An Industrial Maintenance Mechanic is a professional who plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of industrial machinery and equipment. They are skilled technicians responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining various types of machinery to prevent breakdowns and optimize production efficiency. In this blog post, we will delve into the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Industrial Maintenance Mechanics.

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Main Responsibilities of an Industrial Maintenance Mechanic

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

Abide by

Abide by all safety rules set forth by company.

Align

Align and calibrate machinery parts to ensure proper functioning.

Apply

Apply health and safety practices.

Assist in

• Assist co-workers with any questions or issues regarding task completion.

• Assist in existing inventory parts and report use for reorder.

• Assist in fabricating small parts as needed.

• Assist in routine and scheduled maintenance on mill equipment to maintain uptime.

• Assist in the commissioning and decommissioning of machinery and equipment.

• Assist in the installation and setup of new machinery and equipment.

• Assist in troubleshooting and repair breakdowns as needed.

• Assist other maintenance personnel with repairs as needed.

• Assist other maintenance personnel with tooling changes and set up.

• Assist plant manager in supervising employees if necessary.

• Assist with precision alignment (drive trains, conveyors, and machine frames).

Change

Change pumps, motors, conveyors and other components as needed.

Clean

• Clean and lubricate equipment, parts and machinery.

• Clean and lubricate parts, equipment and / or machinery.

• Clean and maintain work area.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate with maintenance department to determine repair needs and optimal repair time.

• Collaborate with other maintenance team members to address complex machinery issues.

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

Commit

Commit to meeting production deadlines.

Communicate with

Communicate with operators to identify problems.

Complete

• Complete all necessary documentation-.

• Complete repairs or maintenance procedures that have been started by the previous shift.

• Complete uniform provided after 3 months.

• Complete work orders as required and ensures appropriate follow-up communication.

Conduct

• Conduct preventive maintenance tasks to prevent potential issues and extend machinery life.

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

Conserve

Conserve maintenance resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.

Construct

Construct rigging and scaffolding.

Control

• Control downtime by communicating efficiently with all team members.

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

Coordinate

Coordinate repairs and maintenance procedures with operators to avoid unnecessary down time.

Create

• Create, and documents work completed using C-Works.

• Create, and documents work completed using PMC.

Determine

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

• Determine grades and sizes of bolts, pipes, tubing, cables, and wires.

Diagnose

• Diagnose equipment operating issues and makes required repairs.

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

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

Disassemble

• Disassemble and reassemble machinery components to conduct repairs and replacements.

• Disassemble machines and repair / replace / adjust parts accordingly.

Document

Document and record any issues on line improvements.

Ensure

• Ensure assigned areas are clean and organized-.

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and guidelines while performing maintenance work.

• Ensure proper mechanical and electrical functioning of plant equipment and machinery.

• Ensure supplies are stocked in appropriate production areas-.

• Ensure troubleshooting of machinery and equipment change-overs if necessary.

Establish

Establish work order systems and log book for automation processes and fixturing for assembly.

Estimate

Estimate time and material costs on electrical and mechanical projects.

Fabricate

• Fabricate and install various electrical, piping, pneumatic and mechanical equipment.

• Fabricate repair parts by using machine shop instrumentation and equipment.

Fill out

Fill out production reports, logs and all other paperwork that needs to be completed.

Follow

• Follow maintenance procedures and guidelines provided by manufacturers.

• Follow safety procedures given by management.

• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's).

Identify

• Identify areas for machinery improvement and recommend upgrades or modifications.

• Identify safety risks and works to reduce them.

Inform

• Inform operators from other shifts of quality problems or equipment breakdowns.

• Inform Supervisor of any situation that requires attention but not immediate repair.

Inspect

• Inspect completed repairs and recommend appropriate solution.

• Inspect industrial machinery and equipment to identify signs of wear, damage, or malfunction.

• Inspect / Test damaged machine parts.

Install

• Install new machinery and production lines, ensuring proper setup and functionality.

• Install, replace or change machine parts and attachments.

• Install / troubleshoots / repairs AC and DC drives / motors.

Interpret

Interpret blueprints, drawings, and schematics.

Keep

Keep all tools in good working condition.

Listen

Listen for unusual sounds from mechanical components.

Locate

Locate sources of problems by observing mechanical devices in operation.

Lubricate

• Lubricate or apply adhesives and other materials to machines, machine parts, or other equipment.

• Lubricate greases, oils, etc., plant machinery and equipment.

Maintain

• Maintain accurate maintenance logs.

• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities and performed repairs.

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

• Maintain a clean and safe work area.

• Maintain a clean, safe, organized working environment.

• Maintain a clean work area.

• Maintain a high level of cleanliness throughout department-.

• Maintain a high sense of safety responsibility at all times.

• Maintain and repair motors, gearboxes, and other mechanical components.

• Maintain and repairs production equipment as directed by Maintenance Supervisor.

• Maintain and repairs utility and facility-related equipment as directed by Maintenance Supervisor.

• Maintain and troubleshoots Hydraulics, Compressors, Industrial Presses and Pneumatics.

• Maintain equipment in proper operating condition.

• Maintain equipment neatly and timely.

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

• Maintain excellent attendance and punctuality.

• Maintain good general housekeeping, keeping clean equipment and work area.

• Maintain proper documentation of plant equipment.

• Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.

• Maintain safety, health and environmental policies and procedures.

• Maintain strict adherence to safety rules and regulations.

• Maintain, troubleshoots and repairs the following, as required.

• Maintain various types of non-production industrial plant machinery equipment and systems.

• Maintain work area according to plant standard for safety, efficiency and cleanliness.

Make

• Make adjustments as necessary to produce within certain specifications.

• Make improvements to equipment to increase up time and efficiency.

• Make necessary improvements to manufacturing process.

• Make recommendations where we could improve our deficiencies.

Manage

• Manage repair cost within set budged-.

• Manage small projects to maintain or upgrade equipment.

Meet

Meet with plant manager to confirm production schedule.

Minimize

Minimize production downtime.

Modify

Modify / read / troubleshoot / install PLC programs.

Monitor

• Monitor and inspect equipment for defects.

• Monitor and manage spare parts inventory for efficient repairs.

Move

Move heavy machinery and equipment.

Operate

• Operate forklift, scissor lift, boom lift and overhead crane when needed.

• Operate precision machine tools to make or repair parts.

• Operate product line machinery and equipment in a safe and efficient manner while following schedule.

Optimize

Optimize machine performance, efficiency and productivity in order to meet targets.

Order

Order and maintain an inventory of replacement parts and supplies.

Oversee

Oversee the work of employees.

Perform

• Perform all repairs and maintenance throughout the facility.

• Perform all tasks safely and does not take risks.

• Perform all work with strict adherence to all applicable safety legislation and procedures.

• Perform immediate repairs as required.

• Perform packaging machinery and facilities repairs with minimal supervision.

• Perform preventative maintenance activities on machines and electrical systems.

• Perform preventative maintenance functions on machines, equipment and plant facilities, as directed.

• Perform preventative maintenance on equipment (e.g. roll formers, production line, etc).

• Perform preventative maintenance on production equipment.

• Perform regular preventive maintenance routines.

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

• Perform time entry, enter notifications and work orders, enter corrective actions / comments.

• Perform welding and metal fabrication tasks for machinery repairs.

• Perform worksite inspections, reporting any issues to the maintenance supervisor.

Purchase

Purchase supplies and parts for repair, track purchase requisitions when necessary.

Read

• Read and interpret drawings and specifications.

• Read and understand mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical schematics.

Reassemble

Reassemble Machines after the completion of repair of maintenance work.

Rebuild

Rebuild various parts / equipment.

Receive

Receive weekly Preventive Maintenance schedule.

Recognize

Recognize waste and recommend initiatives for elimination or reduction.

Removal

Removal, rebuilding, and replacement skills for mechanical systems.

Remove

Remove defective parts by dismantling devices.

Repair

• Repair all tools with necessary hydraulic & pneumatic system-.

• Repair and install industrial equipment.

• Repair and maintenance of industrial production equipment.

• Repair and replace pneumatic / hydraulic parts and devices, electrical equipment, and machines-.

Replace

Replace damaged mechanisms with spares.

Respond to

• Respond to emergency breakdowns promptly to minimize production downtime.

• Respond to service calls or requests in a timely fashion.

Review

Review problems or concerns identified by previous shift (written or verbal communications).

Set-up

Set-up and operate machines.

State

State machines and observe Mechanical operations to detect problems.

Stay updated on

Stay updated on the latest advancements and best practices in industrial maintenance.

Supervise

Supervise all plant workers and operators.

Take

Take the initiative to perform and deliver results with limited direct supervision.

Test

Test machinery after repairs to verify performance and identify any remaining issues.

Train

Train and mentor junior maintenance technicians or apprentices.

Troubleshoot

• Troubleshoot and make repairs to mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.

• Troubleshoot and repair hydraulic and pneumatic systems in machinery.

• Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical malfunctions in machinery and control systems.

Understand

• Understand and communicate all information relating to instructions or job-related documentation.

• Understand and follows safety policies and procedures.

• Understand preventative maintenance.

• Understand preventive maintenance on equipment and scheduled through PMC.

Undertake

Undertake specialized training for new equipment or technology.

Use

• Use computer system to locate parts and schedule repairs.

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

Utilize

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

• Utilize power tools and measuring devices to investigate and repair equipment.

Verify

• Verify equipment to ensure its proper functioning and to detect potential problems before they occur.

• Verify equipment to ensure proper functioning and detects potential problems.

• Verify products to ensure quality and reduce waste.

Work with

• Work in a spirit of partnership.

• Work performed within a factory setting.

• Work with machine operators on troubleshooting inquiries.

• Work with other Mechanics and Electricians to resolve operational equipment issues.

• Work with overhead crane abiding by all health and safety practices.

• Work with preventative maintenance programs and keep detailed and accurate maintenance records.

• Work with preventive / predictive maintenance system to keep operating equipment in good condition.

• Work with the Maintenance Manager to create a Preventative Maintenance schedule for the night shift.

Write

Write special or new Part Request.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

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

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 Mechanic:

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

In this blog post, we explored the main responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Industrial Maintenance Mechanics. Industrial Maintenance Mechanics are essential professionals in maintaining the functionality and productivity of industrial facilities. Their expertise in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining machinery ensures that production processes run smoothly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and maximizing output.