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

Dec 29, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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A mechanical maintenance technician is an important role in the proper functioning of many industries. Without a mechanical maintenance technician, costly machinery and production processes could break down and lead to lost time and profit. By performing regular maintenance and repairs on equipment, a mechanical maintenance technician can prevent costly damage and ensure that production runs smoothly.

they can often detect potential problems before they become more serious and can provide advice on how to improve the longevity of equipment. In this way, a mechanical maintenance technician is a key player in the success of any business.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent for entry-level jobs as a mechanical maintenance technician. If you haven't yet earned your diploma, you can take classes at a local high school or complete an online program.
Take Technical Courses. You may want to take technical courses in a trade school, community college, or post-secondary technical institute to learn more about mechanical maintenance. Courses could include machining, welding, and electrical repair.
Earn a Certification. Many employers prefer to hire technicians who have earned certifications in areas such as hydraulics, pneumatics, and electronics. Certifications can be earned through trade schools, community colleges, and professional organizations.
Get On-the-Job Training. Most employers provide on-the-job training for new technicians. During this training period, you will learn about the systems and equipment used in the workplace and how to safely operate them.
Keep Up With Technology. Technology is constantly changing and it is important for technicians to keep up with the latest advancements in order to stay competitive in the job market. Consider taking additional courses and seminars to learn about new technology and techniques.
Consider Joining Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) or the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) can help you stay up to date on the latest advancements in mechanical maintenance and make valuable connections with other professionals in the field.

Maintaining machinery efficiently and effectively is critical for businesses to maximize output and minimize downtime. Companies that make sure to keep up with regular maintenance and repairs can expect less unexpected breakdowns, fewer issues with productivity, and longer life-cycles for their equipment. This is because regularly scheduled maintenance allows technicians to identify and address potential problems before they become major breakdowns.

It also helps to ensure that the machinery is working at its peak efficiency, which can result in lower energy bills and fewer parts or components needing replacement. Furthermore, properly maintained equipment can last longer, reducing the need for costly replacements. investing in regular maintenance of machinery is a wise decision that can save money in the long run.

You may want to check Mechanical Design Analyst, Mechanical Assembler, and Mechanical Product Designer for alternative.

Job Description

Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on mechanical systems and components, such as pumps, engines, motors, and conveyors.
Inspect and test mechanical systems and components to locate defects, such as loose connections, leaks, and worn or damaged parts.
Dismantle and reassemble mechanical components to gain access to and diagnose problems.
Replace worn or defective parts, using hand tools and power tools.
Repair or replace defective parts with new parts or reconditioned parts from stock.
Clean, lubricate, and adjust parts, equipment, and machinery.
Record maintenance and repair work performed in logbooks or on computerized maintenance management systems.
Monitor functioning of mechanical systems to detect potential problems and to ensure optimal performance.
Respond to emergency breakdowns by performing corrective repairs.
Provide technical support and advice to other maintenance personnel.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, blueprints, and other technical documents
Knowledge of electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems
Understanding of safety procedures in the workplace
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical and electrical problems
Knowledge of proper use and maintenance of tools and equipment
Ability to perform preventative maintenance on equipment
Ability to read and understand technical manuals
Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers and supervisors
Understanding of basic welding and fabrication techniques
Ability to use hand and power tools effectively
Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
Ability to lift heavy objects
Good problem-solving skills
Ability to work with minimal supervision
Good communication skills

Mechanical maintenance technicians are essential for keeping industrial machinery running smoothly and efficiently. Their ability to identify and diagnose mechanical problems, and then take corrective action to restore the machinery to peak performance is key to keeping production running on schedule. A good mechanical maintenance technician must have a working knowledge of all the major types of machinery, components, and their functions.

They must also be able to read and interpret technical drawings, diagrams, and schematics. Being skilled in using hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring instruments is also necessary. Problem solving and troubleshooting skills are essential for finding and eliminating malfunctions.

Finally, the ability to work in a safe and efficient manner is crucial for protecting both workers and equipment from harm. Without these important skills, a mechanical maintenance technician would not be able to effectively perform their duties.

Mechanical Design Manager, Mechanical Design Draftsman, and Mechanical Design Engineer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as a Mechanical Maintenance Technician?
Describe a difficult maintenance issue you've encountered and how you resolved it.
What safety protocols do you follow when performing maintenance?
What do you consider to be the most important skills for a Mechanical Maintenance Technician?
How do you stay up to date on industry standards and regulations?
What strategies do you use to troubleshoot mechanical problems?
How do you prioritize when assigned multiple tasks?
How do you handle working with minimal supervision?
What experience do you have performing preventive maintenance?
Tell me about a time when you had to take initiative to complete a task.

Common Tools in Industry

Hand Tools. Used to assemble, install, and maintain machinery and equipment (e. g. screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers).
Power Tools. Used to perform tasks that require more power than hand tools (e. g. drills, saws, hammers).
Lifting Equipment. Used to lift and move heavy materials (e. g. hoists, cranes, jacks).
Measuring Instruments. Used to measure and test components (e. g. calipers, micrometers, gauges).
Welding Equipment. Used to join metal parts together (e. g. welding torches, welding rods).
Pneumatic Tools. Powered tools driven by compressed air (e. g. grinders, impact wrenches).
Electrical Tools. Used to work with electrical systems (e. g. wiring harnesses, circuit testers).
Forklifts. Used to move and lift heavy materials (e. g. pallet jacks, reach trucks).
Diagnostic Tools. Used to identify problems with machines (e. g. multimeters, oscilloscopes).
Cleaning Equipment. Used to clean and maintain machines (e. g. vacuums, brushes, degreasers).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Institute of Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (IMRP)
Society of Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP)
Industrial Maintenance Professionals Network (IMPN)
National Association of Power Engineers (NAPE)
Association of Facilities Engineering (AFE)
Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRPCO)
The Association for Operations Management (APICS)
NCCER The National Center for Construction Education and Research
American Society for Quality (ASQ)

We also have Mechanical Design Drafter, Mechanical Construction Engineer, and Mechanical Controls Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Predictive Maintenance. Predictive maintenance is a technique used to predict when maintenance should be performed on a machine or system before it breaks down. It uses sensors and data analysis to detect anomalies in the systems performance and provide early warnings of potential problems.
Preventative Maintenance. Preventive maintenance is a proactive approach to system upkeep and repair. It involves regularly scheduled inspections, tests, measurements, and replacements to ensure that equipment is running optimally and safely.
Troubleshooting. Troubleshooting is the process of finding and resolving issues with a system or device. It involves identifying the cause of the issue, gathering information, and finding a solution.
Reliability Engineering. Reliability engineering is a field of engineering that focuses on the reliability of systems, components, and products. It involves designing and implementing processes to ensure that systems are reliable and have a long lifespan.
Quality Control. Quality control is a process used to ensure that products meet certain standards of quality. It involves testing products for defects, making adjustments or repairs, and discarding defective products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the duties of a Mechanical Maintenance Technician?

The duties of a Mechanical Maintenance Technician typically include inspecting, diagnosing, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining mechanical systems and equipment such as pumps, motors, conveyors, boilers, and other related machinery.

What qualifications are needed to become a Mechanical Maintenance Technician?

To become a Mechanical Maintenance Technician, one must typically possess a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as technical experience and knowledge in the area of mechanical systems and equipment. Additionally, certifications or licenses may be required based on the specific type of mechanical systems and equipment being worked on.

What tools and equipment do Mechanical Maintenance Technicians use?

Mechanical Maintenance Technicians typically use a variety of tools and equipment, such as wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters and strippers, soldering irons, hammers, and other related tools. Additionally, they may use specialized equipment such as voltage testers, ammeters, and ohmmeters to diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical problems.

What safety precautions must Mechanical Maintenance Technicians take?

Mechanical Maintenance Technicians must take appropriate safety precautions when working with mechanical systems and equipment, such as wearing appropriate personal protective gear including safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots. Additionally, they must be aware of any potential hazards associated with specific mechanical systems and equipment and take all necessary measures to ensure their safety.

What are the typical working hours for a Mechanical Maintenance Technician?

The typical working hours for a Mechanical Maintenance Technician may vary depending on the specific job and employer. In general, most positions require the technician to be on-call and available for emergency repairs, which may require them to work varying shifts and weekends. Additionally, some employers may offer overtime pay for additional hours worked.