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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Industry Technician

💰 $55,000 - $95,000

Skilled TradesManufacturingEngineeringMaintenance

🎯 Role Definition

As an Industry Technician, you are the critical hands-on expert responsible for the operational integrity and peak performance of our industrial machinery and facility systems. You are the first line of defense against production downtime, applying your advanced mechanical and electrical expertise to perform preventative maintenance, diagnose complex faults, and execute precise repairs. This role requires a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment, ensuring our equipment runs safely, efficiently, and reliably. You will be a key player in our continuous improvement culture, directly contributing to the plant's overall productivity and success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Technical School Graduate (Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics)
  • Maintenance Apprentice or Helper
  • Experienced Mechanic or Electrician from another field

Advancement To:

  • Senior or Lead Industry Technician
  • Maintenance Supervisor / Manager
  • Maintenance Planner / Scheduler
  • Controls or Automation Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Field Service Technician
  • Quality Assurance Inspector
  • Facilities Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform routine, preventative, and predictive maintenance on all industrial production machinery and automated systems to ensure optimal performance and minimize unscheduled downtime.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot complex equipment failures by analyzing mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and robotic system issues using diagnostic tools and technical documentation.
  • Execute timely and effective repairs on a wide range of equipment, including CNC machines, PLCs, conveyor systems, motors, pumps, and packaging equipment.
  • Read and interpret intricate technical documents, including electrical schematics, mechanical blueprints, and equipment manuals, to guide installation and repair activities.
  • Safely perform electrical work, including troubleshooting circuits up to 480V, replacing motors, installing VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives), and wiring control panels.
  • Calibrate and adjust machinery, sensors, and instrumentation to maintain precise operational parameters and ensure product quality standards are consistently met.
  • Adhere strictly to all safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, arc flash safety, and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Document all maintenance activities, repairs, and parts usage meticulously in a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) like SAP or Maximo.
  • Install, commission, and validate new equipment and machinery, collaborating with engineering teams to ensure a smooth integration into production lines.
  • Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) on recurring equipment failures to identify underlying problems and implement permanent corrective actions.
  • Perform basic to intermediate metal fabrication tasks, including welding (MIG, TIG, Stick), cutting, and grinding to repair or create custom machine parts and guards.
  • Operate and maintain facility support systems, which may include industrial boilers, air compressors, chillers, and HVAC units.
  • Respond with urgency to emergency breakdown calls from the production floor to quickly restore equipment functionality and limit operational impact.
  • Manage and maintain an inventory of critical spare parts, sourcing components and working with vendors to ensure availability.
  • Utilize precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, and multimeters to verify component specifications and diagnose issues.
  • Provide technical support and guidance to machine operators to foster a collaborative environment and improve equipment care.
  • Participate in and contribute to continuous improvement projects (Kaizen, 5S) aimed at enhancing safety, quality, and productivity.
  • Inspect and test finished repairs to confirm that the equipment is functioning safely and to the required operational standards before returning it to service.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area within the maintenance shop and on the production floor.
  • Assist in developing and refining preventative maintenance schedules and procedures for new and existing equipment.

Secondary Functions

  • Support engineering teams with the installation and setup of new production lines and capital equipment projects.
  • Assist in the management, organization, and optimization of the spare parts and maintenance tool inventory.
  • Mentor and train junior technicians and machine operators on basic maintenance tasks and equipment operation best practices.
  • Contribute to plant-wide continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives to enhance overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • PLC Troubleshooting: Experience with diagnosing and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar PLC platforms.
  • Electrical Systems: Proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing industrial electrical systems up to 480V 3-phase, including motors, VFDs, and control circuits.
  • Mechanical Repair: Strong aptitude for disassembling, repairing, and reassembling complex mechanical systems, including gearboxes, bearings, and drive trains.
  • Hydraulics & Pneumatics: In-depth knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including reading schematics, and repairing pumps, valves, and cylinders.
  • CMMS Proficiency: Experience using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (e.g., SAP PM, Maximo, Fiix) for work order and asset tracking.
  • Welding & Fabrication: Basic to intermediate skills in MIG, TIG, or Stick welding for equipment repair and fabrication.
  • Blueprint & Schematic Reading: Ability to read and interpret complex electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic diagrams.
  • Robotics Maintenance: Experience with the maintenance and troubleshooting of industrial robots (e.g., FANUC, KUKA, ABB) is highly desirable.
  • LOTO Procedures: Certified or extensively trained in Lockout/Tagout safety protocols.
  • Preventive & Predictive Maintenance: Knowledge of PM and PdM techniques, including vibration analysis, thermal imaging, and oil analysis.

Soft Skills

  • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to logically diagnose complex, multifaceted problems under pressure.
  • Communication: Clear and concise communication with operators, supervisors, and engineers to coordinate repairs and provide status updates.
  • Sense of Urgency: A proactive, self-starting attitude with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to repairs, documentation, and safety procedures.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to work on a variety of equipment and handle shifting priorities and emergency breakdowns.
  • Teamwork: Collaborative spirit to work effectively within the maintenance team and alongside other departments.
  • Safety-First Mindset: A deep-rooted commitment to maintaining a safe work environment for oneself and others.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Certificate from a technical trade school in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Industrial Maintenance Technology, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Technology, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Technology
  • Mechatronics
  • Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Mechanical Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5 years of hands-on maintenance experience in a high-volume manufacturing, distribution, or industrial environment.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of experience with a demonstrated track record of troubleshooting and repairing complex automated systems, including strong PLC and robotics expertise.
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