Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Illinois
Diesel Mechanic jobs in Illinois are among the most active in the Midwest, concentrated in freight and logistics, public transit, agriculture, and heavy construction across a state that serves as a major hub for commercial trucking. Chicago, Joliet, and Rockford anchor most of the hiring, where large employers like Ryder System, Rush Truck Centers, and the Chicago Transit Authority maintain ongoing demand for technicians at every level from entry-level lube techs to master technicians. The most in-demand specialties are diesel engine overhaul, emissions systems diagnostics, and fleet maintenance for Class 6 through Class 8 vehicles. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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We are searching for tenured & certified technicians to support our customers!
Our Mobile Diesel Technicians are responsible for maintaining the fleet for clients and to handle service calls at client locations, so we can provide expedited expertise directly to our customer's trucks & equipment on site.
Rush Truck Centers opens the door to the world of opportunity. We are the largest network of commercial vehicle dealerships across the US representing truck and bus manufacturers. Our franchises include Peterbilt, International, Hino, Isuzu, Ford, IC Bus and Blue Bird. We offer a rewarding career as a leader in the transportation industry. Grow with us as we continue to expand our network of locations and services.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain all aspects of equipment according to company standards.
- Handle basic maintenance of the truck including filling tank with fuel, checking oil, keeping it clean, and making sure required inspections are performed and documented as assigned.
- Manage inventory control on the service truck and for keeping the vehicle properly stocked.
- Report to the Service Manager and will be assigned duties on a daily basis.
- Maintain availability for after-hours service calls and be available for an open work schedule.
- Maintain and inventory the supplied tools for the work required in maintaining diesel engine trucks and associated equipment
- Read job order and observes and listens to vehicle in operation to determine malfunction and to plan work procedures.
- Utilize various diagnostic equipment to determine malfunction and utilize available technical information to determine and perform correct repair procedure.
- Diagnosis, removal and replacement of injectors, pistons, liners, cam shafts, cylinder heads, rod and main bearings, oil pans, clutches, fan hubs, differentials, fifth wheels, brakes, changes or recharges batteries, and replaces transmissions and other parts.
- Perform all necessary diagnostic and documentation functions on the company computer system.
- Examine protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices on trucks, and makes adjustments.
- Lubricate moving parts and drives repaired vehicle to verify conformance to specifications.
- Perform preventative maintenance work as requested.
- Document and submit necessary paperwork or enter into mobile service program as work performed in an accurate and timely manner.
- Respond to customer inquiries regarding the work. Foster positive customer relations.
- Advise customer and/or service writer of any repairs or services which should be performed within the next 3 months.
- Participate in training and utilize that training in the course of work.
Benefits:
- We offer an exceptional Total Rewards package with outstanding healthcare benefits, a robust 401(k) plan with company matching, and an employee stock purchase program to help you build long-term financial security. Additionally, we provide performance-based incentives and opportunities for professional growth through ongoing training and development. All of this is within a culture that values and rewards excellence, a positive attitude, and integrity, ensuring you thrive personally and professionally.
Basic Qualifications:
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
- 5 years' experience as a Class 7 & 8 technician in a dealership or related truck service facility
- Current CDL preferred but not required.
- Medical card as required by the FMVS.
- Mechanical aptitude and technical ability is a must.
- Peterbilt, International, Ford, Hino, Isuzu, Cummins, & ASE certifications are preferred & rewarded
Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled
This job posting does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by their leader.
See All 120+ Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Illinois
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Find Diesel Mechanic JobsDiesel Mechanic Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Diesel Mechanic Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Rush Enterprises14

- TravelCenters of America9

- First Student7

- Cox Automotive5

- US Foods4

Top Industries Hiring
- Transportation & Logistics
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in diesel mechanic jobs across Illinois.
- ASE certification in diesel engines or medium/heavy truck systems preferred or required
- Valid Illinois driver's license with a clean driving record for road testing vehicles
- Two or more years of hands-on diesel engine diagnosis and repair experience
- Proficiency with electronic diagnostic software such as Cummins Insite or Detroit Diagnostic Link
- Ability to perform preventive maintenance, brake service, and DOT inspection procedures
- Own a complete set of hand tools sufficient for diesel mechanical work
Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a diesel mechanic in Illinois?
Illinois does not require a state-issued license to work as a diesel mechanic, so the standard path is completing a diesel technology program at a community college such as Joliet Junior College or Midwest Technical Institute, then earning ASE certification in the diesel or medium/heavy truck series. Employers across Illinois treat ASE credentials as the primary professional benchmark, and many offer paid apprenticeships or on-the-job training that run alongside formal study.
Which companies hire diesel mechanics in Illinois?
Companies currently hiring diesel mechanics in Illinois include Rush Enterprises, TravelCenters of America, and First Student, per current listings on MigrateAte as of September 2026. Illinois's role as a national freight corridor and intermodal logistics center means fleet operators, transit agencies, and equipment dealers all maintain steady technician openings throughout the year.
Which Illinois cities have the most diesel mechanic jobs?
Chicago, Peoria, and Granite City hold the most diesel mechanic openings in Illinois. Chicago and Joliet generate the bulk of demand through major trucking terminals, rail intermodal yards, and the Chicago Transit Authority fleet, while Rockford's industrial manufacturing base and proximity to I-90 freight corridors keeps its technician market consistently active as well.
Are there remote diesel mechanic jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of diesel mechanic openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, which reflects the fundamentally hands-on nature of the work. The portions of the role most suited to remote arrangements are service writing, parts ordering, and warranty documentation rather than actual diagnosis or repair.
How can I get hired as a diesel mechanic in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an apprenticeship or lube technician role with a large fleet operator or dealership. Illinois employers such as Ryder System and Rush Truck Centers regularly bring on entry-level techs through structured apprenticeship programs where new hires work alongside journeyman mechanics while studying for ASE certification. Completing even the entry-level ASE Student Certification or a diesel technology certificate from an Illinois community college makes a candidate significantly more competitive for these openings.
Where can I find and apply to diesel mechanic jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to diesel mechanic jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Search the roles available, identify the ones that match your certifications and experience level, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 120+ Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Diesel Mechanic Jobs