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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Industrial Mechanic

💰 $55,000 - $85,000 Annually

ManufacturingSkilled TradesMaintenance & RepairEngineering

🎯 Role Definition

The Industrial Mechanic is a critical, hands-on role responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of all plant machinery and equipment. This position plays a pivotal part in minimizing production downtime and ensuring operational efficiency and safety across the facility. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a strong mechanical aptitude and a deep commitment to quality, capable of working both independently and as part of a high-performing maintenance team to drive continuous improvement and equipment reliability.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship
  • Trade School Graduate (e.g., Industrial Maintenance Technology)
  • Mechanically-inclined Production Operator or Technician

Advancement To:

  • Lead Maintenance Technician / Senior Mechanic
  • Maintenance Supervisor or Manager
  • Maintenance Planner / Scheduler or Reliability Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Millwright
  • Machinist / CNC Technician
  • Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform advanced preventive and predictive maintenance on a wide range of industrial production machinery to ensure optimal performance and minimize unscheduled downtime.
  • Troubleshoot, diagnose, and execute complex repairs on mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems, including pumps, motors, gearboxes, conveyors, and automated equipment.
  • Read and interpret complex blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and equipment manuals to understand operational specifications and guide repair activities.
  • Install, align, and commission new machinery and production equipment, ensuring it meets all operational and safety standards before handover to production.
  • Perform skilled welding (MIG, TIG, Stick), cutting, and metal fabrication tasks to repair or create custom machine guards, brackets, and structural components.
  • Operate machine shop equipment, such as lathes, milling machines, grinders, and drill presses, to fabricate or modify parts with high precision.
  • Systematically troubleshoot and repair power transmission systems, including bearings, sprockets, chains, belts, and couplings.
  • Conduct thorough root cause analysis (RCA) on equipment failures to identify underlying issues and implement permanent corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
  • Meticulously document all maintenance activities, work orders, repair procedures, and parts usage in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
  • Champion and enforce all safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Collaborate closely with production supervisors and operators to schedule maintenance windows that least impact production targets.
  • Inspect and assess the condition of machinery using precision measuring instruments like calipers, micrometers, and dial indicators to ensure components meet specifications.
  • Manage an inventory of critical spare parts, tools, and supplies, and initiate purchase requisitions to maintain adequate stock levels.
  • Perform facility-related maintenance tasks, including repairs on HVAC systems, air compressors, and other building utilities as required.
  • Troubleshoot and repair basic electrical control circuits and components, including sensors, relays, motor starters, and VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives).
  • Respond with urgency to emergency breakdown calls to diagnose issues and restore equipment to service as quickly and safely as possible.
  • Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives, such as Kaizen events and 5S programs, to enhance maintenance processes and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
  • Safely perform rigging, hoisting, and lifting of heavy equipment and components during installation, removal, or repair projects.
  • Calibrate and adjust machinery settings to ensure production output meets stringent quality and performance standards.
  • Provide technical guidance and informal training to machine operators on proper equipment care, operation, and autonomous maintenance tasks.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in the maintenance shop and on the plant floor, adhering to 5S principles.
  • Assist in evaluating and recommending equipment upgrades, modifications, and new technologies to improve reliability and efficiency.
  • Participate actively in daily team meetings, safety briefings, and formal training sessions to stay current with company policies and technical advancements.
  • Support engineering projects by providing technical input on equipment design, maintainability, and installation requirements.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems: Advanced proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing complex hydraulic and pneumatic circuits, valves, and actuators.
  • Welding & Fabrication: Skilled in MIG, TIG, and Stick welding processes, along with operating metal fabrication equipment.
    -Mechanical Power Transmission: Expertise in the installation, alignment, and maintenance of bearings, gearboxes, belts, chains, and couplings.
  • Blueprint & Schematic Reading: Ability to read and interpret complex mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic diagrams and technical manuals.
  • PLC Troubleshooting: Foundational ability to troubleshoot PLC-controlled systems by interpreting I/O status and diagnosing sensor or actuator failures.
  • Machine Shop Operations: Competency in operating lathes, milling machines, grinders, and drill presses to fabricate or repair parts to tight tolerances.
  • CMMS Proficiency: Experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (e.g., SAP PM, Maximo, eMaint) for work order management and documentation.
  • Preventive Maintenance (PM) & Predictive Maintenance (PdM): Knowledge of PM optimization and experience with PdM technologies like vibration analysis or infrared thermography.
  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): In-depth knowledge and strict adherence to LOTO procedures and industrial safety regulations.
  • Electrical Acumen: Ability to safely troubleshoot AC/DC circuits, motors, starters, and control systems up to 480V.
  • Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Proficiency with problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams) to diagnose equipment failures.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Ability to logically diagnose complex issues under pressure and devise effective solutions.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple work orders and respond to shifting priorities effectively.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with the ability to work effectively with production staff, engineers, and other maintenance personnel.
  • Communication Skills: Clear and concise verbal and written communication to document work and explain technical issues to non-technical staff.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to repairs, installations, and documentation to ensure quality and accuracy.
  • Safety-First Mindset: A deeply ingrained commitment to working safely and promoting a safe work environment for all.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to work in various conditions, on different shifts, and respond to on-call emergencies as needed.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or a certificate/diploma from an accredited technical college or trade school.
  • Completion of a registered apprenticeship program in industrial maintenance.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Maintenance Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Mechatronics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5+ years of hands-on maintenance experience in an industrial manufacturing, distribution, or production environment.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a fast-paced, high-volume production facility (e.g., food & beverage, automotive, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals).
  • Previous experience working with a formal CMMS and a proactive maintenance culture (PM/PdM).
  • Familiarity with regulated environments such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) or ISO standards.
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