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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Vehicle Maintenance Technician

💰 $ - $

AutomotiveFleet MaintenanceMechanical

🎯 Role Definition

We are seeking a skilled Vehicle Maintenance Technician (also known as Fleet Mechanic / Automotive Technician) responsible for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining light- and/or heavy-duty vehicles to ensure safe, reliable fleet operations. The ideal candidate performs preventive maintenance (PM), uses computerized diagnostic tools for engine, transmission, braking and electrical systems, complies with DOT and OSHA standards, documents work in the CMMS, and collaborates with parts, operations and safety teams to minimize downtime and lifecycle costs.

Primary keywords: vehicle maintenance technician, fleet mechanic, diesel technician, preventive maintenance, vehicle diagnostics, ASE certified.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Automotive Technician (entry-level) with 0–2 years experience
  • Diesel Mechanic Apprentice or Technician school graduate
  • Military Vehicle Mechanic transitioning to civilian fleet maintenance

Advancement To:

  • Lead Vehicle Maintenance Technician / Senior Mechanic
  • Shop Supervisor or Foreman
  • Fleet Maintenance Manager or Maintenance Operations Manager
  • Service Manager or Technical Trainer / Field Service Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Parts Specialist / Inventory Controller
  • Mobile Service Technician / Roadside Technician
  • Field Service Technician or Equipment Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform comprehensive preventive maintenance inspections (PMs) on cars, vans, light trucks, and/or heavy-duty vehicles according to manufacturer and fleet schedules, documenting all findings and corrective actions in the maintenance management system (CMMS) to maximize vehicle uptime and lifespan.
  • Diagnose engine, transmission, braking, steering, suspension, HVAC and electrical system faults using computerized diagnostic equipment (OBD-II, JPRO, Tech2, IDS or manufacturer-specific tools) and perform accurate root-cause analysis to determine repair scope and parts required.
  • Perform heavy- and light-duty diesel engine repairs including cylinder head work, fuel injection system service, turbocharger inspection and replacement, fuel system calibration, and emission control diagnostics to ensure compliance with EPA and local emission standards.
  • Repair and rebuild transmissions (manual and automatic), clutches, torque converters and driveline components, including bench work and in-vehicle adjustments, following manufacturer service procedures and torque specifications.
  • Diagnose and repair electrical systems, including 12V/24V systems, alternators, starters, battery testing/charging, wiring harness repairs, CAN bus network troubleshooting, and installing/updating vehicle telematics or ECM software.
  • Inspect, diagnose and repair air brake systems, hydraulic brakes, anti-lock braking (ABS) components, air dryers and governors, performing DOT pre-trip and post-trip inspections to maintain regulatory compliance and safe operation.
  • Service and repair suspension and steering systems (ball joints, tie rods, control arms, bushings, shocks/struts, air suspensions), perform wheel alignment checks, and correct torque and preload settings to maintain handling and tire life.
  • Perform scheduled and non-scheduled drivetrain and axle maintenance: differential service, final drive inspections, gearing adjustments, and U-joint replacements to prevent catastrophic failures.
  • Conduct preventative and corrective HVAC service on vehicle heating and air conditioning systems, including compressor replacement, refrigerant recovery and recharge (EPA 608 certified practices), and blower motor/duct repairs to maintain driver comfort and safety.
  • Troubleshoot and repair hydraulic systems and attachments (hoists, loaders, aerial lifts), including pump replacement, hose and seal repairs, pressure testing, and restoring safe operation of specialty equipment.
  • Fabricate and install custom brackets, mounts, exhaust systems and small metal repairs using MIG/TIG welding, cutting and bending tools while maintaining proper structural integrity and corrosion protection.
  • Maintain detailed, accurate work orders and service records in the CMMS or ERP system, including labor hours, parts used, diagnostic codes, warranty data and recommended follow-up actions to support audits and fleet analytics.
  • Order and manage parts and consumables, check incoming shipments for correctness, recommend alternative parts when required, and collaborate with parts administrators to control inventory levels and reduce lead times.
  • Test drive vehicles after service to validate repairs, check for drivability issues, noise or vibration complaints, and confirm that all faults have been repaired to the technician and customer satisfaction standards.
  • Execute safety recalls, technical service bulletins (TSBs) and manufacturer campaign repairs in accordance with published procedures and document completion for warranty and compliance purposes.
  • Perform Federal and State DOT inspections, complete CMV inspection reports, and ensure vehicles meet legal requirements for operation, addressing out-of-service items immediately and coordinating with operations for vehicle replacements.
  • Use predictive maintenance and telematics data to prioritize repair schedules, reduce downtime and recommend refurbishments or retirements based on life-cycle cost analysis and reliability metrics.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives such as 5S, lean maintenance practices, root-cause failure analysis, and kaizen events to improve shop productivity, reduce waste and increase first-time-fix rates.
  • Ensure shop safety protocols are followed: maintain PPE, handle hazardous materials per MSDS guidelines, dispose of oils and refrigerants in compliance with environmental regulations, and perform regular tool and lift inspections.
  • Mentor and train junior technicians and apprentices, provide hands-on technical coaching, and contribute to skills-building programs to elevate shop capability and knowledge transfer.
  • Support roadside assistance and emergency repair assignments as needed, utilizing mobile tools and diagnostic devices to get vehicles back into service or safely towed.
  • Assist with shop equipment maintenance (lifts, compressors, diagnostic benches) and coordinate periodic calibration or service to keep tools in good working order and ensure accurate diagnostics.
  • Evaluate and recommend component upgrades, remanufactured parts, or aftermarket solutions to improve vehicle reliability, fuel efficiency or lower operating costs while documenting cost-benefit analysis for management review.
  • Coordinate with warranty administrators to file claims, supply required documentation and follow up for resolution to recover eligible repair costs from manufacturers.
  • Maintain professional communication with drivers, fleet managers and dispatch to explain repair needs, timing estimates and safety implications, ensuring transparency and minimizing operational disruption.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in developing maintenance schedules, KPIs and cost-tracking reports that inform fleet replacement and capital budgeting decisions.
  • Participate in pre-purchase inspections and vendor evaluations for used vehicles and equipment to support procurement decisions.
  • Support shop-level inventory reconciliation and cycle counts; flag slow-moving parts and recommend adjustments to par levels.
  • Collaborate with safety and compliance teams to develop driver training materials on basic pre-trip inspection items and preventive care to reduce avoidable defects.
  • Contribute to technical documentation: write step-by-step repair procedures, produce diagnostic guides for recurring faults and update SOPs for new equipment and models.
  • Help pilot new diagnostic tools, telematics integrations, or process improvements and provide technician feedback for rollouts.
  • Represent the maintenance team in cross-functional meetings to coordinate vehicle availability, special projects, and seasonal workload planning.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient vehicle diagnostics using OBD-II and manufacturer-specific diagnostic tools (e.g., Cummins INSITE, DT Spare Parts, Snap-on, Autel).
  • Diesel engine repair and maintenance (fuel injection systems, turbochargers, exhaust aftertreatment/DEF systems).
  • Strong understanding and practical experience with brake systems (air brakes, ABS), steering and suspension repair.
  • Transmission and drivetrain repair experience (automatic and manual), including clutch systems and torque converter service.
  • Electrical troubleshooting for 12V/24V systems, CAN bus networks, sensors and actuator replacement.
  • HVAC system servicing, refrigerant handling knowledge (EPA regulations), and comfort system repairs.
  • Welding and fabrication skills (MIG/TIG or stick), metal cutting and fitment for custom repairs.
  • Experience with CMMS/ERP systems for work orders, parts tracking, and maintenance scheduling (e.g., Fleetio, TMT Fleet, ManagerPlus).
  • Familiarity with DOT inspection criteria, vehicle compliance regulations and completing required inspection documentation.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings and service bulletins.
  • Preventive maintenance planning and execution, understanding of PM checklists and lifecycle maintenance best practices.
  • Experience with telematics, predictive maintenance data, and using analytics to prioritize repairs.

Soft Skills

  • Strong troubleshooting mindset and methodical problem-solving approach.
  • Clear verbal and written communication with drivers, supervisors and parts teams.
  • Attention to detail and thorough documentation habits.
  • Time management and prioritization under competing urgent repair demands.
  • Team player who mentors junior staff and contributes to a positive shop culture.
  • Customer-service orientation when interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Safety-first mindset with consistent adherence to PPE and shop safety rules.
  • Adaptability to new tools, diagnostic methods and changing fleet technologies.
  • Dependability and strong work ethic — punctuality and consistent attendance.
  • Continuous learner attitude: seeks certifications, attends technical trainings and reads service updates.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED required; vocational technical school diploma or certificate in Automotive or Diesel Technology preferred.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree in Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, or Mechanical Technology.
  • Completion of an accredited vocational/technical program or apprenticeship.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Automotive Technology
  • Diesel Technology / Heavy Vehicle Maintenance
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Fleet Management / Fleet Maintenance
  • Industrial Maintenance / Applied Mechanics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–7 years of hands-on vehicle maintenance experience (light- to heavy-duty, depending on role).

Preferred: 3+ years of fleet or commercial vehicle maintenance with demonstrated experience in diagnostics, DOT inspections, and use of computerized diagnostic tools. ASE certifications (A1–A8 or relevant diesel certifications), manufacturer certifications, CDL (Class B or higher) and prior shop leadership or mentoring responsibility are strongly preferred.

Keywords: vehicle maintenance technician, fleet mechanic, diesel technician, preventive maintenance, diagnostics, ASE certified, DOT inspection, CMMS, heavy-duty repair, vehicle electrical systems.

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