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

Nov 18, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Plant Maintenance Mechanics are responsible for ensuring a productive, efficient, and safe work environment. They are responsible for carrying out regular maintenance and repairs on all the equipment used in the production process. This helps to ensure that the plant runs smoothly and that the machinery is operating at its highest capacity.

A Plant Maintenance Mechanic's duties include inspecting and repairing machines, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting any issues. they must be aware of safety protocols and regulations to ensure the safety of all personnel in the plant. Failure to maintain machinery can lead to costly downtime, reduced efficiency, and potentially dangerous situations.

Therefore, it is essential that Plant Maintenance Mechanics are knowledgeable, experienced, and dependable in order to keep the plant working optimally.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma. The first step to becoming a plant maintenance mechanic is to earn a high school diploma or the equivalent. High school classes in mathematics, science, and mechanical drawing can be beneficial for anyone interested in becoming a plant maintenance mechanic.
Obtain Technical Training. Most employers prefer to hire plant maintenance mechanics who have completed some type of technical training. Vocational schools and community colleges offer certificate programs and associate degrees in areas such as industrial maintenance or industrial technology. These programs typically cover topics such as welding, hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical systems, and mechanical systems.
Gain Experience. Many employers prefer to hire plant maintenance mechanics who have some type of experience. Gaining experience can be done by working in a related field, such as an apprentice role or an entry-level position at a factory.
Get Certifications. Certification is not always required for plant maintenance mechanics, but it can be beneficial. Organizations such as the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) offer certifications for industrial mechanics and related occupations.
Stay Current on Technology. Plant maintenance mechanics should stay up to date on the latest technology and best practices. Taking classes or attending seminars can help mechanics stay current in their field.

Staying ahead and competent as a Plant Maintenance Mechanic requires a lot of dedication and hard work. It's important that the mechanic is continuously learning about new technologies and regulations, as well as staying up to date with the industry standards. Keeping a good understanding of the plants systems and equipment is also essential.

Regular maintenance and inspections should be done in order to identify any potential problems before they develop, ensuring that the equipment runs at its highest efficiency. taking a proactive approach to preventative maintenance will help minimize downtime and keep the plant running efficiently. Finally, having a good communication system in place between the mechanic and other plant personnel will help ensure that any issues are addressed quickly and effectively.

By following these steps, a Plant Maintenance Mechanic can stay ahead and competent in their field.

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Job Description

Diagnose and repair mechanical problems on production equipment.
Test, adjust, and calibrate mechanical components to ensure proper functioning.
Maintain and repair production equipment, including pumps, motors, fans, conveyors, presses, and other related equipment.
Perform preventive maintenance on production equipment to minimize downtime.
Troubleshoot and repair hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
Perform welding, brazing, soldering, and other fabrication tasks.
Fabricate new parts or components as needed.
Follow safety procedures and adhere to all safety regulations.
Keep accurate records of maintenance activities.
Provide technical support to other maintenance personnel as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of safety practices and procedures
Ability to use hand and power tools
Knowledge of mechanical systems and components
Ability to read schematics and technical manuals
Knowledge of industrial electrical systems
Knowledge of welding, fabrication, and machine shop techniques
Ability to diagnose and repair mechanical problems
Ability to troubleshoot and repair hydraulic systems
Knowledge of preventive maintenance techniques
Ability to operate a variety of equipment
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Effective plant maintenance mechanics must have a wide range of skills to ensure the smooth running of a facility. One of the most important skills is the ability to troubleshoot, analyze, and identify root causes of problems. This includes the ability to read and interpret complex technical schematics and documents, as well as being able to identify faulty parts and systems.

Effective problem solving requires the mechanic to have a solid understanding of electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems. It also requires the ability to stay organized, prioritize tasks, and have an understanding of best practices for safety and efficiency. These skills are essential for a plant maintenance mechanic to be able to diagnose and repair issues quickly and correctly, which can reduce down time, save money, and improve overall production.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in plant maintenance?
What safety procedures do you follow when working with machinery?
How do you troubleshoot a malfunctioning piece of equipment?
Are you familiar with various industrial tools and machinery?
What is your approach to preventive maintenance?
How do you handle complex repair jobs?
What systems do you use to track maintenance tasks?
How do you stay up-to-date with new technology and industry standards?
What strategies do you use to complete tasks quickly and efficiently?
Describe a time when you had to work around a challenging problem.

Common Tools in Industry

Wrench. A tool used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts (eg: adjustable wrench).
Screwdriver. A tool used to drive screws into materials (eg: Phillips screwdriver).
Pliers. A tool used to grip, bend and cut wires (eg: needle nose pliers).
Socket Set. A set of tools used to turn nuts and bolts with a ratchet (eg: metric socket set).
Hammer. A tool used to drive nails and other objects into materials (eg: claw hammer).
Drill. A tool used to make holes in materials (eg: cordless drill).
Grinder. A tool used to grind, sharpen, and shape objects (eg: angle grinder).
Saw. A tool used to cut through materials (eg: hand saw).
Ratchet. A tool used to turn fasteners (eg: 3/8 inch ratchet).
Impact Driver. A tool used to drive screws and bolts into materials (eg: cordless impact driver).

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Maintenance Professionals (AMP)
Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
Maintenance & Engineering Society (MES)
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER)
American Welding Society (AWS)
National Fluid Power Association (NFPA)

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Common Important Terms

Preventive Maintenance. The use of routine or scheduled maintenance activities to reduce the likelihood of equipment failure and minimize its impact if it does occur.
Troubleshooting. The process of identifying and resolving problems with operating systems, software, or hardware.
Calibration. The process of adjusting an instrument or device to measure accurately within a specified range.
Diagnostics. A systematic process of identifying the cause of a problem, such as a malfunctioning machine or system.
Lubrication. The process of applying lubricants to moving parts in order to reduce friction and wear, and to prevent corrosion.
Reassembly. The process of putting components back together after they have been disassembled for repair or maintenance.
Welding. The process of joining two pieces of material together by melting them at a high temperature.
Soldering. The process of joining two pieces of metal together by melting a filler metal at a low temperature.
Hydraulics. The study and application of the forces and motions of fluids, typically for the purposes of power transmission and control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of a Plant Maintenance Mechanic?

A Plant Maintenance Mechanic is responsible for performing routine and complex maintenance and repair tasks on industrial machinery and equipment. This may include troubleshooting and diagnosing malfunctions, repairing and replacing parts, inspecting and testing equipment, and performing preventive maintenance.

What qualifications are needed to be a Plant Maintenance Mechanic?

To be a Plant Maintenance Mechanic, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must possess knowledge of mechanical principles, safety practices, and hand tools. Additional requirements may vary by employer, but typically include specialized training and/or experience in operating and maintaining industrial machinery and equipment.

What responsibilities does a Plant Maintenance Mechanic have?

A Plant Maintenance Mechanic's primary responsibility is to ensure that industrial machinery and equipment runs smoothly and safely. This includes troubleshooting and diagnosing malfunctions, repairing and replacing parts, inspecting and testing equipment, and performing preventive maintenance. Additionally, Plant Maintenance Mechanics may be responsible for keeping records of maintenance and repairs, ordering parts, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

What tools might a Plant Maintenance Mechanic use?

Plant Maintenance Mechanics use a variety of tools to diagnose, inspect, maintain, and repair industrial machinery and equipment. This may include hand tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, and pliers as well as power tools such as drills, saws, grinders, soldering irons, and welding equipment. Additionally, they may use computerized diagnostic tools to troubleshoot malfunctions.

What is the salary range for a Plant Maintenance Mechanic?

The salary range for a Plant Maintenance Mechanic may vary depending on the individual's qualifications and experience. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Plant Maintenance Mechanics in May 2019 was $51,630.