How to Be Industrial Maintenance and Repair Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Industrial maintenance and repair technicians are highly trained professionals who are essential for the smooth running of any industrial business. They have a vital role in identifying, diagnosing, and resolving problems with industrial machinery, equipment, and systems. As a result, their work helps to ensure that machines are running safely and efficiently, minimizing downtime, and increasing productivity.

In addition, they are responsible for conducting preventive maintenance and repairs, as well as identifying and diagnosing potential problems before they occur. By doing so, they help industrial organizations save time and money by preventing costly repairs or replacements. Thus, industrial maintenance and repair technicians are key contributors to the success of any industrial business.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Industrial maintenance and repair technicians typically need a high school diploma in order to qualify for entry-level positions.
2. Enroll in a postsecondary program. Most employers prefer to hire workers with a postsecondary degree in industrial maintenance and repair technology. Programs are available at community colleges, technical institutes, and vocational schools.
3. Complete an apprenticeship. Some employers may require applicants to complete a one- to three-year apprenticeship program. Apprenticeships typically include classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
4. Get certified. Many employers may require technicians to hold certifications in specific areas of industrial maintenance and repair, such as hydraulics, pneumatics, welding, or electrical systems.
5. Gain experience. Experienced technicians may have better job opportunities, higher salaries, and more career advancement prospects. Employers may require technicians to have at least two years of experience in the field in order to qualify for higher-level positions.

In order to stay ahead and qualified as an Industrial Maintenance and Repair Technician, it is important to stay on top of emerging technologies and best practices, continuously develop and update your skillset through formal education and hands-on training, and stay current on industry standards related to safety, health, and environmental regulations. Doing so will ensure that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform repair and maintenance tasks efficiently and effectively. Additionally, staying up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in the industry will help you to better identify potential areas of improvement and provide innovative solutions that can lead to increased productivity, cost savings, and improved customer satisfaction.

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Job Description

1. Inspect, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair electrical systems and equipment.
2. Install and repair electrical wiring, fixtures, and control equipment.
3. Diagnose and repair mechanical systems and components.
4. Read and interpret technical manuals and schematics.
5. Perform preventive maintenance on electrical systems and equipment.
6. Monitor performance of mechanical systems and adjust as needed.
7. Perform welding and fabrication work.
8. Perform testing and analysis on components, systems, and equipment.
9. Order parts and supplies as needed.
10. Monitor safety protocols to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of safety standards, procedures and regulations related to industrial maintenance and repair.
2. Ability to read, interpret and understand blueprints, diagrams, schematics and technical manuals.
3. Skilled in the use of hand and power tools, precision measuring instruments, electrical test equipment and other specialized tools.
4. Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
5. Understanding of electrical systems, including AC/DC motors, wiring, and circuit troubleshooting.
6. Knowledge of mechanical systems, including pumps, valves, compressors, and other related equipment.
7. Experience with preventive maintenance, calibration and repair of industrial machinery and equipment.
8. Familiarity with welding processes and techniques.
9. Ability to use computer software applications related to industrial maintenance and repair.
10. Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills.

The ability to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical systems is an essential skill for an Industrial Maintenance and Repair Technician. Without the knowledge and ability to identify problems with machine components, and the know-how to repair them, companies could suffer from costly downtime, inefficiency, and lost productivity. Furthermore, without a maintenance technician in place, machines may be subject to wear and tear that could lead to an increase in repair costs and further downtime.

Therefore, having a skilled technician on board is key to ensuring the smooth running of industrial equipment. With the right training and experience, an Industrial Maintenance and Repair Technician can help save time, money, and resources by properly maintaining and repairing equipment while preventing future issues.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have in industrial maintenance and repair?
• What is your knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems?
• What safety protocols do you follow when repairing and maintaining industrial machinery?
• How do you diagnose and troubleshoot complex problems related to industrial machinery?
• How do you stay current with new technologies, tools, and techniques related to industrial maintenance and repair?
• What do you consider to be the most important skills for a successful industrial maintenance and repair technician?
• Describe a challenging project or problem you’ve faced in industrial maintenance and repair, and how you solved it.
• Describe a time when you had to take initiative to complete an unexpected task related to industrial maintenance and repair.
• What have you done to reduce costs in the industrial maintenance and repair process?
• How do you handle competing demands while simultaneously repairing and maintaining equipment?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Multimeter. A device used to measure electrical properties such as voltage, current, and resistance. (eg: Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter)
2. Hand Tools. A variety of tools used for manual work such as hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and saws. (eg: Craftsman 12-Piece Tool Set)
3. Soldering Iron. An electrical device used to melt solder and join electrical components together. (eg: Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station)
4. Drill Press. A machine used to drill holes in materials with great accuracy. (eg: WEN 4210T 10-Inch Drill Press)
5. Air Compressor. A device used to generate pressurized air to power tools such as nail guns and paint sprayers. (eg: DEWALT 60-Gallon Air Compressor)
6. Pipe Wrench. A type of wrench used to tighten or loosen pipes and other threaded objects. (eg: Ridgid 10-Inch Aluminum Pipe Wrench)
7. Torque Wrench. A tool used to apply a specific amount of torque to a fastener. (eg: Tekton 24340 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench)
8. Power Tools. A variety of tools powered by electricity such as saws, drills, and grinders. (eg: Bosch 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
2. Association for Maintenance Professionals (AMP)
3. Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP)
4. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
5. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
6. International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET)
7. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
8. National Fluid Power Association (NFPA)
9. National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA)
10. American Welding Society (AWS)

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Common Important Terms

1. Automation. The use of technology to automate processes, usually with the goal of increasing efficiency and accuracy.
2. Preventative Maintenance. Regularly scheduled maintenance activities designed to minimize breakdowns and extend the life of equipment.
3. Predictive Maintenance. A form of maintenance that uses data analysis to identify potential issues before they occur.
4. Troubleshooting. The process of identifying and solving problems associated with machinery or other equipment.
5. Pneumatic Systems. Systems that require the use of pressurized air or gas to operate.
6. Hydraulics. Systems that use fluid pressure to push or lift objects.
7. Robotics. Automated machines used to perform tasks that would otherwise require manual labor.
8. Machining. The use of specialized tools to shape or cut materials into precise shapes or sizes.
9. Welding. Joining two pieces of metal together by melting them together and reshaping them while they cool.
10. Electrical Systems. Systems that involve the use of electricity, such as wiring and circuit boards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become an Industrial Maintenance and Repair Technician?

To become an Industrial Maintenance and Repair Technician, you typically need to have a high school diploma or GED, as well as a certificate or associate degree in industrial maintenance or a related field.

What type of tasks do Industrial Maintenance and Repair Technicians typically perform?

Industrial Maintenance and Repair Technicians typically perform a variety of tasks such as inspecting, testing, diagnosing, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining industrial machinery and equipment.

What type of tools and equipment do Industrial Maintenance and Repair Technicians use?

Industrial Maintenance and Repair Technicians typically use hand tools, power tools, and other specialized instruments to repair and maintain industrial machinery and equipment.

What type of safety precautions should Industrial Maintenance and Repair Technicians take?

Industrial Maintenance and Repair Technicians should take safety precautions such as wearing protective clothing and equipment, following safety guidelines, and adhering to safety protocols to ensure their safety while performing maintenance and repair tasks.

What type of salary can Industrial Maintenance and Repair Technicians expect to earn?

The median annual salary for Industrial Maintenance and Repair Technicians is $52,470 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What are jobs related with Industrial Maintenance and Repair Technician?

• Diesel Engine Repair Technician
• Electronics Repair Technician
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• Military Aircraft Repairer
• Aircraft Electronics and Avionics Equipment Installer and Repairer
• Machine Tool Repairer
• Fire and Water Damage Repair Technician
• Repair Administrator
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• Repair Technician III

Web Resources

• Industrial Maintenance Technician | Northwood Technical College www.northwoodtech.edu
• Industrial Maintenance and Automation Technician tooeletech.edu
• Industrial Maintenance Technician | Germanna Community College germanna.edu