An Industrial Maintenance Technician is a professional who ensures the smooth operation and upkeep of machinery and equipment in industrial settings. They are skilled tradespeople responsible for performing maintenance, repairs, and inspections on various industrial machinery to prevent breakdowns and ensure optimal performance. In this blog post, we will explore the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Industrial Maintenance Technicians.

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Main Responsibilities of an Industrial Maintenance Technician

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Industrial Maintenance Technician:

Adjust

• Adjust equipment to bring it into operational specifications.

• Adjust equipment to reduce down time and eliminate safety and quality issues.

Align

• Align and balance new equipment after installation.

• Align and calibrate machinery parts to ensure accuracy and precision.

Analyze

• Analyze machinery performance data and recommend adjustments or upgrades.

• Analyze parts to decide materials, time frame, and best machine to fix them.

Assemble

Assemble, disassemble, and reassemble machinery components for repairs and replacements.

Assist in

• Assist in managing the startup of plant projects.

• Assist in monitoring all work being performed by outside contractors.

• Assist in the commissioning and decommissioning of machinery.

• Assist in the implementation of preventive maintenance schedules.

• Assist the department in taking inventory and maintain an inventory system.

• Assist with changing the batteries on all material handling equipment as needed.

Assure

Assure compliance with 5S and housekeeping standards.

Build

Build and troubleshoot basic industrial circuits (120V, 240V, & 480V 3-phase).

Change

Change over production lines by setting up equipment and ensuring that line is set to optimal output.

Clean

Clean or lubricate shafts, bearings, gears, or other parts of machinery.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate with other maintenance team members to tackle complex issues.

• Collaborate with production and engineering teams to optimize machinery performance.

Communicate

Communicate plan of action to prevent repeat issues and can assist in documenting new procedures.

Complete

• Complete machine centers and / production line change overs.

• Complete preventative maintenance routines with proper documentation.

• Complete tasks and PMs assigned by Technical shift lead while keeping up with project needs.

• Complete technical self-study programs for career development.

• Complete work orders in a timely manner.

Comply with

Comply with safety regulations and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment.

Conduct

• Conduct daily rounds to ensure upkeep of building and equipment.

• Conduct preventive maintenance on equipment to maintain operational readiness.

• Conduct regular inspections of industrial machinery and equipment to identify potential issues.

• Conduct tests and inspections to identify potential safety hazards in machinery.

Control

Control downtime by informing production workers of routine preventive maintenance techniques.

Determine

• Determine changes in dimensional requirements of parts by inspecting used parts.

• Determine changes in dimensional requirements of repaired or equipment parts.

Develop

• Develop and execute Preventive Maintenance programs.

• Develop and maintain a good working relationships across all levels in the organization.

• Develop training plans for service technicians.

• Develop work plans for emergency repair of critical assets.

Diagnose

• Diagnose mechanical problems and implement repairs to restore machinery functionality.

• Diagnose problems, replace or repair parts, test and make adjustments.

Drive

• Drive and pick up parts, transport equipment, parts, etc..

• Drive the company's box-truck between buildings when necessary.

Engage

Engage in full manual dexterity in both hands and wrists.

Ensure

• Ensure all documentation and recording are completed and adhere to good documentation practices.

• Ensure all equipment is in proper working order and all safety guidelines are adhered to.

• Ensure operation of machinery and mechanical equipment by completing preventive.

• Ensure the workstation is clean and professional at all times.

• Ensure work is performed safely and efficiently.

Estimate

Estimate costs to repair machinery, equipment, or building structures.

Exercise

Exercise maximum, efficiency while maintaining all quality standards.

Follow

• Follow all maintenance safety procedures.

• Follow all plant and department procedures, GMP's and plant safety rules.

• Follow all safety related policies, rules, regulations, technical instructions and guidelines.

• Follow maintenance procedures and guidelines provided by manufacturers.

• Follow written and verbal instructions and perform other tasks as directed by supervision.

Identify

• Identify and implement improvements to machinery and maintenance processes.

• Identify and utilizes proper tools for each individual job.

• Identify damaged tools and does not risk using them.

• Identify needed parts, supplies, and repair items.

• Identify safety risks and works to reduce risks in behavior, equipment and processes.

Inspect

Inspect, operate, or test machinery or equipment to diagnose machine malfunctions.

Install

• Install and perform alignment on mechanical drive systems.

• Install new machinery or production lines and set them up for operation.

• Install parts and devices using hand tools and power tools.

• Install, remove, rebuild, maintain and troubleshoot all conveyor systems, electrical and mechanical.

• Install, troubleshoot, repair, and modify equipment.

Insure

• Insure that adequate repair parts are stocked.

• Insure that daily PMs are performed and recorded.

Interpret

Interpret and use blueprints and drawings.

Investigate

Investigate equipment failures and difficulties to diagnose faulty operation.

Judge

Judge how best to set up oversized or awkward pieces on a machine.

Keep

• Keep abreast of the latest advancements in industrial machinery and maintenance techniques.

• Keep all work areas clean by following 5S protocol.

• Keep area updated with 5S.

• Keep maintenance records and documentation up to date.

• Keep mechanical devices and electrical controls operational through regular maintenance and repair.

• Keep production lines clean and organized to maintain a safe and efficient work area.

Lead

Lead and audit preventative maintenance procedures.

Lift

Lift and move totes up to 49 pounds each.

Locate

Locate source of problems by observing mechanical devices in operation.

Maintain

• Maintain accurate and timely records of maintenance performed.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area to ensure safety and efficiency.

• Maintain adherence to Company policies and safety regulations.

• Maintain Alene standards of performance and comply with housekeeping, safety policies and procedures.

• Maintain all equipment, tools, spare parts, and maintenance areas in a clean and organized manner.

• Maintain and repair industrial machinery and equipment.

• Maintain and troubleshoot all conveyor systems in the building'.

• Maintain a positive working relationships across all of the Client Operations facility.

• Maintain equipment parts and supplies inventories.

• Maintain equipment, parts, and supplies inventories by checking stock to determine inventory levels.

• Maintain logs for critical equipment as directed by Management.

• Maintain machinery lubrication requirements.

• Maintain maintenance documentation for the equipment.

• Maintain strict adherence to safety rules and regulations.

• Maintain strong housekeeping principles in their own personal areas.

Make

Make recommendations for equipment improvements.

Manage

Manage small projects to maintain or upgrade equipment.

Measure

Measure parts and compare them to tolerance to determine if the part is acceptable.

Mentor

Mentor technicians by motivating, providing guidance and directions to help them achieve their goals.

Monitor

• Monitor and maintain all building systems as assigned.

• Monitor and manage spare parts inventory for efficient repairs.

• Monitor and record machinery performance data and maintenance activities.

Operate

Operate cutting torches or welding equipment to cut or join metal parts.

Oversee

• Oversee maintenance on all machinery during shift.

• Oversee the installation and maintenance of industrial equipment.

Participate in

Participate in continuous improvement projects.

Perform

• Perform all tasks safely and does not take risks as it pertains to safety.

• Perform all tasks with exceptional housekeeping.

• Perform basic troubleshooting of control systems circuitry.

• Perform electrical repair / installation of new equipment or used / moved equipment.

• Perform entry to mid-level break-fix preventative maintenance.

• Perform facility maintenance tasks as assigned.

• Perform general cleaning duties of buildings or properties.

• Perform preventative maintenance and inspections on machinery and equipment as needed.

• Perform preventative maintenance on equipment.

• Perform repairs of building and equipment.

• Perform routine maintenance tasks, such as lubrication and cleaning, to prevent wear and tear.

• Perform simple machinist duties and responsibilities.

• Perform various types of facility maintenance to include basic carpentry, electrical, and plumbing.

Prepare

Prepare, start up or set up various production equipment.

Provide

• Provide emergency / unscheduled repairs of production equipment.

• Provide support and back up for other members of department as needed by leadership.

• Provide timely repairs, upkeep and preventive maintenance.

• Provide training and guidance to junior maintenance technicians or apprentices.

Read

• Read and interpret equipment manuals and work orders to perform required maintenance and service.

• Read electrical schematics and wire directly from wiring diagrams.

Recommend

Recommend process or procedure changes based on observed equipment behavior.

Remain

Remain current on equipment and repair procedures and best practices.

Remove

Remove defective parts by dismantling devices.

Repair

• Repair and maintenance of industrial production equipment.

• Repair and replace gauges, valves, pressure regulators, etc..

Replace

Replace / repair lighting fixtures and lamps in equipment and equipment areas throughout the plant.

Respond

• Respond as necessary to urgent facility / operations issues.

• Respond to and troubleshoot site wide service calls.

• Respond to business / plant calls on an as requested basis.

• Respond to daily maintenance requests in a timely fashion to minimize equipment downtime.

• Respond to emergency breakdowns promptly to minimize downtime.

Schedule

Schedule and complete the Preventative Maintenance Program on all equipment.

Set-up

Set-up and operate machine tools to repair or fabricate machine parts, jigs, fixtures, or tools.

Set

Set your sequence of tasks and coordinate with others based on the priorities set out.

Source

Source and order replacement parts and materials as needed.

Support

Support the plant Food Safety initiatives and the HACCP team.

Test

Test machinery after repairs to verify proper functioning.

Track

Track and store department inventory.

Train

Train or manage maintenance personnel or subcontractors.

Troubleshoot

• Troubleshoot and repair any Technical, manufacturing process or equipment issues in the plant.

• Troubleshoot and repair hydraulic and pneumatic systems in machinery.

• Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical malfunctions in machinery.

• Troubleshoot electrical issues.

• Troubleshoot electronics including identifying problem circuit boards and P.L.C.'s.

• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions using logical and systematic methodologies.

• Troubleshoot malfunctions with machinery & conveyor belts.

• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain test equipment.

Understand

• Understand and follows safety policies and procedures.

• Understand and know NEC code, able to work on 3 phase, 480 V system as well 230 / 240v.

• Understand mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical schematics.

• Understand preventative maintenance.

Undertake

Undertake specialized training for new equipment or technology.

Update

Update records and reviews CMMS history.

Use

• Use guidelines within National Electric Code (NEC).

• Use hand and power tools to carry out maintenance and repair tasks.

• Use machine shop instrumentation and equipment to fabricate repair parts.

• Use MRO system for removing and returning parts from inventory.

• Use precision measuring instruments to ensure accurate machinery assembly and repairs.

• Use remote computing systems to interface, troubleshoot and repair programming system controls.

Wire

Wire and repair / replace electric motors.

Work

• Work different shifts based on management directive.

• Work related mileage reimbursement.

• Work with all plant personnel in a cooperative and professional manner.

• Work with laboratory test equipment such as flow meters, pressure gauges, and thermocouples.

• Work with PLCs and other control systems to diagnose and resolve issues.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Industrial Maintenance Technician:

1. Proficiency in troubleshooting and diagnosing mechanical and electrical issues.

2. Knowledge of machinery repair and maintenance techniques.

3. Understanding of industrial machinery and equipment, including hydraulics and pneumatics.

4. Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints.

5. Competence in using hand and power tools for maintenance and repairs.

6. Familiarity with precision measuring instruments, such as calipers and micrometers.

7. Knowledge of electrical systems and circuits in industrial machinery.

8. Experience with PLCs and other control systems used in machinery.

9. Understanding of safety regulations and protocols in an industrial setting.

10. Proficiency in preventive maintenance techniques and planning.

11. Knowledge of welding techniques and metal fabrication.

12. Ability to use computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).

13. Familiarity with predictive maintenance techniques, such as vibration analysis.

14. Competence in sourcing and ordering replacement parts and materials.

15. Experience in troubleshooting and repairing hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

16. Knowledge of motor controls and drives used in machinery.

17. Competence in using rigging equipment for machinery installation and removal.

18. Understanding of industrial automation and robotics.

19. Knowledge of different types of bearings and their applications.

20. Familiarity with HVAC systems and maintenance.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Industrial Maintenance Technician:

1. Problem-solving skills to identify and address machinery issues effectively.

2. Time management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and prioritize work.

3. Attention to detail for accurate machinery assembly and repair work.

4. Communication skills to collaborate with team members and convey information effectively.

5. Adaptability to work in different industrial environments and conditions.

6. Teamwork and cooperation to work effectively in a maintenance team.

7. Physical stamina and strength to handle the physical demands of the job.

8. Analytical skills to assess machinery performance data and make informed decisions.

9. Critical thinking skills to troubleshoot complex machinery issues.

10. Commitment to safety and adherence to safety guidelines and protocols.

Conclusion

Industrial Maintenance Technicians are essential professionals responsible for ensuring the proper functioning and maintenance of industrial machinery. Their expertise in machinery repair, troubleshooting, and maintenance plays a vital role in minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity in various industries. Coupled with crucial soft skills like problem-solving and teamwork, Industrial Maintenance Technicians contribute significantly to the efficiency and safety of industrial operations.