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What does a Diesel Technician do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A diesel technician is responsible for the maintenance and repair of diesel engines. They may work on a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and boats. Diesel technicians use a variety of tools to diagnose and repair engine problems. They may also perform routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tune-ups.

Diesel Technician job duties include:

  • Inspecting diesel engines to diagnose issues
  • Repairing or replacing engine parts as necessary
  • Conducting regular maintenance on diesel engines
  • Keeping records of all repairs and maintenance conducted
  • Ordering new parts as necessary
  • Consulting with other technicians or engineers as needed
  • Testing repaired engines to ensure they are functioning properly
  • Cleaning and organizing work areas
  • Educating customers about diesel engine maintenance

Diesel Technician Job Requirements

Diesel technicians typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and most employers provide on-the-job training. Some states require diesel technicians to be certified. Certification is available from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE certification is not required for all positions, but it may be preferred by some employers and may lead to career advancement. Diesel technicians typically have 1 or 2 years of experience working with diesel engines.

Diesel Technician Skills

  • Diesel engine repair
  • Diesel engine maintenance
  • Diesel fuel injection systems
  • Diesel emissions control systems
  • Diesel electrical systems
  • Diesel cooling systems
  • Brake systems
  • Suspension systems
  • Steering systems
  • Drivetrain systems
  • HVAC systems

Related: Top Diesel Technician Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Diesel Technician

Diesel technicians are in high demand due to the growing popularity of diesel-powered vehicles. Many people are interested in becoming a diesel technician, but don't know where to start. Here are a few tips on how to become a diesel technician:

1. Get a degree or certification in diesel mechanics from an accredited institution. This will give you the basic knowledge and skills needed to work on diesel engines.

2. Get some experience working on diesel engines. Many employers prefer to hire candidates with some experience working on diesels. You can gain this experience by working at a repair shop, dealership, or fleet maintenance facility.

3. Stay up to date on the latest diesel technology. Diesel engines are constantly evolving, so it's important to keep up with the latest advancements. You can do this by reading trade publications, attending training courses, or participating in online forums.

4. Be familiar with common diesel engine problems and how to fix them. When troubleshooting engine problems, being able to quickly identify the issue and find the solution is crucial.

5. Have strong communication and customer service skills. As a diesel technician, you'll be interacting with customers on a daily basis. It's important that you're able to effectively communicate with them and provide excellent customer service.

Related: Diesel Technician Resume Example

Related: Diesel Technician Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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