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

Jul 5, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Maintenance technicians are an integral part of any organization; they are responsible for keeping the facility, its equipment, and machines running efficiently. Without their expertise, businesses and organizations would suffer from costly downtime, sub-standard performance, and even safety risks. This can lead to decreased productivity, decreased profits, and higher operational costs.

In order to prevent any of these issues from arising, it is important to have a qualified maintenance technician that is knowledgeable in the latest techniques and technologies. Having a maintenance technician on staff can also help increase employee morale, as they can help troubleshoot any issues that may arise quickly and efficiently.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require maintenance technicians to have at least a high school diploma or GED.
Take Vocational Training or a Certificate Program. Maintenance technicians can take a vocational training program or a certificate program to learn the basics of working in a maintenance role.
Get on-the-Job Training. Many employers provide on-the-job training for maintenance technicians. This is often the best way to learn the specific skills needed for the job.
Obtain an Associate Degree in Maintenance Technology. An associate degree in maintenance technology can give a maintenance technician the necessary skills to advance in the field.
Earn Professional Certifications. Professional certifications in the field of maintenance technology can be another way to show employers that a technician has the necessary skills and knowledge for the job.
Consider Furthering Your Education. Maintenance technicians who want to advance their career may want to consider pursuing a bachelor's degree in maintenance technology.

Maintenance technician is a skilled and competent individual responsible for the upkeep and care of equipment and machinery. They perform regular maintenance and repair tasks to ensure that equipment remains in optimal working order. This is extremely important for a variety of reasons, such as improved safety, increased efficiency, and reduced downtime.

Poorly maintained equipment can lead to costly breakdowns, which can lead to costly repairs and delayed production. Maintenance technicians also often diagnose and troubleshoot problems with equipment, helping to identify potential issues before they become bigger problems. In addition, they may provide technical support to other staff and provide advice on the best course of action for any given situation.

By having a dedicated maintenance technician on staff, businesses can save money in the long run by ensuring that all equipment is properly maintained and running efficiently.

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Job Description

Perform preventive maintenance on all machinery, equipment, and systems in the facility.
Troubleshoot and repair mechanical and electrical components on a variety of equipment.
Diagnose the source of malfunctions, and make repairs as needed.
Utilize testing equipment to ensure proper operation of machines and systems.
Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities and work orders.
Ensure that all safety and environmental regulations are adhered to.
Respond to emergency maintenance requests in a timely manner.
Operate and maintain hand and power tools in a safe manner.
Communicate with supervisors and other personnel to ensure that work is completed in a timely and satisfactory manner.
Perform welding and fabrication as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Understanding of electrical, plumbing, HVAC and other building systems
Knowledge of safety procedures and regulations
Ability to diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
Ability to troubleshoot and repair heating and cooling systems
Knowledge of hand and power tools
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams
Ability to perform preventative maintenance on equipment
Ability to lift and/or move heavy objects
Good communication skills
Attention to detail
Ability to work independently
Ability to work in a team environment
Ability to work flexibly and adjust to changing conditions

Being a maintenance technician requires a wide range of skills, from knowledge of electrical systems to being able to troubleshoot mechanical problems. The most important skill to have is problem-solving skills. Without the ability to identify, analyze and resolve problems, a maintenance technician wont be able to effectively perform maintenance tasks.

Problem-solving skills involve being able to collect data, analyze the information, determine the cause of the issue, develop solutions and then apply the best solution. communication skills are critical for success. Maintenance technicians must be able to communicate effectively with customers, vendors and colleagues in order to ensure that they can effectively explain problems, answer questions, and provide instructions on how to fix issues.

Lastly, a strong technical understanding is essential in order to understand how different parts of a system work together, how components react to certain conditions, and how to repair or replace components. By having a deep understanding of technical systems, a maintenance technician will be able to quickly diagnose and solve problems in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a maintenance technician?
How do you handle difficult customer situations?
What steps do you take to ensure that all maintenance tasks are completed in a timely manner?
What safety measures do you practice when performing maintenance and repair work?
How do you prioritize tasks and manage time effectively?
How do you handle stress in the workplace?
What have you done to improve your maintenance skills?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a major issue with a machine.
Do you have experience working with automated systems?
Describe a situation where you had to take initiative to complete a project.

Common Tools in Industry

Hammer. A tool used for driving nails, breaking up objects, and other similar tasks. (e. g. Claw Hammer)
Wrench. A tool used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. (e. g. Adjustable Wrench)
Pliers. A tool used for gripping, cutting and bending. (e. g. Needle-nose Pliers)
Screwdrivers. A tool used for turning screws and other fasteners. (e. g. Phillips Head Screwdriver)
Socket Set. A set of tools used for driving and removing nuts and bolts. (e. g. Socket Wrench Set)
Drills. A tool used for boring holes or driving screws into materials. (e. g. Cordless Drill)
Saw. A tool used for cutting materials such as wood, metal and plastic. (e. g. Hand Saw)
Multimeter. A tool used for measuring electricity and voltage. (e. g. Digital Multimeter)
Level. A tool used for determining if a surface is level or plumb. (e. g. Bubble Level)
Utility Knife. A tool used for cutting and trimming materials such as cardboard and vinyl. (e. g. Box Cutter)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Maintenance Engineers
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE)
National Maintenance Agreements Policy Committee (NMAPC)
National Industrial Maintenance Association (NIMA)
Plant Engineering and Maintenance Association of Canada (PEMAC)
International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
Reliability and Maintainability Professionals (RAMP)
Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP)

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Common Important Terms

Preventive Maintenance. A scheduled and planned maintenance activity designed to reduce the likelihood of equipment failure or breakdown.
Breakdown Maintenance. Maintenance carried out when a machine or system breaks down and needs to be repaired.
Troubleshooting. A process of systematically diagnosing and resolving problems or malfunctions, often with the aid of specialized diagnostic tools.
Diagnostics. The process of identifying and diagnosing faults or errors in a system.
Calibration. The process of adjusting and verifying the accuracy of a device or system.
PLC Programming. Programming of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to automate operations in industrial processes.
Robotics Maintenance. Maintenance of robotic systems and components, such as servos, controllers, sensors and actuators.
Hydraulics Maintenance. Maintenance of hydraulic systems and components, such as pumps, motors and valves.
HVAC Maintenance. Maintenance and repair of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems.
Electrical Maintenance. Maintenance of electrical systems and components, such as wiring, switchgear, transformers and circuit breakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job description of a Maintenance Technician?

Maintenance Technicians are responsible for performing routine maintenance and repairs on equipment and property, troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues, and performing preventive maintenance duties.

What qualifications are needed to become a Maintenance Technician?

To become a Maintenance Technician, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent, experience in electrical and mechanical maintenance, knowledge of safety protocols, and strong problem-solving and communication skills.

What type of environment does a Maintenance Technician work in?

Maintenance Technicians typically work in industrial or commercial settings such as factories, warehouses, hospitals, and office buildings.

What is the average salary of a Maintenance Technician?

The average salary of a Maintenance Technician is $45,000 per year.

What type of duties do Maintenance Technicians typically perform?

Maintenance Technicians typically perform tasks such as inspecting and repairing equipment, performing preventive maintenance, ordering parts and supplies, maintaining records of maintenance activities, and following safety protocols.