What You'll Do

  • Use handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, or precision instruments, as well as power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, or jacks and hoists.
  • Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
  • Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
  • Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
  • Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
  • Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
  • Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, or pressure gauges.
  • Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
  • Inspect and verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to factory specifications.
  • Specialize in repairing and maintaining parts of the engine, such as fuel injection systems.

Essential Skills

Troubleshooting 4.0/5
Repairing 4.0/5
Operations Monitoring 3.5/5
Equipment Maintenance 3.38/5
Critical Thinking 3.25/5
Quality Control Analysis 3.25/5
Speaking 3.12/5
Equipment Selection 3.12/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.12/5
Active Listening 3.0/5
Monitoring 3.0/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.0/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Dependability, Analytical Thinking, Initiative, Integrity

Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Near Vision 4.0/5
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.88/5
Manual Dexterity 3.88/5
Finger Dexterity 3.88/5
Control Precision 3.75/5
Hearing Sensitivity 3.75/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.62/5
Deductive Reasoning 3.62/5

Technologies & Tools

Autodesk AutoCAD Computer aided design CAD software Computer aided manufacturing CAM software Computerized maintenance management system software CMMS Cummins INSITE Dassault Systemes CATIA Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Database software Engine diagnostic software Fleet management software Inventory tracking software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Word SAP software Scheduling software Shop management software Word processing software

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.39/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.29/5)
  • Analytical Thinking (High importance: 3.87/5)
  • Initiative (High importance: 3.84/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 3.82/5)

Want to see how YOUR work style matches this career?

Take Free 15-Min Assessment →

How to Become One

This career typically requires vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some specialized training or certification may also be required.

Similar Careers to Explore

Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Biodiesel Engine Specialist Boat Diesel Motor Mechanic Boat Engine Installer Boat Engine Mechanic Boat Mechanic Bus Engine Mechanic Bus Garage Mechanic Bus Mechanic Bus Motor Mechanic Bus Overhauler Bus Transmission Mechanic Bus Tune-Up Mechanic Diesel Engine Erector Diesel Engine Fitter Diesel Engine Mechanic Diesel Fleet Mechanic Tech (Diesel Fleet Mechanic Technician) Diesel Machinist Diesel Mechanic Diesel Mechanic Tech (Diesel Mechanic Technician) Diesel Motor Mechanic Diesel Service Technician Diesel Technician (Diesel Tech) Diesel Tractor Engine Mechanic Diesel Truck Mechanic Diesel Truck Tech (Diesel Truck Technician) Engine Maintenance Mechanic Engine Mechanic Farm Equipment Engine Mechanic Farm Implement Engine Mechanic Farm Machinery Engine Mechanic Fleet Mechanic Fleet Technician (Fleet Tech) General Repair Mechanic Heavy Duty Mechanic Heavy Equipment Engine Mechanic Heavy Truck Mechanic Heavy Wheel Vehicle Mechanic Industrial Truck Mechanic Locomotive Mechanic Maintenance Mechanic Marine Diesel Mechanic Marine Diesel Technician Marine Engine Machinist Marine Engine Mechanic Mobile Diesel Mechanic Mobile Diesel Tech (Mobile Diesel Technician) Motor Coach Mechanic Motor Mechanic Oil Field Equipment Mechanic Ordnance Truck Installation Mechanic Petrol Construction Maintenance Mechanic Power Generation Equipment Repairer Power Generator Equipment Repairer Railroad Engine Mechanic Railroad Motor Mechanic Railroad Transmission Mechanic Railroad Tune-Up Mechanic School Bus Mechanic Service Advisor Service Technician Tank Truck Engine Mechanic Tractor Expert Tractor Mechanic Tractor Trailer Mechanic Trailer Mechanic Transit Mechanic Transportation Mechanic Truck Bench Mechanic Truck Engine Mechanic Truck Engine Technician Truck Garage Mechanic Truck Mechanic Truck Motor Mechanic Truck Overhauler Truck Service Advisor Truck Trailer Mechanic Truck Transmission Mechanic Truck Tune-Up Mechanic