Aircraft Mechanic

Solar panel installers assemble, install, and maintain photovoltaic systems on rooftops and other structures, connecting panels to electrical systems and the grid. The work involves measuring and preparing installation sites, assembling support structures, mounting panels, connecting electrical components, installing inverters and monitoring systems, and ensuring installations meet electrical codes and manufacturer specifications. Installers work on residential rooftops, commercial buildings, and ground-mounted arrays. The job requires understanding electrical systems, roofing principles, and solar-specific technology. Physical demands include carrying panels, working at heights, and exposure to weather. The rapidly evolving solar industry means installers must stay current on new panel technologies, mounting systems, and code requirements. Work varies between new installations and maintenance/repair of existing systems.

Commercial truck drivers operate heavy and tractor-trailer trucks to transport goods over local, regional, and long-haul routes. The work involves loading and unloading cargo, securing freight properly for transport, planning routes considering traffic, weather, and delivery schedules, performing pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, maintaining logs of driving hours and cargo manifests, and communicating with dispatchers about delivery status. Long-haul drivers may spend days or weeks on the road, sleeping in truck cabs and managing the challenges of extended time away from home. Local drivers typically return home daily but handle multiple pickups and deliveries. The role requires managing fatigue, navigating unfamiliar areas, backing trailers into tight loading docks, and handling paperwork for regulatory compliance. Specialized drivers transport hazardous materials, oversized loads, or temperature-sensitive cargo requiring additional certifications and skills.

Diesel service technicians maintain and repair diesel-powered vehicles and equipment including trucks, buses, heavy equipment, generators, and agricultural machinery. The work involves diagnosing engine and vehicle problems using computerized testing equipment, performing scheduled maintenance, replacing worn parts, adjusting and repairing braking and steering systems, and testing systems after repair. Modern diesel vehicles incorporate sophisticated electronic controls, emission systems, and computerized diagnostics requiring technicians to combine traditional mechanical skills with electronic expertise. Technicians work in trucking company shops, dealerships, equipment rental companies, fleet service centers, and independent repair facilities. Some specialize in particular equipment types—over-the-road trucks, construction equipment, marine engines, or agricultural machinery. The work is physically demanding, requiring work in uncomfortable positions and handling heavy components.