Diesel Generator Technician Guide

Key Points

- Role and Importance of Diesel Generator Technicians: Diesel generator technicians are crucial for the installation, service and maintenance of diesel engines and systems, ensuring their efficient operation across various applications. Their work is vital in the transportation industry and beyond, where diesel power is a reliable source of energy.

- Training and Skills Required: Aspiring diesel generator technicians need proper training and hands-on experience with diesel engines and related equipment. Traits such as enjoying hands-on work and problem-solving are beneficial for those interested in this career path. Technical schools like Universal Technical Institute (UTI) offer specialized programs, such as UTI’s Cummins Power Generation program, to prepare students for this field.^1,46

- Daily Responsibilities and Duties: A diesel generator technician's responsibilities can include installing new systems, running load bank tests, performing voltage changes, rewiring, preparing generators for shipment, performing preventative maintenance and electrical troubleshooting, among other tasks. Safety protocols, especially regarding electrical work, are paramount in this role.

- Educational Pathways: To become a diesel generator technician, individuals can start by attending a trade school to gain foundational knowledge in diesel technology. UTI’s Diesel Technician program and the Cummins Power Generation advanced training program at the Avondale campus are examples of educational programs that equip students with industry-relevant skills and qualifications.

- Career Outlook and Salary: While specific salary data for diesel generator technicians is not provided, the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists, which can serve as a reference, was $58,970 in May 2023.²⁹ The demand for skilled technicians in this field is influenced by factors such as experience, employer, and geographic location.

What is a Diesel Generator Technician?

Diesel engines are important for providing power and are used in a variety of systems and equipment. A diesel generator technician, also known as a diesel generator mechanic, is someone responsible for servicing and installing these types of systems so they can operate efficiently.

Those interested in the transportation industry might consider a job as a diesel generator technician because diesel power is reliable and used for so many things. Diesel generator technicians are helping to provide a necessary service for a range of applications.

It’s important for those interested in pursuing a career as a diesel generator technician to get proper training and experience working on these types of engines and equipment. Those who enjoy working with their hands and problem solving are likely a great fit for the role.

If working as a diesel generator technician sounds like it would interest you, keep reading to learn more about the role and the steps you might take to get there, including enrolling in a generator technician school like the Cummins Power Generation specialized training program offered at Universal Technical Institute (UTI)!^1,46

Diesel Generator Technician Job Description

Knowing a generator service technician’s responsibilities and duties is helpful for those thinking about pursuing it as a career. As diesel engines provide power for a range of applications, a technician is going to help ensure that they are running properly.

Diesel generator mechanics need to be able to perform a variety of duties related to diesel engines and related systems. Some of their daily tasks might include:

• Installing new equipment and systems.
• Running load bank tests on generators.
• Performing voltage changes.
• Rewiring and installing control panels and voltage regulators.
• Preparing generators for shipment.
• Performing preventative maintenance, including checking for worn parts and leaks.
• Maintaining records of repairs and maintenance performed on equipment.
• Calibrating and inspecting equipment.
• Transporting equipment and diesel mechanic tools from various work sites.

Electrical Troubleshooting and Safety

A diesel generator technician needs to take into account electrical safety and electrical troubleshooting protocols. Technicians need to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working on these systems.

Different levels of PPE exist depending on the flash and shock hazard boundaries of the job. Before working, inspections of the tools, cables and equipment take place to ensure things do not look incomplete, damaged or worn.

Electrical equipment, including conductors and circuit parts, is put into a safe working condition before being worked on. This means de-energizing these parts. Energized work is only permitted when it’s determined a greater risk exists otherwise or equipment design prevents de-energized work.

Generator technicians perform job safety plans before starting work, which includes describing the job, identifying hazards, performing shock and arc risk assessments and listing work procedures. Doing these things helps ensure everyone is safe while working.

Diesel Generator Technician Training

Becoming a diesel generator technician is something that requires training and education. It’s crucial that those pursuing this career have a knowledge of how diesel systems work. Hands-on training experience is extremely important so things are done right in the field.

Attending a trade school like UTI can help prepare students for a career as a generator mechanic.1 The Diesel Technology program is designed to build a foundation of knowledge that can be applied to jobs in the industry moving forward.

Having a core foundation of knowledge and hands-on training experience from a trade school can help set you up for success when pursuing a career as a diesel generator technician.¹⁸ Some schools, like UTI, offer additional Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training (MSAT) programs that can further your education and give you a head start before you head into the job market.

When it comes to a focus on generator technician training, the Cummins Power Generation MSAT is a specialized 12-week program offered at UTI’s Avondale campus in Arizona.^9,46 The program focuses on Cummins systems, allowing students to work on their world-class equipment.

Upon completion of the program, students will be classified as CMI Level 1 Technicians.

Those who have completed the core curriculum program from UTI or other programs certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation can apply. While the training program is highly selective, it can help give those who are selected a head start working on some of the best equipment available.¹¹

Whether you choose to learn the basics and attend trade school for diesel technology or take things a step further with more specific training down the line, UTI can help prepare you to pursue a career as a diesel technician or diesel generator mechanic.

Diesel Generator Mechanic Schools

Those interested in a career as a diesel generator mechanic should consider attending a technical training school to gain the skills and experience necessary for the field.

UTI is a great place to start your diesel training. Our 45-week Diesel Technician program will cover the ins and outs of diesel technology and provides training in hands-on labs that mirror the industry.^7,18 This foundation of knowledge can be built upon once you get into the field and could eventually lead to a career as a diesel generator mechanic.¹

For those who want to extend their training, our Avondale campus offers a 12-week Cummins Power Generation MSAT program.^9,46 Read more below:

Cummins Generator Technician

Students enrolled in the Cummins Power Generation MSAT program will gain extended knowledge of different electrical generators, power generation systems, equipment and controls relevant to the industry.

These systems play a big role in commercial and personal spaces across the country. Some of the key areas of focus in the Cummins program include:

• Basic Concepts of Power Generation: Students learn basic operation procedures for generators, along with the types of generators and their features. Electrical safety is also emphasized.
• Electronics: Students learn how to operate different electrical components, circuits and systems using the Power and Industrial Electronics Learning system.
• Industry-relevant skills: From preventative maintenance to skills focused on operating, installing and diagnosing motors and performance alternators, students learn the fundamentals they need.

Graduates of the program are qualified as CMI Level 1 Technicians, earning qualifications that allow them to perform preventative maintenance on Cummins Power Generation equipment:

• 2013-21Q P0/P1 Generator Frame
• 2013-22Q UC Generator Frame
• 2013-23Q HC Generator Frame
• 2014-39Q Alternator Repair All Frames
• 2008-14Q OTEC Qualification
• 2012-10Q GTEC Qualification
• 2008-08Q PC1.X/1302 Qualification

This specialized program was developed in relationship with the Cummins brand, ensuring students learn the same way as techs in the industry.

Diesel Generator Mechanic FAQs

What are the main responsibilities of a generator technician?

A generator technician’s daily responsibilities may vary depending on their employer. Some main ones may include installing new systems and equipment, preparing generators for shipment, calibrating equipment, transporting equipment and running load bank tests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to become a diesel generator mechanic?

To work in the diesel industry as a generator technician, having a background of knowledge and hands-on experience is important. Training at a trade school like Universal Technical Institute can help you get experience that matches the training techs receive in the field.

Other skills that are important to have as a diesel generator technician include attention to detail, a desire to work hands-on and willingness to learn!

What are the typical salary ranges for generator technicians?

While the salary for generator technicians specifically can vary, referencing the median salary for diesel engine specialists can give you a good baseline. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide information specific to diesel generator technicians, but there are numbers available for bus and truck mechanics, along with diesel engine specialists.

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was $58,970 in May 2023.²⁹ This means half of diesel technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

Take the Next Steps toward Becoming a Diesel Generator Technician

If you think pursuing a career as a diesel generator technician is right for you, training at a trade school could be a great place to start. Investing time in a Diesel Technology program like the one offered at UTI can allow you to get hands-on training that can translate to the job market when you graduate.^1,18

You have the option to add to your experience with a range of Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training programs. These can help you narrow your focus to specific kinds of equipment, including Daimler Truck North America, Cummins and Peterbilt.¹⁵

Find out more about how to train for a career as a diesel generator technician by visiting our website to request more information about UTI’s diesel programs. Ready to get started? Start the application process today!