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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Machine Maintenance Mechanic

💰 $28 - $42 per hour

ManufacturingSkilled TradesIndustrial MaintenanceOperations

🎯 Role Definition

As a Machine Maintenance Mechanic, you are the backbone of our production facility. You will be responsible for the installation, repair, and upkeep of our industrial machinery and mechanical equipment. This pivotal role ensures minimal downtime and optimal performance of our manufacturing lines. You will apply your expertise in hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical drives, and electrical systems to troubleshoot complex issues, perform precision repairs, and execute a robust preventive maintenance program. Your work directly contributes to operational excellence, plant safety, and our ability to meet production goals.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Maintenance Technician Apprentice
  • Industrial Machinery Mechanic Helper
  • Junior Maintenance Technician
  • Machinist or Welder with maintenance experience

Advancement To:

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

Lateral Moves:

  • Controls Technician / PLC Specialist
  • Facilities Maintenance Technician
  • Field Service Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform complex troubleshooting and diagnostics on a wide range of industrial equipment, including CNC machines, conveyors, packaging lines, and automated systems, to identify root causes of failures.
  • Execute emergency and scheduled repairs of production machinery involving mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems to minimize downtime and production losses.
  • Conduct routine preventive maintenance (PM) and predictive maintenance (PdM) tasks on equipment, including lubrication, filter changes, and component inspections, to ensure operational reliability.
  • Read and interpret equipment manuals, technical drawings, blueprints, and electrical/pneumatic schematics to perform required maintenance and service.
  • Disassemble, repair, and reassemble complex machinery components such as motors, gearboxes, pumps, valves, and cylinders with precision.
  • Install, align, and commission new machinery and equipment, ensuring it meets all operational and safety standards before handover to production.
  • Perform welding (MIG, TIG, Stick), fabrication, and machining tasks to create or repair parts, brackets, and fixtures as needed for equipment repair and modification.
  • Calibrate and adjust machinery settings and instrumentation to ensure equipment operates within specified tolerances and produces quality products.
  • Troubleshoot and perform basic repairs on electrical systems up to 480v, including replacing motors, sensors, switches, and fuses, and diagnosing control circuit issues.
  • Diagnose and repair issues within hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including tracing leaks, replacing hoses, rebuilding cylinders, and servicing valve banks.
  • Operate and maintain shop equipment such as lathes, milling machines, grinders, and drill presses to fabricate or modify parts.
  • Respond promptly to maintenance calls from the production floor, effectively communicating with operators to understand equipment issues.
  • Utilize a variety of hand and power tools, as well as precision measuring instruments like calipers, micrometers, and multimeters.
  • Test repaired equipment to verify functionality and ensure that the root cause of the malfunction has been eliminated.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain accurate and detailed records of all maintenance activities, parts used, and repair resolutions within the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
  • Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives, suggesting and implementing modifications to equipment or processes to enhance reliability, safety, and efficiency.
  • Manage and maintain an inventory of spare parts, ordering new components as necessary to avoid stockouts for critical equipment.
  • Adhere strictly to all safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), arc flash, and machine guarding procedures, to foster a safe working environment.
  • Assist in training machine operators on proper equipment operation, daily checks, and autonomous maintenance tasks.
  • Collaborate with engineers and production supervisors to schedule maintenance activities and coordinate equipment overhauls or installations.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe maintenance shop and work areas, following 5S principles.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing complex mechanical systems, including gearboxes, conveyors, and power transmission components.
  • Strong knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, with the ability to read schematics and diagnose component failures (pumps, valves, cylinders).
  • Competency in industrial electrical systems (up to 480V 3-phase), including motor controls, VFDs, sensors, and the ability to read electrical diagrams.
  • Experience with basic PLC troubleshooting, including diagnosing I/O issues and understanding ladder logic.
  • Proficient welding (MIG/Stick) and metal fabrication skills for repairs and modifications.
  • Experience operating standard machine shop equipment (lathes, mills, grinders).
  • Ability to use precision measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators for accurate alignments and part verification.
  • Experience with a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for work order and inventory management.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and diagnostic skills to systematically identify the root cause of equipment failures.
  • Communication: Ability to clearly communicate technical issues and repair status to operators, supervisors, and engineers.
  • Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to prioritize and manage multiple work orders and emergency repairs effectively.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and respond to shifting priorities and unexpected breakdowns.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to repairs, installations, and documentation to ensure high-quality and safe work.
  • Teamwork: Collaborative spirit to work effectively with the maintenance team, production staff, and external contractors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or diploma from a technical college or vocational school.
  • Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician (CMRT) or similar certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Maintenance Technology
  • Mechatronics
  • Electromechanical Technology
  • Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of hands-on experience as a Maintenance Mechanic or Technician in an industrial manufacturing, production, or similar environment.

Preferred: 5+ years of experience in a high-volume manufacturing setting with a strong background in preventive maintenance programs and troubleshooting automated machinery.

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