Interview with a Diesel Professional- Meet Josh

Written By Stephen Levy

Meet Josh – Diesel Professional Spotlight

Josh is one of many Diesel Professionals ADO has had the pleasure of working with over the years. A seasoned Marine Diesel Field Service Technician with over 15 years of experience, Josh is a factory-trained technician that specializes in MTU and Volvo Penta engines, keeping some of the world’s finest yachts and vessels running at peak performance. A proud Navy veteran, he brings discipline, problem-solving skills, and a deep respect for preventative maintenance to every job. Whether he’s troubleshooting complex electronic systems or getting his hands dirty with a full engine rebuild, Josh thrives on challenges and takes pride in keeping boat owners and captains confident out on the water.

Interview

Interviewer: Josh, thanks for sitting down with me today. Can you start by telling us a little about your background and how you ended up in the marine diesel industry?

Josh: Absolutely. I served six years in the Navy as an Engineman, working on shipboard diesel and gas turbine systems. That’s where I got my foundation in mechanical systems and developed a strong discipline for preventative maintenance. When I left the service, I knew I wanted to stay close to the water, so I transitioned into marine field service. While I’ve worked on many other engines, over time, I focused on MTU and Volvo Penta engines, since they’re big players in the yacht and commercial vessel market.

Interviewer: What does your day-to-day work look like in field service?

Josh: Field service is a little different from working in a shop. I’m usually traveling out to marinas, shipyards, or directly onboard yachts. A typical day could involve scheduled maintenance—oil, filters, seawater pumps—or more complex jobs like troubleshooting an electronic control module on a Volvo Penta IPS drive system. Some days I’m doing heavy mechanical work, like an overhaul on an MTU 2000 or 4000 series. Other days, it’s all diagnostics with a laptop. Flexibility is key.

Interviewer: Working on yachts must bring some unique challenges. What would you say is the most difficult part of the job?

Josh: Definitely the environment. You’re practically never in a shop bay with plenty of room to work. You might be wedged into an engine room in the middle of summer, or crawling into tight compartments that weren’t designed with technicians in mind. Another challenge is parts availability—if a yacht’s owner wants their boat ready for a trip and you’re waiting on a component from Germany, you have to get creative with temporary solutions while keeping safety and reliability in mind. Another big challenge is moving tooling and components to the vessel. I have to admit, I’ve lost more than one tool overboard while getting on or offboard. Davey Jones has a roll of my Matco wrenches among other things.

Interviewer: And on the flip side, what’s the most rewarding aspect?

Josh: For me, it’s when I solve a tough problem that no one else could figure out. Maybe the vessel had intermittent alarms or loss of power, and after digging through the various systems I always find the root cause. Getting that boat back out on the water and seeing the owner or captain relieved—that’s rewarding. Plus, I like the independence of field service. You’re trusted to go out, represent the company, and deliver solutions.

Interviewer: Josh, part of marine field service sometimes involves taking a vessel out after repairs. Can you talk about what a sea trial looks like from your perspective?

Josh: Sure. A sea trial is basically the final test after we’ve completed repairs or major maintenance. You can run an engine in the slip all day, but you won’t see the real picture until the boat is under load on the water. During a sea trial, I’m monitoring RPM, boost pressure, fuel flow, exhaust temps, and making sure the engines are performing within spec. It’s also a chance to check for any abnormal vibrations, smoke, or alarms under real operating conditions. Sometimes, issues only reveal themselves when the vessel’s pushed hard—so a sea trial is critical. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of the job too, because you see your work come full circle when that boat runs smooth out on the open water.

Interviewer: How important is training and staying current in your line of work?

Josh: It’s critical! Manufacturers like MTU and other OEMs are constantly updating software, emissions technology, and electronic controls. I attend factory training whenever possible to keep certifications current and constantly read updates. The Navy gave me a strong base in fundamentals, but to succeed in the private sector, you’ve got to stay on top of new tech. A lot of the modern systems are software-driven, so you can’t just be a wrench-turner anymore, you need to be comfortable with laptops, diagnostic interfaces, and schematics.

Interviewer: What’s the dynamic like with other technicians and the crews you work with?

Josh: In the Navy, teamwork was everything, and that’s carried over. In field service, you often work alone, but you’re constantly in contact with the Service Manager or Dispatcher, Captains, Owners, Engineers, or a Harbor Master. Building good relationships is huge—these folks remember if you’re dependable and professional. Among fellow techs, there’s a lot of mutual respect because everyone knows how demanding this field can be. We help each other out a lot.

Interviewer: Here’s the big one—what advice would you give to a technician just starting out in the marine diesel field?

Josh: First, be humble and willing to learn. Don’t come in thinking you know it all—because the technology and the environments will humble you fast. Second, invest in your tools and your training early. Having the right equipment makes you more efficient and professional. If you need to borrow a tool, you’ll need to buy it for yourself. Third, network—get to know captains, engineers, and senior techs. The marine world is small, and your reputation follows you. And last, don’t shy away from the tough jobs. Those are the ones that build your skill set and confidence.

Interviewer: Looking back, how did your Navy background prepare you for this career?

Josh: The Navy taught me discipline, attention to detail, and how to perform under pressure—things that are invaluable in the marine industry. Onboard a yacht, if something goes wrong at sea, you need to think fast and make solid decisions, just like in the service. Plus, the Navy gave me a respect for preventative maintenance. Catching small issues before they turn into emergencies is key, whether it’s a destroyer or a sportfish yacht.

Interviewer: Last question—where do you see the marine diesel industry heading in the next decade?

Josh: We’re definitely moving toward more hybrid and alternative-fuel systems. Electronics and automation are already taking center stage, and I think that’ll only expand. Diesel power isn’t going away anytime soon, especially for long-range yachts, but manufacturers are investing heavily in cleaner technology. For example, MTU recently tested their Series 4000 L64 engine running on 100% hydrogen fuel—that’s a big step toward zero-emission propulsion. Pair that with hybrid-electric systems and advanced monitoring, and you can see where the industry’s going. For technicians, it means we’ll need to be just as comfortable with software, fuel-cell systems, and alternative energy as we are with traditional diesel mechanics. The guys who adapt and stay ahead of the curve are going to have long, successful careers.

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