Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Road Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The Road Technician is a highly skilled, self-reliant professional who serves as the front line of support for commercial and industrial fleets. Operating from a mobile service vehicle, this role involves traveling to customer locations or responding to roadside assistance calls to perform expert-level diagnostics, repairs, and preventative maintenance. This position is critical for minimizing client downtime and ensuring their assets remain safe, compliant, and fully operational. It demands a unique blend of deep technical expertise, independent problem-solving abilities, and exceptional customer-facing skills.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Shop-based Diesel Technician or Mechanic
Apprentice Technician
Lube & Tire Technician

Advancement To:

Lead Road Technician or Field Service Supervisor
Service Manager or Assistant Service Manager
Field Service Trainer

Lateral Moves:

Shop Foreman
Fleet Maintenance Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Traveling to customer sites and roadside locations to perform comprehensive diagnostics on a diverse range of medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including trucks, trailers, and other commercial equipment.
Independently diagnosing and repairing complex system failures, including but not limited to engines, transmissions, after-treatment systems (DPF/SCR), electrical circuits, and hydraulic systems.
Conducting scheduled and unscheduled preventative maintenance (PM) services, ensuring all tasks are completed thoroughly according to manufacturer specifications and fleet requirements.
Utilizing advanced electronic diagnostic software and tools (e.g., Cummins Insite, Detroit DDDL, PACCAR Davie) to accurately troubleshoot fault codes and interpret live data from various electronic control modules.
Performing federal DOT and state-mandated safety inspections, identifying and documenting any compliance issues, and completing necessary repairs to ensure vehicle roadworthiness.
Responding promptly and safely to emergency roadside breakdown calls, assessing the situation, and executing repairs efficiently to get the vehicle back in service as quickly as possible.
Effectively communicating with dispatchers, service managers, and customers to provide clear updates on job status, estimated time of completion, and detailed explanations of repairs performed.
Managing and maintaining a company-provided service vehicle, including responsibility for a clean and organized workspace, accurate tool inventory, and a strategic stock of common parts.
Completing all service documentation accurately and in a timely manner, including detailed work orders, inspection forms, parts requisitions, and time tracking using mobile devices or laptops.
Repairing and replacing major vehicle components in a field environment, which may include starters, alternators, water pumps, brake chambers, and air compressors.
Troubleshooting and repairing complex vehicle electrical systems, from basic lighting and wiring issues to intricate multiplexing and CAN bus communication problems.
Performing skilled repairs on air and hydraulic brake systems, including diagnostics, component replacement, and adjustments to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Adhering to all company, industry, and governmental safety protocols, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safe work practices in various field environments.
Providing exceptional customer service by building rapport with clients, professionally addressing their concerns, and offering recommendations for future maintenance or repairs.
Executing tire service tasks, which can include repairing punctures, mounting and dismounting tires, and addressing tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) issues.
Performing minor welding and fabrication tasks as necessary to complete structural or component repairs in the field.
Managing time and prioritizing multiple service calls effectively to maximize efficiency and meet customer service level agreements.
Keeping current with emerging vehicle technologies, new repair procedures, and industry trends through participation in company-provided and self-directed training.
Conducting thorough post-repair quality checks and road tests (when applicable) to verify that the initial issue has been resolved and the vehicle is operating correctly.
Handling hazardous materials and waste products (like oil, coolant, and batteries) in accordance with environmental and safety regulations.
Assisting in the training and mentoring of junior technicians, sharing knowledge and best practices to help develop the team's overall skill level.

Secondary Functions

Maintain accurate inventory counts of parts and supplies on the service truck, and process orders for replenishment.
Provide basic operational training to customers on newly repaired systems or components when necessary.
Generate reports on common failures, service time, and parts usage to help inform fleet maintenance strategy.
Collaborate with the parts department to ensure timely availability of non-stocked components for scheduled jobs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced proficiency in diagnosing and repairing diesel and gasoline engines, including fuel systems, cooling systems, and engine electronics.
Strong expertise in troubleshooting and repairing complex electrical and electronic systems, including wiring, sensors, ECUs, and multiplexing/CAN bus networks.
In-depth knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, particularly air brake systems, with the ability to diagnose leaks and replace components like compressors and valves.
Competency in using a wide range of OEM and aftermarket diagnostic software (e.g., Insite, DDDL, ServiceMaxx) on a laptop or tablet.
Certification and practical skill in diagnosing and repairing vehicle HVAC systems, including possession of a 609 certification.
Thorough understanding of modern diesel after-treatment systems (DPF, SCR, EGR) and the ability to perform diagnostics, forced regens, and component replacements.
Ability to perform DOT annual vehicle inspections and identify all points of inspection failure.
Proficiency in welding and fabrication (Stick/MIG) for minor to moderate frame and component repairs.
Knowledge of drivetrain systems, including manual/automated transmissions, clutches, driveshafts, and differentials.
Skill in performing tire services, including mounting, balancing, and repairing commercial vehicle tires.

Soft Skills

Strong Independent Problem-Solving: Ability to diagnose and resolve complex issues with minimal supervision in a field setting.
Excellent Communication: Capable of clearly explaining technical problems and solutions to customers, dispatch, and management.
Time Management & Prioritization: Adept at managing a schedule of service calls, prioritizing urgent needs, and working efficiently.
Customer Service Focus: A professional and courteous demeanor with a commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction.
Self-Motivation & Discipline: A high degree of personal drive and the ability to stay on task and productive while working alone.
Adaptability: Flexibility to work in various weather conditions, on different types of equipment, and in challenging environments.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in performing repairs and completing paperwork to ensure accuracy and quality.
Safety Consciousness: A strong commitment to following all safety procedures to protect oneself, the customer, and the public.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree or a diploma from a technical/vocational school specializing in Diesel or Automotive Technology.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Diesel Power Technology
Heavy Equipment Maintenance
Automotive Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of hands-on experience as a diesel mechanic or heavy equipment technician.

Preferred: At least 2 years of direct experience in a field service or mobile technician role is highly desirable. Experience working on a specific type of equipment (e.g., Class 8 trucks, construction equipment, refuse vehicles) may be preferred depending on the employer. ASE certifications are often a significant plus.