Jaroslav Homolka
Field Service Advisor Diesel Mechanics
Jacksonville,United States
Summary
Experienced diesel technician and field service leader with a strong background in both marine engines and locomotive systems, specializing in EMD, GE, Wabtec LNG, MAN, and Caterpillar platforms. Skilled in diagnostics, overhauls, and preventive maintenance across vessel and rail operations. Proven ability to manage teams, make critical decisions, and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Known for ensuring regulatory compliance, minimizing downtime, and consistently delivering reliable, customer-focused solutions in high-pressure environments.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Customer Support Engineer
Wabtec Transportation Systems, INC - Marine
05.2024 - Current
- Manage installation, alignment, and commissioning of marine diesel engines and propulsion systems aboard vessels and in shipyards.
- Conduct troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repairs of medium- and high-speed engines (e.g., MAN, Wärtsilä, Caterpillar, MTU) to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
- Oversee comprehensive engine overhauls, including crankshaft alignment, cylinder head servicing, fuel injection calibration, and turbocharger inspection.
- Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance in accordance with OEM schedules and classification society standards (DNV, ABS, Lloyd’s).
- Ensure compliance with international marine regulations including IMO, SOLAS, and MARPOL in all field service operations.
- Train and support vessel crews on safe operation, routine maintenance, and emergency procedures for diesel engines and auxiliary systems.
- Coordinate with OEMs and parts suppliers to manage logistics, technical documentation, and availability of critical components in dynamic marine environments.
Lead Technical Support Advisor/Director
GE/Wabtec Corporation
03.2016 - Current
- Played a key role in implementing LNG modifications and served as a technical expert in troubleshooting issues, ensuring minimal disruption to customer operations.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with engineering, logistics, commercial, and service teams to develop solutions that improved service quality and met customer expectations.
- Acted as a subject matter expert, providing responsive and accurate technical support to build trust and ensure customer satisfaction.
- Managed maintenance schedules and inventory to deliver timely, cost-effective repairs that aligned with customer uptime requirements.
- Trained customer technicians on procedures and technology to empower their teams and improve first-time fix rates and operational confidence.
Senior Site Manager Locomotive
GE Transportation
05.2014 - 03.2016
- Managed and supervised locomotive maintenance crews, providing hands-on training and applying critical thinking to ensure safe, efficient operations and regulatory compliance.
- Specialized in EMD diesel-electric locomotives with 710 & 645 two-stroke engines, making real-time decisions on troubleshooting and repair strategies.
- Directed overhaul programs for CP Rail models (SD70ACs, SD38s, GPL38s, GT46ACs), balancing cost, resources, and timelines.
- Oversaw maintenance schedules and repair priorities to minimize downtime and maximize fleet performance.
- Conducted site audits and inspections, using analytical skills to identify risks and implement corrective actions.
Senior Engine Product Manager
GE Corporation
05.2013 - 05.2014
- Led product roadmap for new EMD-compatible engine upgrades, increasing market share by 8% in North America.
- Collaborated with sales and engineering to define technical specifications and align pricing strategy with customer needs.
- Analyzed competitive landscapes to identify market opportunities, informing strategic business decisions.
- Optimized product pricing strategies to maximize revenue while maintaining competitive market positioning.
Senior Site Manager Locomotive
Wabtec Corporation
03.2001 - 05.2013
- See job description above.
Education
Diploma - Mechanic of Motor Vehicles and Locomotives
Skills
- Technical Operations Leadership
- Marine & Locomotive Diesel Systems Expertise
- Maintenance Strategy & Execution
- Field Service & Remote Technical Support
- Warranty Management & Product Quality Assurance
- Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean, Kaizen, FMEA, 5Why, Fishbone
- Operations Leadership
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Czech
Native or Bilingual
Slovak
Professional Working
Russian
Limited Working
German
Limited Working
Timeline
Customer Support Engineer - Wabtec Transportation Systems, INC - Marine
05.2024 - Current
Lead Technical Support Advisor/Director - GE/Wabtec Corporation
03.2016 - Current
Senior Site Manager Locomotive - GE Transportation
05.2014 - 03.2016
Senior Engine Product Manager - GE Corporation
05.2013 - 05.2014
Senior Site Manager Locomotive - Wabtec Corporation
03.2001 - 05.2013
Czech National Railway College - Diploma, Mechanic of Motor Vehicles and Locomotives
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