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

Mechanical Reliability Technicians play a vital role in ensuring the reliable performance of mechanical equipment. By performing preventative maintenance and inspections, they help reduce the risk of unexpected downtime due to equipment failure. This helps to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve customer service.

In addition, technicians can detect potential problems before they become catastrophic, allowing for quick and effective repairs that can save companies time, money, and resources. By providing specialized technical knowledge and expertise, Mechanical Reliability Technicians are essential to the success of any organization that relies on mechanical equipment.

Steps How to Become

  1. Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Earning a high school diploma or GED is the first step toward becoming a Mechanical Reliability Technician. High school classes in mathematics, science, and technology-related courses are especially helpful for aspiring technicians.
  2. Get Training. To become a Mechanical Reliability Technician, individuals must complete an apprenticeship program or vocational training program that focuses on mechanical repair and maintenance, hydraulics, pneumatics, and other mechanical systems. Apprenticeship programs usually last two to four years and include both classroom instruction and hands-on training.
  3. Obtain Certification. After completing an apprenticeship or training program, Mechanical Reliability Technicians can obtain certification through organizations such as the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE) or the International Society of Automation (ISA). Certification demonstrates a technician's knowledge and skills and is typically required for job advancement.
  4. Get Experience. To increase their chances of advancement and higher salaries, Mechanical Reliability Technicians should seek out experience in the field. This can be done by working on projects as part of an apprenticeship or through internships or volunteer positions.
  5. Pursue Additional Training. To stay current on industry trends and technology, Mechanical Reliability Technicians may pursue additional training through seminars, workshops, or online courses. Additionally, many employers offer on-the-job training to help technicians develop new skills and stay up-to-date on the latest industry practices.

To stay ahead and qualified as a Mechanical Reliability Technician, it is necessary to stay current in the field. This means staying up-to-date on the latest advances in mechanical engineering, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and maintenance management systems. In addition, it is important to stay abreast of emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), predictive analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI).

By keeping up with these technologies, Mechanical Reliability Technicians can ensure that their skillset remains competitive and that their knowledge is applicable to the latest industry needs. Furthermore, it is essential to understand the basics of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and physics in order to stay ahead in the field. Understanding the fundamentals of these disciplines is essential for problem solving and troubleshooting.

Finally, staying connected with other professionals in the field through professional associations and networks can help ensure that Mechanical Reliability Technicians are aware of new trends and opportunities to stay ahead of the competition.

You may want to check Mechanical Engineer Manager, Mechanical Maintenance Engineer, and Mechanical Design Analyst for alternative.

Job Description

  1. Maintain and monitor all mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning and reliability.
  2. Diagnose, troubleshoot and repair mechanical components, equipment and machinery.
  3. Perform preventative maintenance activities on mechanical equipment and machinery.
  4. Follow safety protocols to ensure safe working environment and proper use of tools and equipment.
  5. Analyze test results, identify root cause of mechanical problems and recommend appropriate solutions.
  6. Install and configure mechanical systems, components and related equipment.
  7. Inspect and evaluate mechanical components, systems and related equipment for wear, alignment and performance.
  8. Document all repairs, maintenance activities and test results in an accurate and timely manner.
  9. Maintain parts inventory and order additional parts as needed.
  10. Perform tests and calibrations on mechanical equipment in accordance with established procedures.

Skills and Competencies to Have

  1. Knowledge of mechanical systems and components
  2. Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical problems
  3. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics
  4. Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures
  5. Knowledge of mechanical parts and components
  6. Ability to use precision measuring instruments
  7. Familiarity with quality assurance practices
  8. Ability to use computer-aided design (CAD) software
  9. Ability to use hand and power tools
  10. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills
  11. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  12. Ability to lift heavy objects
  13. Knowledge of engineering principles and processes

Maintaining a reliable mechanical system is essential for any company or organization. It is the job of a Mechanical Reliability Technician to ensure that the mechanical systems are running properly and efficiently. The most important skill for a Mechanical Reliability Technician to have is strong problem-solving abilities.

They must be able to identify problems quickly and accurately, and then devise solutions to those problems. The ability to work well under pressure is also essential, as the Technician must be able to respond quickly and effectively to any problems that arise. In addition, knowledge of the various components of mechanical systems, as well as their functions, is also important.

A Mechanical Reliability Technician must also be able to communicate effectively with other technicians and engineers, as well as other personnel, in order to ensure that any problems are resolved quickly and efficiently. the ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical systems is essential for any Mechanical Reliability Technician.

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Frequent Interview Questions

  • What experience do you have working with mechanical reliability systems?
  • What processes and techniques do you use to identify mechanical reliability problems?
  • How do you ensure that the mechanical systems you work on are reliable and efficient?
  • Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision regarding mechanical reliability.
  • What strategies have you used to troubleshoot mechanical reliability issues?
  • Describe a time when you successfully implemented a new mechanical reliability system.
  • How do you stay up to date with the latest industry trends related to mechanical reliability?
  • What methods do you use to ensure compliance with safety standards related to mechanical reliability?
  • How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects related to mechanical reliability?
  • What challenges have you faced when working on mechanical reliability systems, and how did you overcome them?

Common Tools in Industry

  1. Torque Wrenches. Used to accurately apply a specified torque to a fastener (eg: tightening a nut and bolt to manufacturer specifications).
  2. Multi-Meters. Used to measure and test voltage, current, and resistance (eg: testing the electrical current of a motor).
  3. Oscilloscopes. Used to measure and graph electrical signals over time (eg: analyzing the frequency of a vibration).
  4. Thermal Cameras. Used to measure temperature differences in objects or areas (eg: detecting heat loss from a valve).
  5. Infrared Thermometers. Used to measure the surface temperature of objects (eg: checking the temperature of a bearing).
  6. Pressure Gauges. Used to measure the pressure of liquids and gases (eg: measuring the pressure in a pipe).
  7. Calipers. Used to measure the dimensions of objects (eg: measuring the diameter of a shaft).
  8. Ultrasonic Thickness Gages. Used to measure the thickness of materials (eg: measuring the wall thickness of a pipe).
  9. Vibration Analyzers. Used to measure and analyze vibration frequency (eg: testing for alignment issues in a pump).
  10. Flow Meters. Used to measure the rate of flow for liquids and gases (eg: measuring the flow of oil in a pipe).

Professional Organizations to Know

  1. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
  2. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
  3. International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
  4. Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (MRP)
  5. American Reliability Society (ARS)
  6. Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP)
  7. Institute of Asset Management (IAM)
  8. Institute of Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (IMRP)
  9. International Maintenance and Reliability Institute (IMRI)
  10. Society of Maintenance and Reliability Engineers (SMRE)

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Common Important Terms

  1. Maintenance. The act of keeping something in proper working order by regularly inspecting and servicing it.
  2. Reliability. The ability of a system or component to function correctly under given conditions for a specified period of time.
  3. Fault Diagnosis. The analysis of a system to identify the cause of a fault.
  4. Root Cause Analysis. The process of identifying the underlying reason for a problem or failure.
  5. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). A method used to identify potential failure modes, their effects, and the preventive actions to be taken.
  6. Risk Assessment. A process used to identify and evaluate potential risks.
  7. Preventive Maintenance. Maintenance that is performed before a problem occurs in order to reduce the chance of failure.
  8. Predictive Maintenance. Maintenance that is based on the condition of the system and uses visual, mechanical, or other forms of inspection to detect problems before they occur.
  9. Safety Management. The process of managing safety-related risks and hazards.
  10. Troubleshooting. The process of identifying and correcting faults in a system or component.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Mechanical Reliability Technician? A1: A Mechanical Reliability Technician is a professional who works to ensure the reliable operation of mechanical systems and equipment. They use preventive maintenance strategies and troubleshooting techniques to identify and address potential issues with equipment and machinery. Q2: What skills do Mechanical Reliability Technicians need? A2: Mechanical Reliability Technicians need to have a strong understanding of mechanical systems, such as pumps, motors, and bearings. They also need to be familiar with predictive maintenance techniques, such as vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis. Q3: What duties does a Mechanical Reliability Technician perform? A3: The duties of a Mechanical Reliability Technician include performing preventive maintenance on mechanical systems, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, conducting failure analysis, and recommending corrective actions. They may also be responsible for maintaining documentation of maintenance activities and preparing reports. Q4: What qualifications are required to become a Mechanical Reliability Technician? A4: To become a Mechanical Reliability Technician, individuals typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in the field or a related trade or certification. Additional qualifications may include specialized training in predictive maintenance techniques and safety protocols. Q5: What is the average salary of a Mechanical Reliability Technician? A5: The average salary of a Mechanical Reliability Technician depends on factors such as experience and location. According to PayScale, the median salary for a Mechanical Reliability Technician in the United States is $53,869 per year.

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