Alternate Title(s) | Industrial Machinery Mechanic, Machinery Maintenance Worker |
Minimum Education Requirements | High school diploma or equivalent |
Salary | See Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information |
Job Skills | - Manual dexterity. When handling very small parts, workers must have a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination. - Mechanical skills. Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights use technical manuals and sophisticated diagnostic equipment to figure out why machines are not working. Workers must be able to reassemble large, complex machines after finishing a repair. - Troubleshooting skills. Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights must observe, diagnose, and fix problems that a machine may be having. |
Job Duties | Industrial machinery mechanics typically do the following: - Read technical manuals to understand equipment and controls - Disassemble machinery and equipment when there is a problem - Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components - Perform tests and run initial batches to make sure that the machine is running smoothly - Adjust and calibrate equipment and machinery to optimal specifications |
Job Profile | Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment. Industrial machinery mechanics keep machines in good working order. To do this task, they must be able to detect and correct errors before the machine or the products it produces are damaged. Industrial machinery mechanics use technical manuals, their understanding of industrial equipment, and careful observation to determine the cause of a problem. These mechanics often need years of training and experience to be able to diagnose all of the problems they find in their work. They may use computerized diagnostic systems and vibration analysis techniques to help figure out the source of problems. Mechanics use their knowledge of electronics and computer programming to repair sophisticated equipment. Industrial machinery mechanics also do preventive maintenance. In addition to working with hand tools, mechanics commonly use lathes, grinders, or drill presses. Many also are required to weld. |
The information presented within this occupational profile was synthesized from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Handbook of Occupational Groups & Families.