Exploring diesel technician career paths and specializations

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Whether you’re wondering what you can do with a diesel technician degree or are looking to develop your skills while on-the-job, having a clear understanding of what a typical diesel technician career path looks like will be beneficial as you map out your future in the shop.

At Schneider, we understand the importance of professional growth. Our commitment extends to providing the support you need at every stage of your career journey.

Below we’ve listed some promising growth and specialization opportunities to give you a better idea of where your career as a diesel technician could take you.

Diesel technician careers: Entry-level to executive

1. Entry-level diesel technician.

At Schneider, an entry-level diesel technician performs:

• Troubleshooting.

• Routine maintenance.

• Component replacements.

They may also handle non-technical tasks, such as stocking parts and cleaning work areas.

Becoming an entry-level diesel technician is often the first career step for recent tech school graduates, and in some instances, people who want to learn the trade on the job.

2. Mid-level diesel technician.

A mid-level diesel technician, known simply as a “Diesel Technician” at Schneider, completes more maintenance tasks than entry-level roles, including:

• Tire replacements.

• Brake installations.

• Safety inspections.

• Tractor system repairs.

After about one year of on-the-job experience, technicians may have the chance to advance to a mid-level diesel tech role. However, some companies start those with a technical degree and no experience at this level, leaving the entry-level roles for people without a degree in diesel technology.

3. Mobile diesel technician.

A mobile diesel technician performs on-site maintenance at locations outside the shop. They are given a service truck that’s stocked with all the tools and parts they need to do their job.

The environment these technicians work in varies by shop. For example, Schneider's mobile diesel techs work mostly at customer sites, distribution centers and rail yards.

This position usually requires at least one year of experience working in the shop. When hiring for mobile diesel technician roles, shop leaders look for technicians who can be trusted to communicate with customers and work independently.

4. Senior diesel technician.

Senior diesel technicians are highly skilled technicians who perform more challenging maintenance tasks, including major wreck repairs.

Schneider's senior diesel technicians:

• Conduct truck diagnosis.

• Do estimations and corrections.

• Complete routine rebuilds and replacements.

• Perform technical repairs.

• Make critical repair decisions.

This role typically requires at least two years of diesel technician experience and a technical degree. Depending on the company, diesel technicians may find opportunities to advance to senior technician roles as they grow their skills with certifications or on-the-job training.

5. Maintenance team leader.

Maintenance team leaders lead a team of diesel technicians, providing guidance and driving success among associates.

Schneider’s maintenance team leaders:

• Track performance.

• Coach technicians.

• Assist with on-the-job work and safety audits.

• Make repair decisions that minimize equipment downtime.

Maintenance team leader roles typically require at least four years of shop experience. These people have shown leadership potential in their work, usually by coaching other technicians through challenging repairs.

6. Shop manager.

Shop managers oversee an entire shop location. They are usually in charge of administrative tasks that support the day-to-day operations of that shop.

Schneider’s shop managers:

• Maintain a high-performance environment.

• Lead efforts to lower repair costs.

• Increase equipment availability in the shop.

• Develop and communicate team goals.

• Uphold safety standards and regulations.

Shop manager roles typically require at least two to four years of experience in a team leader role. A strong track record of developing successful technicians is essential to getting the job.

7. Corporate-level maintenance leaders.

Shop managers are often the highest rank within a diesel shop. However, many larger companies offer higher-level maintenance roles within the organization, like a maintenance director or vice president of maintenance.

At Schneider, people in a corporate-level maintenance role do things like:

• Provide strategic direction to maintenance sites across their organization.

• Plan for the current and future needs of those maintenance sites.

• Make decisions that result in maximum equipment availability.

A corporate-level maintenance role requires about six years of experience in a shop management position. Shop associates who advance to a corporate maintenance leadership role are selected for their strong team management and problem-solving skills.

5 types of diesel technicians

There are many paths you can take when working as a diesel technician. The direction you choose partially depends on the industry you’d like to specialize in.

Check out the five examples below of the types of diesel technicians you could become.

1. Diesel service technician.

Diesel service technicians work primarily on large commercial vehicles like semi-trucks and buses and repair any type of diesel engine.

Job responsibilities of a diesel service technician usually include:

• Inspecting different parts of a vehicle, such as brake systems and transmissions.

• Repairing or replacing faulty parts or components.

• Performing routine maintenance, like rotating tires and checking fluid levels.

• Working on electrical and exhaust systems.

Diesel service techs may work for transportation companies like Schneider, public transit groups or government agencies.

2. Heavy equipment diesel technician.

Heavy equipment diesel technicians specialize in servicing vehicles and machines used in farming, construction and rail transportation.

Job responsibilities of a heavy equipment diesel technician usually include:

• Diagnosing mechanical issues using computerized tools.

• Maintaining and repairing hydraulic and electrical systems.

• Overhauling machinery.

• Repairing or replacing faulty parts.

Some of the different types of heavy equipment diesel technicians include:

• Agricultural diesel technicians, who repair and maintain farming equipment.

• Mobile equipment diesel technicians, who service construction and mining equipment.

• Locomotive diesel technicians, who work on train engines and equipment.

Heavy equipment diesel techs may work for rental and leasing companies, government agencies, construction groups or farm equipment wholesalers.

3. Marine diesel technician.

Marine diesel technicians watch, maintain and repair diesel engines, machinery and other important systems in water vessels.

Job responsibilities of a marine diesel technician can include:

• Performing routine maintenance.

• Diagnosing and repairing mechanical and electrical malfunctions.

• Replacing broken or worn-out engine parts.

• Repairing faulty hydraulic and steering systems.

Marine diesel technicians may work at a marina or for a large shipping company.

4. Small engine diesel technician.

Small engine diesel technicians work on different sizes and types of diesel engines found in some off-road vehicles and power equipment, like motorboats, snow mobiles and dirt bikes.

Job responsibilities of a small engine diesel technician typically include:

• Going over equipment issues and maintenance plans with customers.

• Performing routine engine maintenance.

• Repairing or replacing broken parts.

• Re-installing components and engines after repairs.

• Adjusting components based on desired specs.

Small engine diesel techs usually work for repair shops.

5. Fixed engine diesel technician.

Fixed engine diesel technicians service things like diesel-powered generators or remote water pumps used by government agencies and private companies. Since these engines can’t move, fixed engine diesel techs often go on-site for maintenance or repairs.

Fixed engine diesel techs typically work for a government agency or a private company. They may also work for a local shop.