Maintenance Mechanic Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the maintenance mechanic job description, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they typically perform.

It also highlights the major requirements that you may be expected to fulfill to be hired for the maintenance mechanic role by most employers/recruiters.

What Does a Maintenance Mechanic Do?

A maintenance mechanic’s main task is to see that machinery and other types of industrial equipment are in optimal functioning order.

Maintenance mechanics generally report to a maintenance supervisor or facility manager.

They are found in many varied industries, including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and even in large commercial buildings.

They work in factories, power plants, hospitals, shopping centers, and other places with machinery or systems that need servicing regularly.

The average maintenance mechanic requires a high school diploma or equivalent supplemented by some vocational training or an Associate’s degree in industrial maintenance.

Many mechanics also learn their trade via on-the-job training or apprenticeships.

Certification is normally not required, but it definitely can help in seeking the best jobs.

Organizations, such as the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals, offer certifications that will enhance your credentials.

The primary duties that usually make up the maintenance mechanic job description include performing routine maintenance on machinery and equipment, troubleshooting, diagnosing mechanical problems, and repairing or replacing faulty parts.

They also entail reading and interpreting technical manuals and blueprints, and making safety inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Maintenance mechanics are usually multi-taskers. They can be also involved in welding, pipeworking, or even in doing simple electrical work.

In short, they are born problem solvers who take their stand whenever duty calls.

The importance of maintenance mechanics varies from country to country; however, in large part, they are highly in demand wherever there is industry.

They play an important role in developed countries in keeping more advanced manufacturing processes running properly.

In developing nations, they are often central to keeping imported machinery in good working order and making necessary repairs.

Maintenance mechanics work best if they are detail-oriented, with strong troubleshooting skills, and enjoy working on their own and as part of a team.

The job requires physical stamina, as workers will lift heavy parts and spend much time in cramped and awkward positions.

The case is the same when it comes to regulations.

Maintenance mechanics follow all the safety standards that organizations, for example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the United States have put in place with respect to doing safe and effective maintenance work.

Maintenance Mechanic Job Description Sample/ Example/Template

The maintenance mechanic job description consists of the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities:

• Conduct routine inspections of machinery and equipment
• Perform preventative maintenance procedures on machines, equipment, and systems
• Troubleshoot malfunctioning systems, machinery, or equipment
• Repair or replace faulty mechanical parts
• Read and interpret technical documents, such as blueprints, schematics, and manuals
• Apply a diverse range of tools and precision measurement instruments
• Maintain records of maintenance and repairs completed
• Order parts, supplies, and equipment as necessary
• Work with other maintenance staff and departments in a cooperative manner
• Respond on an on-demand basis to emergency requests for repair
• Install new machinery and equipment
• Have experience with basic welding principles and fabrication
• Regularly check the equipment and machinery from a safety point of view, and ensure that it meets OSHA
• Assist junior mechanics and apprentices in training
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the work area
• Perform simple plumbing repairs and maintenance
• Conduct basic energy efficiency assessments with improvement implementation
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development
• Assist in facility renovation and improvement projects
• Perform preventative maintenance on HVAC systems
• Troubleshoot and repair hydraulic and pneumatic systems
• Vibration analysis and other predictive maintenance techniques
• Perform basic electrical repair and maintenance
• Responsible for inventory management for spare parts and supplies
• Participate in safety meetings and workplace improvements

Maintenance Mechanic Job Description for Resume

If you have worked before or are presently working as a maintenance mechanic and are making a new resume or CV, then you can craft a compelling Professional Experience by applying the sample maintenance mechanic job description provided above.

You can express the duties and responsibilities you have performed or presently performing as a maintenance mechanic in your resume’s Professional Experience by utilizing the ones provided in the maintenance mechanic job description example presented above.

This will show that you have been successful performing the duties and responsibilities of a maintenance mechanic, which can boost your chances of being hired for the new position that you are seeking, especially if it requires some maintenance mechanic work experience.

Maintenance Mechanic Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success

It will take a match of technical skills, practical knowledge, and personal qualities to be a good maintenance mechanic.

Here’s a list of some of the most important requirements to meet to be hired for the maintenance mechanic role by most employers/recruiters, which are vital to success in the career:

• Mechanical aptitude
• Problem-solving skills
• Use of hand and power tools
• Reading technical documents and blueprints
• Safety procedure and regulation education
• Math skills for making calculations and taking measurements
• Physical stamina and strength
• Attention to details
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Time management and organization skills
• Basic computer skills for record-keeping purposes and computerized maintenance management systems
• Predictive and preventive maintenance techniques
• Hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems
• Welding and fabrication
• Troubleshooting and diagnostic capabilities
• Ability to adapt and show a willingness to learn new technologies.

Maintenance Mechanic Employment

Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights held about 507,900 jobs in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Employment in the detailed occupations that make up industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights was distributed as follows:

• Industrial machinery mechanics: 402,200
• Maintenance workers, machinery: 63,600
• Millwrights: 42,100.

Employment by Industry

Also, according to BLS, the largest employers of industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights were as follows:

• Manufacturing: 53%
• Wholesale trade: 12%
• Commercial and industrial machinery and equipment repair and maintenance, except automotive and electronic: 9%
• Construction: 5%

Employment by State

According to Zippia, the States with the highest employments for general maintenance mechanics include California and Texas, with 8,705 and 3,617 jobs respectively.

Maintenance Mechanic Salary

According to the United States BLS, the median annual salary for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights was $61,170 in May 2023.

The median annual wage for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights in May 2023 was as follows:

• Millwrights: $62,980
• Industrial machinery mechanics: $61,420
• Machinery maintenance workers: $57,350

Salary by Industry

The industries that offer the highest salaries to industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights in the U.S. as of May 2023 include:

• Manufacturing: $61,750
• Construction: $61,280
• Wholesale trade: $60,010
• Commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance: 58,240.

Salary by State

According to Zippia, general maintenance mechanics make the most money in Alaska and Rhode Island, with average annual salaries of $46,008 and $48,984 respectively.

Conclusion

This post has provided all you need to know about the job description of a maintenance mechanic, including their day-to-day responsibilities, with essential skills, job opportunities, and salary expectations.

It is useful to individuals who are interested in the maintenance mechanic career to learn what the role entails.

Employers and recruiters who are looking to hire competent maintenance mechanics will also find this post  helpful in making an effective job description for the position.