There is a diverse range of mechanic jobs available that caters to various interests and expertise. Mechanics operate in different professional settings, such as repair shops, construction companies, and vehicle lots. Their responsibilities include examining vehicles, conducting diagnostic tests, performing mechanical and electrical repairs. We’ll explore various mechanic types and their job descriptions to help you understand the diverse career paths within this illustrious field.

Many industries use and hire mechanics to maintain and service their vehicles, meaning that there are several career fields for mechanics to pursue. Mechanics examine vehicles and carry out a variety of diagnostic tests to identify issues with their engines, bodies or internal systems and determine the appropriate resolution. Handling and repairing mechanical and electrical equipment is an important aspect of their responsibilities, regardless of their area of specialisation. Mechanics may use different tools depending on the machinery they work with and may rely on their extensive knowledge and understanding of vehicles’ systems and mechanisms. 

Depending on their area of interest, there are many fields with careers for mechanics as mentioned previously. Professionals can pursue careers working in aviation to repair aircraft, they may decide to work with heavy equipment in construction or farming, or they can choose to work exclusively with diesel engines. In addition to repair shops and car lots, mechanics can also work for government agencies, on aircraft hangars and for mining companies; the opportunities abound seem almost endless!

1. General automotive mechanic 

Automotive mechanics diagnose and repair issues in various vehicles, including cars, buses, and trucks. They possess the technical know-how of mechanical and electrical components, using computerised diagnostic tools and understanding evolving automotive technologies. This role requires extensive knowledge about the mechanical and electrical components of automobiles, including the brakes, steering systems, drive belts, transmissions, and engines. It may also require individuals to be familiar with various tools used during the repair process, including lathes, spanners/wrenches and computerised diagnostic programs. The job duties for these professionals may be subject to change as a result of the continuous technological developments within the automotive industry. 

The primary job duties of general automotive mechanics include: 

1. Using computerised diagnostic tools to examine mechanical issues and identifying how to address them. 

2. Understanding the appropriate tests for various parts to find potential malfunctions or issues. 

3. Disassembling and reassembling different components in order to access smaller parts of the vehicle. 

2. Brake and transmission technician 

Some automotive technicians specialise in issues related to brakes and transmissions systems. These technicians focus on brake and transmission systems, identifying malfunctions and performing repairs on gear trains, hydraulic pumps, and other transmission components. They may use specific alignment equipment or wheel-balancing machines. The typical job duties for these professionals are: 

1. Identifying malfunctions or operational errors using diagnostic tools. 

2. Examining and recognising issues in order to repair defective parts or substitute them with new ones. 

3. Working with gear trains, hydraulic pumps, coupling and other aspects of transmissions. 

4. Identifying malfunctions or operational errors using diagnostic tools. 

3. Auto body mechanics (Panel Beaters) and Painters 

Specialising in aesthetics, these professionals repair or replace damaged vehicle parts, including headlights and panels. They work closely with painters to restore the appearance of cars, buses, and trucks after accidents.. They’re responsible for deciding when they can repair a vehicle component or if they’re going to replace it altogether. They handle the aesthetics for cars so if your car’s shabby looking, well; you didn’t take it to the right personnel or it might be the case of a car’s body crossing the Rubicon, and there’s not much that can really be done.  

Nigerians are often swayed by the aesthetics of cars and it’s usually enough to turn them off from making a purchase, even if the vehicle’s engine is in top working condition. Auto body mechanics typically work with cars, buses and trucks; reviving them after they’ve been involved in accidents. They usually work closely with painters because after they are done with the repairs, the next process will be to spray the affected parts.  

While some professionals may be able to learn skills while they work, many employers may prefer if professionals attended a trade school or specialised centres to teach them the necessary skills prior to employment. Some of their primary responsibilities include: 

1. Performing major and minor repairs such as fixing dents, correcting paint scratches or performing larger structural improvements.

2. Executing full automotive paint jobs. 

4. Small engine mechanic 

These professionals service and restore engines that are smaller than those of standard automobiles, meaning that they may have detailed and complex tasks. Small engine mechanics can work on different kinds of machinery, including motorcycles, generators, lawn-mowers, boats and outdoor power equipment. In order to effectively complete their job duties, they may use tools such as pliers, screwdrivers and spanners/wrenches. They may also rely on computerised diagnostic tests to determine solutions to finite and complex engine issues. Their overall responsibilities are similar to those of general automotive mechanics albeit working with smaller-scale engines more often than not. Some of their duties include: 

1. Performing routine maintenance, including oil changes, fluid maintenance and tyre care. 

2. Communicating their findings to clients and deciding on the right actions to recommend. 

3. Testing electrical and mechanical systems to diagnose issues or malfunctions. 

4. Using hand tools to restore or improve the condition of various parts. 

5. Diesel mechanic 

Diesel mechanics specialise in vehicles with diesel engines, working on cars, trucks, generators, and heavy machinery. They handle routine maintenance, perform repairs, and are familiar with various transmissions, brake systems, and steering mechanisms. Diesel mechanics may maintain and restore public service vehicles, including mass transit buses, fire trucks and ambulances. They also have the opportunity to work on bulldozers, cranes and trucks used for building and construction projects. Certain power generators use diesel engines that require these professionals for routine maintenance and repairs.

Diesel mechanics can also work for municipalities, repair shops and large trucking companies. Some of their additional job duties may include: 

1. Performing standard maintenance such as lubricating equipment, aligning wheels and replacing batteries. 

2. Using tools such as jacks and hoists to raise trucks, buses and other kinds of heavy machinery. 

3. Test-driving vehicles to ensure system malfunctions don’t occur. 

4. Repairing generally worn-out or broken parts of various types of vehicles. 

6. Tyre mechanics (Vulcanisers) 

While other kinds of mechanics can contribute to tyre care and maintenance, there are also professionals who specialise in this role. Tyre mechanics routinely identify tyre issues and handle repairs and replacements on a large variety of vehicles, including installations, balancing, and inspections for inflation, abnormalities, or wear. Due to how they work with one specific aspect of automobiles and other vehicles, their responsibilities are detailed and unique. Their job duties can include: 

1. Installing and knowing how to torque the wheel according to manufacturer specifications. 

2. Removing tyres from the rims and understanding how to balance them. 

3. Inspecting tyres for proper inflation, abnormalities, or wear. 

7. Heavy equipment mechanic 

While heavy equipment mechanics may work on similar kinds of machinery as diesel mechanics, their responsibilities and tasks differ a little bit. Because they’re familiar with large pieces of machinery, these professionals typically work in industries such as construction, farming, industrial development, large scale mining, and railroad transportation. This means that they may have the opportunity to work with several types of equipment, including hydraulic systems, engines and electrical systems. Some other professional tasks for a heavy equipment mechanic may include: 

1. Understanding how to disassemble and reassemble equipment. 

2. Reading and understanding drawings of systems, operation manuals and blueprints. 

3. Traveling to various locations for on-site repairs and or replacements due to the sheer size and restrictive mobility (or immobility as the case may be) of the machinery. 

8. Auto glass mechanics 

Auto glass mechanics specialise in removing, repairing and installing glass on vehicles. They may also evaluate whether glass components need restoration or replacement, performing weatherproofing treatments and installing glass on both new and old vehicles.

They may install windshields and other glass features if they work for a manufacturing facility as well. Alternatively, if they work for a repair shop, these professionals focus on repairs and replacements. They may perform in-shop repairs or provide mobile services, where they travel to their client’s homes or businesses to carry out repairs and or installations. Employers typically require these mechanics to have some form of certification and reasonable experience in auto glass installation and repair. Some of their job duties are: 

1. Performing glass weatherproofing duties using chemical treatments that can withstand extreme weather conditions. 

2. Installing glass on both new and old vehicles. 

3. Evaluating whether they can restore the auto glass or if it requires replacement. 

9. Service technicians 

By virtue of modern vehicles being more inclined towards advanced never-seen-before technological installations – service technicians have become even more important in today’s world due to the complexities of the aforementioned “technological installations”. These mechanics are usually versatile and are responsible for servicing different types, cum brands of vehicles, which can include checking important mechanical and electrical components or assessing the levels of oil and fluid.

Service technicians diagnose and repair operational issues such as excessive fuel use. These professionals may work for a repair shop, set-up their own, or freelance and they often use a variety of tools such as pneumatic spanners/wrenches, welding torches and lathes to complete the necessary tasks. They also diagnose issues with a vehicle’s ignition, electrical and engine management systems with the aid of computerised diagnostic systems which is why emphasis has been laid on their growing prominence because technical automotive systems will only continue to become more and more complex in the coming years. Some of their responsibilities can include:

1. Using diagnosis equipment and computerised programs. 

2. Understanding integrated electronic systems including accident-avoidance sensors.  

3. Knowing how to work with alternative fuels; such as ethanol – for specific vehicles.

4. Improving overall efficiency of vehicles by way of tweaking and adjusting program settings within. 

10. Aircraft mechanic 

Aircraft mechanics service and inspect aircraft, replacing defective parts, having deep understanding of the repair procedures, and with the use of diagnostic tools – they’re able to effectively address issues in aeroplanes, helicopters, single/multi-engine piston aircrafts, and jets. They may work on a variety of helicopters, pistons and jets, and while employers may not require a specific certification to tend to an aircraft; it is necessary that the concluding inspection and servicing be supervised by a professional who has the correct certification. Job duties for this role can include:

1. Replacing defective parts and examining them for possible defects prior to installation. 

2. Understanding the necessary procedures for various repair projects. 

3. Using diagnostic tools and programs to determine how to identify and address issues within an aircraft. 

4. Repairing specific aircraft features, including brakes, wings and components of aircraft electrical systems. 

5. Ensuring performance standards by routinely inspecting, repairs, and replacements.

11. Marine mechanics 

While some diesel mechanics may work with boats depending on their engines, marine mechanics, also known as motorboat mechanics, specifically focus on servicing and maintaining aquatic vehicles i.e. assessing ship and boat engines, performing repairs, and updating of their navigational and electrical systems.

They can work for a variety of employers including shipping and boat yards, marinas, etc. They’re responsible for assessing the operation of ship/boat engines and determining whether repairs or part replacements are necessary. They may work with inboard motors, outboard motors and large diesel ship engines. Some of their responsibilities are:

1. Servicing and updating navigational systems and equipment. 

2. Repairing or replacing different boat features, including sails, propellers and rigs. 

3. Installing and maintaining steering and electrical systems. 

4. Monitoring mechanical and other systems routinely, whether in transit or at rest.

In conclusion, the vast roles in the automotive industry gives sufficient room to follow one, or more career path(s) as you please; there will always be opportunities now, and further down the line.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it quite informative.