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What is a diesel engineer and how to become one
If you've got an affinity for heavy machinery, working as a diesel engineer could be the career for you. As a diesel engineer, you'll serve as a top-mind on the inner-workings of powerful equipment geared by compression-ignition engines.
While diesel mechanics are more often than not tasked with the maintenance and repair of diesel-powered machinery, diesel engineers may take on mechanical tasks and be put to work in design or advisory capacities.
The duties of a diesel engineer can include inspecting complex diesel systems to ensure their proper operation and testing and researching systems to improve fuel efficiency. A diesel engineer might lead a team of diesel mechanics or work in an individual role running engine diagnostics tests and performing repairs.
It's possible to become a diesel engineer after finishing a trade or technical school program. However, many employers prefer candidates with some form of engineering or related degree. Your expertise in diesel systems can you an average annual salary of around $75,000.
What general advice would you give to a diesel engineer?
Andrea Welker Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Villanova University
Avg. Salary $100,487
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 2%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.11%
Asian 11.58%
Black or African American 3.37%
Hispanic or Latino 9.20%
Unknown 4.59%
White 71.15%
Genderfemale 10.32%
male 89.68%
Age - 39American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 39Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Key steps to become a diesel engineer
Explore diesel engineer education requirements
Start to develop specific diesel engineer skills
Skills Percentages MATLAB 45.08% Data Acquisition 28.53% Inca 9.47% EPA 5.56% Engine Room 3.19% Complete relevant diesel engineer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New diesel engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a diesel engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real diesel engineer resumes.Research diesel engineer duties and responsibilities
- Manage Jenkins security by providing specific access to authorize developers/testers using project base matrix authorization strategy.
- Verify test cell calibrations through INCA, along with calibrating vehicle specific calibrations in vehicles.
- Work with Oberlin vendor on development of new PLC programming and layout of PLC control cabinet.
- Perform PMS on necessary engineering components monthly.
Apply for diesel engineer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a diesel engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first diesel engineer job
Are you a diesel engineer?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average diesel engineer salary
The average diesel engineer salary in the United States is $100,487 per year or $48 per hour. Diesel engineer salaries range between $69,000 and $146,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do diesel engineers rate their job?
Diesel engineer reviews
very little
troubleshooting shouting and redesigning to solve problems troubleshooting sensors and heaters
nothing so far
Updated January 8, 2025
