Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Journeyman Automotive Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The Journeyman Automotive Technician performs skilled diagnostic, repair and maintenance work on a range of light- and medium-duty vehicles. Working with minimal supervision, this role uses diagnostic scanners, service manuals and OEM procedures to diagnose engine, transmission, drivetrain, brake, suspension, electrical and HVAC systems, complete preventive maintenance, and deliver high-quality repairs with attention to safety, efficiency, and customer communication. Ideal candidates are ASE-certified or equivalent, experienced with OBD-II diagnostics, and comfortable working in a fast-paced dealership, independent shop, or fleet maintenance environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Entry-Level Automotive Technician / Lube Technician
Automotive Service Apprentice / Technician Trainee
Military Vehicle Mechanic or Vocational School Graduate

Advancement To:

Senior Automotive Technician / Master Technician
Shop Lead / Foreman
Service Manager or Technical Trainer
Mobile Repair Technician or Fleet Maintenance Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Diagnostic/Advanced Electronics Technician
Transmission Specialist
HVAC/Climate Control Specialist
Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Diagnose complex drivability issues using OBD-II scan tools, oscilloscope and live-data analysis; interpret trouble codes and sensor patterns to isolate engine, ignition, fuel delivery, and emission control faults and produce accurate repair plans.
Perform comprehensive engine repairs and overhauls including valve adjustments, timing chain/belt replacement, head gasket repair, precision torque specifications, and leak diagnosis and repair.
Inspect, diagnose and repair automatic and manual transmissions and transaxles; perform fluid exchanges, clutch replacement, rebuilds or coordinate transmission shop services per OEM procedures.
Maintain full competency with electrical systems: trace wiring harnesses, repair shorts/opens, replace/diagnose alternators, starters, batteries, and repair CAN/LIN bus and module communication issues.
Service and repair ABS, traction control and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS): perform sensor calibration, wheel speed sensor replacement, brake control module diagnostics and ensure system readiness.
Conduct brake system diagnostics and repairs: replace pads/rotors, calipers, wheel bearings, master cylinder and lines, and perform hydraulic pressure tests, bleeding and ABS component testing.
Diagnose and repair steering and suspension systems: replace shocks/struts, control arms, tie rods, ball joints, alignments liaison with alignment rack technicians and perform road tests to validate repairs.
Perform scheduled preventive maintenance services: oil and filter changes, multi-point inspections, tire rotations, fluid top-offs, belts and hose checks, and write clear inspection notes and recommendations.
Use manufacturer service information and technical service bulletins (TSBs) to follow OEM repair steps and update customers on warranty and recall service requirements.
Troubleshoot HVAC systems including A/C refrigerant charge and leak testing, compressor replacement, heater core and blower motor repair, and compliance with EPA 609 refrigerant handling regulations.
Execute diagnostics and repairs on hybrid and electric vehicle systems where applicable: high-voltage safety procedures, inverter and battery pack diagnostics, and low-voltage accessory troubleshooting.
Perform emission system service and repairs: catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP system leak detection and repair, and ensure vehicles meet local inspection standards.
Complete precise cosmetic and body-related mechanical repairs such as hood/door alignment, latch and hinge replacement, and reinstall mechanical components after collision repair.
Prepare detailed repair orders, document tests performed and parts used, estimate labor and materials, and communicate repair needs and costs clearly to service advisors or customers.
Conduct road tests and post-repair verification procedures to confirm that repairs eliminate customer complaints and that vehicles operate within OEM tolerances.
Operate shop equipment safely and efficiently, including lifts, alignment racks, brake lathes, diagnostic benches, welders and pneumatic tools while adhering to OSHA and company safety standards.
Maintain accurate parts usage records and order replacement parts; validate part fitment and return policies and manage inventory pull requests with parts department.
Mentor and train junior technicians and apprentices on best practices for diagnostics, tooling, and safety procedures and help build team technical capability.
Participate in daily service planning and shop workflow coordination: prioritize work, update job statuses, and provide realistic completion times for front-of-house staff and customers.
Apply warranty claim processes and documentation for OEM-covered repairs; ensure proper authorization, write clear failure descriptions and attach diagnostic evidence for claim approval.
Support fleet and commercial vehicle maintenance programs by performing multi-vehicle inspection protocols, preventive service schedules, and record-keeping for DOT compliance where required.
Maintain professional presentation of the work area and vehicle cleanliness: perform post-service wash/inspection, protect customer interiors, and label/remove replaced parts per shop policy.

Secondary Functions

Assist with specialty tasks such as engine swaps, component rebuilds, and fabrication projects under senior technician supervision.
Support continuous improvement initiatives by recommending tooling upgrades, diagnostic software or shop layout changes to improve throughput and first-time fix rate.
Provide backup support for parts intake and minor customer interaction during peak service hours or busy workflow periods.
Participate in periodic safety audits, housekeeping rounds and PPE compliance checks to maintain a code-compliant shop environment.
Help coordinate loaner vehicle logistics, post-repair delivery walk-throughs, and explain maintenance recommendations to customers on behalf of the service team.
Contribute to company training materials, SOPs, and knowledge base articles documenting commonly encountered failures and diagnostic tips.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

ASE-certified technician credentials (A1–A8 or A6/A9), or equivalent manufacturer certifications (Toyota, Ford, GM, etc.).
Proficient with OBD-II diagnostic scanners, J2534 pass-thru programmers, oscilloscope and digital multimeter (DMM) for advanced electrical troubleshooting.
Strong engine management, fuel injection, ignition system and emission control system diagnostic skills.
Transmission and driveline repair knowledge including fluid servicing, clutch systems and electronic shift controls.
Experience with ABS, ADAS calibrations, sensor replacement and module communication troubleshooting.
HVAC diagnosis and EPA 609 refrigerant handling and recharge procedures.
Ability to read and interpret OEM service manuals, wiring diagrams, torque charts and technical service bulletins (TSBs).
Familiarity with computerized shop management systems (CMS) and digital repair order documentation.
Competent with alignment principles, suspension geometry, and steering system diagnostics.
Skilled in performing DOT vehicle inspections and maintaining fleet service records (where applicable).
Basic fabrication and welding skills for mounting and bracket repair.
Safe handling and isolation procedures for high-voltage hybrid/electric vehicle components (if applicable).

Soft Skills

Clear customer-facing communication: explain technical issues, recommended repairs and costs in plain language.
Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking with attention to root-cause diagnosis.
Time management and job prioritization in a high-volume service environment.
Team collaboration: ability to coordinate with parts, service advisors and other technicians.
Adaptability and continuous learning mindset to keep up with evolving vehicle technologies.
Professionalism and integrity when handling customer vehicles and sensitive information.
Detail-oriented documentation skills for repair orders, warranty claims and safety logs.
Patience and mentorship capability to train junior staff or apprentices.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED

Preferred Education:

Technical certificate or diploma in Automotive Technology
Associate Degree in Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, or related mechanical program
Manufacturer-specific training courses (e.g., Toyota T-TEN, Ford FACT, GM ASEP)

Relevant Fields of Study:

Automotive Technology / Mechanics
Diesel & Heavy Vehicle Technology (for mixed fleet roles)
Automotive Electronics / Electrical Systems
Mechanical Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3–7 years of hands-on automotive repair experience in dealership, independent shop or fleet environment.

Preferred: 5+ years with documented experience in diagnostics, ASE certification(s), manufacturer training, and proven first-time-fix performance on complex electrical and drivability concerns.