.

What are the education requirements? 

In order to become a diesel technician, you need to be properly trained. While working in shops may prepare you, there are many nuances that are gained only from thorough education. Lincoln Tech offers diesel truck technician programs that give students the necessary theoretical component, as well as plenty of hands-on time in the garage. Get a feel for the life of a diesel technician at Lincoln Tech.