Chief Diagnostic Technician

Hamilton County Government • Cincinnati, OH

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Diagnostic Technician serves as HCEO’s senior technical diagnostic resource for the repair and maintenance of diesel, gasoline, electric and hybrid powered vehicles, heavy construction equipment, and small equipment. The position evaluates and resolves escalated technical problems, conducts root cause and recurring failure reviews, validates complex repairs, develops diagnostic standards and technical resources, and provides advanced technical training to mechanics. The position performs complex diagnostic and repair work associated with escalated technical matters, advanced repair demonstrations, and urgent operational failures.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience involving the diagnosis, repair, technical evaluation, or reliability of vehicles, heavy trucks, construction equipment, public works equipment, snow and ice equipment, or comparable fleet assets.
• Experience must include advanced diagnostic analysis across multiple vehicle or equipment systems; use of specialized diagnostic equipment, software, schematics, technical manuals, and manufacturer resources; and root cause analysis, recurring failure review, complex repair validation, or comparable technical evaluation.
• Demonstrable experience training, coaching, or providing advanced technical guidance to mechanics, technicians, or other employees performing vehicle or equipment repair work.
• Demonstrable ability to develop technical recommendations, explain complex diagnostic information, and document diagnostic findings and repair conclusions.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.
• Must possess or obtain and maintain an appropriate Commercial Driver’s License within the timeframe required by HCEO.
• Knowledge of Advanced diagnostic, repair, and reliability principles applicable to diesel, gasoline, electric and hybrid powered automotive, heavy truck, construction, public works, snow and ice, and specialized fleet equipment; mechanical, electrical, electronic, hydraulic, drivetrain, braking, emissions, aftertreatment, and related equipment systems; diagnostic software, testing equipment, manufacturer technical resources, root cause analysis, repair validation, preventive maintenance, warranty processes, technical training methods, safety practices, and applicable policies and procedures.
• Skill in Developing and executing advanced diagnostic strategies; using specialized diagnostic tools, software, testing equipment, schematics, technical manuals, service information, and manufacturer resources; analyzing repair histories and failure data; identifying root causes; validating complex repairs; performing complex diagnostic and repair work; developing technical standards and training resources; instructing mechanics; and documenting and communicating technical findings and recommendations.
• Ability to Work independently and exercise sound technical judgment; define problems, evaluate information, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; distinguish symptoms from underlying causes; develop and communicate technically sound recommendations; explain complex information clearly; develop mechanic technical capability; recognize and address safety concerns; manage multiple escalated assignments; maintain accurate records; communicate effectively; and establish effective working relationships with managers, supervisors, mechanics, manufacturers, vendors, suppliers, outside repair providers, and other employees.

Nice To Haves

• Automotive Service Excellence, manufacturer, heavy truck, diesel, hydraulic systems, emergency vehicle technician, or another relevant technical certification is preferred.
• Master level or comparable advanced certification is also preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience may be considered if it demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates complex, recurring, unresolved, unusual, safety related, high cost, or operationally critical vehicle and equipment problems escalated by fleet management.
• Reviews repair history, prior diagnostic findings, fault information, test results, and other relevant technical data to develop and carry out an appropriate diagnostic strategy.
• Performs advanced diagnostic testing across mechanical, electrical, electronic, hydraulic, emissions, drivetrain, and specialized equipment systems using manufacturer software, testing equipment, schematics, service information, and related technical resources.
• Performs complex repairs, calibration, programming, adjustment, component replacement, or system testing necessary to resolve or validate an escalated technical matter or demonstrate an advanced repair procedure.
• Determines when manufacturer consultation, dealer or vendor assistance, outside repair, warranty review, or additional technical testing is warranted.
• Provides field diagnostic or emergency technical assistance for critical equipment failures, service interruptions, or safety concerns.
• Develops and provides advanced technical training on diagnostic methods, specialized equipment systems, diagnostic tools and software, complex repair procedures, repair validation, and safe work practices.
• Demonstrates advanced diagnostic and repair procedures and develops practical exercises, technical demonstrations, troubleshooting guides, and related instructional resources.
• Assists with the technical onboarding and continued development of mechanics and identifies training needs based on repair trends, new equipment, changing technology, quality concerns, and observed skill gaps.
• Provides technical guidance during complex repair assignments by reviewing findings, explaining diagnostic reasoning, recommending repair methods, and demonstrating proper procedures.
• Coordinates training activities based on operational needs, employee availability, and technical development priorities established by fleet management.
• Works collaboratively with the Fleet Manager to evaluate and provide training opportunities for the mechanic staff that will further their professional development.
• Conducts root cause analysis of difficult, recurring, premature, unusual, high cost, or unresolved vehicle and equipment failures.
• Analyzes repair history, work orders, component failures, operating conditions, manufacturer guidance, telematics, warranty information, and other relevant data to distinguish symptoms from underlying causes and identify recurring patterns.
• Identifies equipment reliability concerns involving components, maintenance practices, operating conditions, parts quality or compatibility, vendor repairs, software or calibration, equipment use, or design limitations.
• Provides technical recommendations to the Fleet Manager regarding repair strategy, equipment condition, recurring failures, repair versus replacement considerations, warranties, training priorities, diagnostic resources, and actions to improve fleet reliability.
• Reviews and validates complex repairs involving escalated, recurring, safety related, high cost, or previously unresolved equipment problems and determines whether additional testing, inspection, adjustment, documentation, or follow up is required.
• Develops and maintains diagnostic procedures, repair validation practices, technical bulletins, reference materials, repair standards, and documentation expectations.
• Reviews diagnostic and repair practices to identify opportunities to improve accuracy, consistency, turnaround time, parts utilization, fleet readiness, and equipment reliability.
• Recommends improvements to diagnostic workflows, technical procedures, repair practices, inspection methods, and maintenance processes and communicates findings to fleet management.
• Coordinates with manufacturers, dealers, vendors, parts suppliers, and outside repair providers to obtain technical information, evaluate complex failures, review repair recommendations, verify warranty coverage, and identify repair alternatives.
• Reviews and interprets manufacturer specifications, service bulletins, repair procedures, diagnostic reports, schematics, technical drawings, software guidance, and equipment manuals.
• Evaluates or recommends diagnostic tools, repair equipment, software, technical information, manufacturer resources, and training materials needed to maintain advanced diagnostic capability.
• Provides technical consultation regarding equipment specifications, component compatibility, specialized parts, proposed modifications, warranties, and repair alternatives, and coordinates technical specifications with the Mechanic Stores Clerk within assigned authority.
• Documents diagnostic findings, root cause determinations, repair strategies, validation results, technical recommendations, training, recurring failure trends, warranty or vendor concerns, and required follow up.
• Prepares technical summaries, reports, reference materials, training records, and recommendations and maintains current knowledge of fleet equipment technology, diagnostic systems, manufacturer information, and repair practices.
• Complies with applicable safety requirements, maintenance standards, policies, work rules, and regulated work practices and safely uses and maintains assigned vehicles, tools, diagnostic equipment, shop equipment, and personal protective equipment.
• Performs other related duties consistent with the nature and level of the position.

Benefits

• Highly Competitive Employee Benefits Package
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Immediately Begin Accruing Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Earned Personal Days
• Paid Parental Leave
• Ohio Public Employee Retirement System which includes 14% Employer Contribution AND a defined benefit option.
• Highly Competitive and Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, HRA, Dental, Vision, Employer-Paid Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility, Free On-Site Parking, Wellness Incentives, robust Employee Assistance Program, access to Free Medical and Rx through Marathon Health, plus expansive Behavioral and Mental Health Resources, and More!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED