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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Equipment Fitter

💰 $45,000 - $85,000

Skilled TradesManufacturingConstructionMaintenance & RepairEngineering

🎯 Role Definition

As an Equipment Fitter, you are the backbone of our operational success, ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of our critical machinery and mechanical systems. In this pivotal role, you will apply your technical expertise to diagnose, repair, and maintain a wide array of heavy-duty and industrial equipment. You will be responsible for everything from routine preventative maintenance to complex, full-scale overhauls. This position demands a hands-on problem-solver with a deep understanding of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems, and a steadfast commitment to safety and quality workmanship. You are not just fixing machines; you are ensuring the productivity and safety of our entire team.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Apprentice Mechanical Fitter
  • Maintenance Technician Assistant
  • Automotive or Diesel Mechanic

Advancement To:

  • Senior / Lead Equipment Fitter
  • Maintenance Supervisor or Team Leader
  • Field Service Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Maintenance Planner / Scheduler
  • Reliability Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform comprehensive diagnostics and troubleshooting on complex mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems for a diverse range of heavy industrial and mobile equipment.
  • Execute preventative and predictive maintenance tasks, including inspections, lubrication, filter changes, and fluid analysis, to maximize equipment uptime and reliability.
  • Interpret and work from detailed engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals to install, assemble, and commission new machinery and systems.
  • Conduct intricate disassembly, repair, and reassembly of major equipment components such as engines, transmissions, final drives, hydraulic pumps, and cylinders.
  • Utilize a variety of welding and fabrication techniques (e.g., MIG, TIG, Stick) to repair structural damage, modify components, or create custom parts and fittings as required.
  • Install and align new equipment, including motors, pumps, and gearboxes, ensuring precise positioning and operational integrity according to manufacturer specifications.
  • Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns, efficiently diagnosing the root cause of the failure and implementing effective, lasting repairs to minimize downtime.
  • Conduct operational tests and quality assurance checks on equipment post-repair to verify functionality, safety, and performance standards are met.
  • Maintain meticulous records of all maintenance and repair activities, documenting parts used, labor hours, and detailed descriptions of work performed in our CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).
  • Safely operate and inspect machines, such as forklifts, cranes, and aerial lifts, to assist in maintenance activities and equipment relocation.
  • Adhere strictly to all company and regulatory safety protocols, including Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures, hot work permits, and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Identify and source required replacement parts, liaising with the parts department or vendors to ensure timely procurement and inventory accuracy.
  • Perform precision tasks such as bearing fitting, shaft alignment using laser or dial indicators, and setting component tolerances to exacting standards.
  • Troubleshoot and repair mobile and stationary plant equipment electrical systems, including wiring, sensors, and control panels.
  • Provide technical support and clear communication to equipment operators and production staff regarding equipment status, potential issues, and proper operating procedures.
  • Conduct field service repairs at various job sites, often working independently in challenging environments to resolve equipment issues.
  • Calibrate and adjust machinery components to optimize performance, efficiency, and product quality.
  • Participate in the installation and commissioning of new production lines or heavy equipment, ensuring a smooth and successful start-up.
  • Assess the condition of worn or damaged parts to determine the feasibility of repair versus replacement, making cost-effective decisions.
  • Perform rigging and lifting of heavy components and machinery, ensuring all lifts are planned and executed safely.
  • Utilize specialized diagnostic tools, including multimeters, hydraulic flow meters, and computer-based diagnostic software, to accurately pinpoint faults.

Secondary Functions

  • Mentor and provide on-the-job training to apprentices and junior technicians to foster skill development within the team.
  • Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives, suggesting process enhancements, and contributing to reliability-centered maintenance strategies.
  • Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and safe workshop environment, ensuring tools and equipment are properly stored and maintained.
  • Collaborate with engineers and project managers on equipment modification projects and new installations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Diagnostics: Proven ability to troubleshoot and identify the root cause of failures in complex mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems.
  • Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems: In-depth knowledge of hydraulic/pneumatic principles, ability to read schematics, and experience repairing pumps, valves, cylinders, and motors.
  • Diesel Engine Repair: Strong experience in diagnosing, repairing, and overhauling diesel engines and associated powertrain components.
  • Welding & Fabrication: Proficiency in MIG, TIG, and/or Stick welding for repair and fabrication purposes.
    -Blueprint & Schematic Reading: Ability to interpret complex technical drawings, blueprints, and electrical/hydraulic schematics.
  • Precision Alignment: Experience with precision measurement tools and techniques, including laser alignment of shafts, couplings, and motors.
  • Industrial Electrical Systems: Competency in troubleshooting AC/DC circuits, motor controls, sensors, and PLCs at a basic to intermediate level.
  • CMMS Proficiency: Experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System to log work orders and track maintenance history.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to efficiently resolve complex technical challenges.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to work, ensuring repairs are completed to a high standard of quality and safety.
  • Communication: Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills to interact with operators, supervisors, and team members.
  • Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage workload effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
  • Safety-Conscious: A proactive and unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe work environment for oneself and others.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to work on a wide variety of equipment and respond to changing priorities and emergency breakdowns.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Completion of a recognized Mechanical Fitter apprenticeship or a certificate from a technical/trade school.

Preferred Education:

  • Journeyman/Red Seal certification as a Millwright, Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, or Industrial Mechanic.
  • Associate's Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Diesel Technology, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Maintenance Technology
  • Heavy Equipment Technology
  • Welding Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of hands-on experience as an Equipment Fitter, Millwright, or Heavy Duty Mechanic.

Preferred: Experience in a specific heavy industry environment such as mining, construction, manufacturing, marine, or agriculture is highly desirable.

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