A Mechanical Maintenance Technician is a professional who specializes in the upkeep and repair of mechanical systems and equipment in various industries. They play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and reliability of machinery, conducting preventive maintenance, and addressing mechanical issues as they arise. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Mechanical Maintenance Technicians.

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Main Responsibilities of a Mechanical Maintenance Technician

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Mechanical Maintenance Technician:

Adhere to

Adhere to plant safety and sanitation requirements.

Adjust

Adjust machinery and repair or replace defective parts.

Assist in

• Assist in producing safe systems of work- written procedures.

• Assist in setting plant maintenance, reliability and capital objectives.

• Assist in the development and improvement of maintenance procedures.

• Assist in the installation and commissioning of new equipment.

• Assist operational teams in achieving maintenance, reliability and capital objectives.

• Assist with process improvement and initiate change.

Clean

Clean, lubricate and perform other routine maintenance work on machinery.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate actively with Plant Management & Engineers in all maintenance tasks and activities.

• Collaborate to develop the site reliability and operations continuity plans.

• Collaborate with other departments to ensure efficient maintenance operations.

• Collaborate with other maintenance team members and engineers.

• Collaborate with other workers to repair or move machines, machine parts, or equipment.

Complete

Complete assigned work efficiently and per Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's).

Comply with

Comply with safety regulations and maintain clean and orderly work areas.

Conduct

• Conduct equipment adjustments and calibrations for optimal performance.

• Conduct regular lubrication, cleaning, and servicing of mechanical systems.

• Conduct risk assessments and implement safety measures.

• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.

• Conduct routine inspections and tests on machinery and mechanical components.

• Conduct tests and measurements to verify equipment functionality.

• Construct foundations for machinery or direct other workers to construct foundations.

Contribute

Contribute and in some cases lead the development of regional initiatives.

Coordinate with

Coordinate with vendors and suppliers for replacement parts and materials.

Determine

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

Develop

Develop and implement new initiatives.

Diagnose

Diagnose problems, replace or repair parts, test and adjust.

Document

Document and maintain accurate records of maintenance and repairs.

Drive

Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and productivity.

Ensure

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and protocols.

• Ensure the compliance of subcontractors and participate in their pre-qualification.

Follow

• Follow maintenance schedules and document maintenance activities.

• Follow the company's safety rules, policies, work instructions and SOPs.

Identify

• Identify and maintain critical spare inventory levels, and working with stores.

• Identify and troubleshoot mechanical issues and failures.

• Identify equipment maintenance needs.

• Identify existing or potential risks and implement corrective measures targeting prevention measures.

• Identify gaps in the management system and make recommendations for improvements.

Inspect

• Inspect and assess mechanical systems and equipment for maintenance needs.

• Inspect and examine machinery and equipment to detect and find irregularities and malfunctions.

Install

Install, replace, or change machine parts and attachments, according to production specifications.

Interpret

Interpret schematics and equipment manuals.

Learn

• Learn new technologies such as robotics, tool & die, etc.

• Learn window-based computer systems and Kimberly Clark specific systems such as SAP, TALCM and DTR.

Liaise with

Liaise with external service vendors / OEM techs for equipment repairs / rebuilds when required.

Locate

Locate sources of problems by observing mechanical devices in operation.

Maintain

• Maintain a clean and organized work area.

• Maintain, install, troubleshoot, and repair plant production equipment.

• Maintain inventory of spare parts and equipment.

Monitor

• Monitor and analyze equipment performance and efficiency.

• Monitor and maintain mechanical seals and bearings.

• Monitor and maintain the functionality of HVAC systems.

• Monitor, troubleshoot, maintain, schedule and optimize equipment efficiency, reliability and reduce.

Own

Own and drive machine up time.

Participate in

• Participate in assigned preventive / predictive maintenance activities.

• Participate in general maintenance work of facilities and assist other trades as needed.

• Participate in reactive maintenance activities as required, such as troubleshooting and repair.

• Participate in the preventative maintenance program for the facility.

• Participate in the shutdown planning and scheduling activities for both sites.

Perform

• Perform electrical diagnostics.

• Perform equipment alignments and adjustments.

• Perform mechanical diagnosis.

• Perform other trades practices on work assignments within ability and skill level.

• Perform preventative maintenance on machinery.

• Perform preventive maintenance on equipment according to plan and specifications.

• Perform preventive maintenance tasks to ensure optimal equipment functionality.

• Perform routine lubrication, inspection, welding, or maintenance activities on plant equipment.

• Perform system upgrades, modifications, or retrofits.

• Perform the day-to-day operations of the facilities Trane Tracer Ensemble building automation.

Promote

Promote Best Practice and a pro-active approach.

Provide

• Provide maintenance services on various shifts as assigned.

• Provide mechanical maintenance services as assigned, throughout the plant.

• Provide routine maintenance training to team members.

• Provide technical support and guidance to other technicians.

• Provide technical support on equipment and instrumentation.

Read

• Read and understand control schematics.

• Read blueprints and related technical literature as required.

• Read blueprints, diagrams and schematic drawings to determine work procedures.

• Read and understand control schematics.

Record

Record production, repair, and machine maintenance information.

Remove

Remove defective parts by dismantling devices.

Repair

Repair or replace faulty mechanical parts and components.

Resolve

Resolve plant mechanical and rotating equipment issues and implement corrective actions.

Respond to

Respond to maintenance requests and emergency repair calls.

Set-up

Set-up and operate machine tools to make new parts.

Stay updated on

Stay updated on equipment manuals, technical bulletins, and industry standards.

Support

Support the planning and execution of daily / weekly shutdown activities.

Track

Track maintenance schedule and log daily maintenance initiatives.

Transfer

Transfer pumps, pneumatic, electric, ventilation, filtration and diagnostic equipment.

Troubleshoot

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with mechanical equipment in the facility.

• Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues.

• Troubleshoot, start up, changeover machinery.

Update

Update and draft any associated documents and procedures.

Use

Use a variety of hand-powered tools and maintain a clean and orderly work area.

Utilize

Utilize hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment for maintenance and repairs.

Work

• Work in accordance with all applicable standards and safety codes.

• Work safely and protect the safety of others.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Mechanical Maintenance Technician:

1. Proficiency in mechanical systems maintenance and repair.

2. Knowledge of mechanical components and systems.

3. Experience with preventive maintenance practices and techniques.

4. Understanding of mechanical drawings and schematics.

5. Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.

6. Proficiency in using precision measuring instruments.

7. Knowledge of equipment troubleshooting and problem-solving.

8. Experience with mechanical repairs and component replacements.

9. Understanding of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

10. Proficiency in using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).

11. Knowledge of electrical systems integration in mechanical maintenance.

12. Familiarity with equipment lubrication and cleaning procedures.

13. Proficiency in interpreting technical manuals and documentation.

14. Understanding of safety protocols and regulations in maintenance.

15. Knowledge of equipment calibration and adjustment.

16. Experience with equipment alignment and balancing.

17. Proficiency in using diagnostic and testing equipment.

18. Understanding of preventive and predictive maintenance techniques.

19. Knowledge of welding and fabrication techniques.

20. Familiarity with equipment installation and commissioning procedures.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Mechanical Maintenance Technician:

1. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

2. Excellent attention to detail and precision in work.

3. Effective communication and teamwork abilities.

4. Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic work environment.

5. Time management and organizational skills.

6. Ability to work independently and follow instructions.

7. Strong mechanical aptitude and technical acumen.

8. Initiative and proactive approach to maintenance tasks.

9. Commitment to safety and adherence to safety protocols.

10. Continuous learning mindset and willingness to stay updated on industry advancements.

Conclusion

Mechanical Maintenance Technicians play a vital role in ensuring the reliability and functionality of mechanical systems and equipment. By possessing a combination of technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills, these professionals contribute to the overall productivity and operational efficiency of various industries.