Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for General Technician

🎯 Role Definition

We're looking for a highly motivated and detail-oriented General Technician to be the backbone of our operational team. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the diagnosis, repair, and preventative maintenance of a wide range of machinery, equipment, and facility systems. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and quality. If you have a strong mechanical and electrical aptitude and a passion for keeping things running smoothly, you will be a key player in minimizing downtime and maximizing our productivity.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Technical or Vocational School Graduate
Maintenance Apprentice / Helper
Military Veteran with technical MOS (e.g., Mechanic, Electrician)
Skilled Production Operator

Advancement To:

Senior Maintenance Technician / Lead Technician
Maintenance Supervisor or Manager
Facilities Manager
Specialist Technician (e.g., Controls, Robotics, HVAC)

Lateral Moves:

Field Service Technician
Quality Control Inspector
EHS (Environmental Health & Safety) Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform routine, preventative, and predictive maintenance on industrial machinery and mechanical equipment to ensure optimal performance and prevent unplanned downtime.
Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair complex mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic system failures in a timely and efficient manner.
Read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams to effectively perform repairs and installations.
Execute emergency breakdown repairs with a sense of urgency to minimize production interruptions and support operational goals.
Install, set up, and commission new machinery and equipment according to manufacturer specifications and company safety standards.
Safely operate a variety of hand tools, power tools, and precision diagnostic equipment, including multimeters, calipers, and infrared thermometers.
Document all maintenance activities, parts usage, and repair details accurately within the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Conduct regular safety inspections of equipment and the work environment, ensuring compliance with all company and OSHA safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO).
Perform general facility maintenance tasks, which may include basic plumbing, carpentry, painting, and electrical repairs.
Collaborate directly with the production team to understand equipment issues and schedule maintenance activities to reduce impact on output.
Fabricate or repair parts by using machine shop instrumentation and equipment, including welders, grinders, and lathes.
Manage and maintain an organized inventory of spare parts, tools, and supplies, initiating purchase orders when necessary.
Calibrate instruments and equipment to ensure they meet precise operational specifications and quality standards.
Respond to on-call and after-hours emergency maintenance requests as part of a rotating schedule.
Assist in developing and refining preventative maintenance procedures and schedules to improve overall equipment reliability.

Secondary Functions

Support continuous improvement initiatives by providing feedback on equipment performance and suggesting modifications to enhance efficiency and safety.
Assist in training machine operators on basic preventative maintenance tasks (e.g., cleaning, lubrication, and inspection).
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in the maintenance shop and at all job sites.
Participate actively in team meetings, safety trainings, and skill development workshops.
Escort and monitor outside service contractors to ensure they adhere to company safety policies and procedures.
Assist with facility projects, including equipment relocation, line reconfiguration, and minor construction.
Contribute to root cause analysis (RCA) investigations for recurring equipment failures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Mechanical Systems Troubleshooting: Proficient in diagnosing and repairing gearboxes, pumps, conveyors, bearings, and power transmission systems.
Electrical Systems Diagnosis: Strong ability to troubleshoot 480V/3-phase motors, control circuits, VFDs, and read electrical schematics.
Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems: Experience in maintaining and repairing hydraulic pumps, pneumatic valves, cylinders, and reading relevant diagrams.
PLC Troubleshooting: Basic ability to connect to and troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to identify machine faults.
Welding and Fabrication: Proficiency in MIG, TIG, or Stick welding for repair and fabrication purposes.
CMMS Software: Experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System to log work orders and track assets.
LOTO Procedures: In-depth knowledge and strict adherence to Lockout/Tagout safety standards.
Blueprint & Schematic Reading: Ability to read and interpret complex mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic drawings.
HVAC Systems: Foundational knowledge of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system maintenance.
Powered Industrial Equipment Operation: Certified or experienced in operating forklifts, scissor lifts, and boom lifts.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to effectively diagnose and resolve complex issues.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in all repair, maintenance, and documentation tasks.
Sense of Urgency: Ability to prioritize and act quickly, especially during equipment breakdowns.
Communication Skills: Clear and effective verbal and written communication with team members, operators, and leadership.
Adaptability: Flexible and able to pivot between different tasks and shifting priorities in a dynamic environment.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Works well with others to achieve common goals and supports team members.
Self-Motivation: A proactive, self-starting individual who can work independently with minimal supervision.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or Diploma from a technical/vocational school.
Associate's Degree in a related technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Industrial Maintenance Technology
Mechatronics
Electrical Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5+ years of hands-on experience in a similar role.

Preferred: Experience as a maintenance technician in a fast-paced manufacturing, distribution, or industrial environment. Proven track record of working with both mechanical and electrical systems.