Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Electric Motor Technician

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a highly skilled and detail-oriented Electric Motor Technician to join our dynamic team. This critical role is the backbone of our industrial service operations, responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of our clients' essential machinery. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem-solver with a deep understanding of electromechanical systems. You will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of motor repair, from initial diagnostics and disassembly to intricate rewinding, precision reassembly, and final testing. This position requires a safety-first mindset, a passion for quality workmanship, and the ability to work effectively both independently in the shop and collaboratively with a team of expert technicians. If you have a knack for troubleshooting complex machinery and take pride in bringing vital equipment back to life, we want to hear from you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Electrical or Mechanical Apprentice
Industrial Maintenance Helper
Electromechanical Assembler

Advancement To:

Senior / Lead Motor Technician
Field Service Engineer
Maintenance Supervisor or Shop Foreman

Lateral Moves:

Industrial Electrician
Generator Technician
HVAC/R Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform comprehensive diagnostic testing on AC/DC motors and related electromechanical apparatus to accurately identify faults and determine the root cause of failure.
Skillfully disassemble and reassemble complex rotating equipment, including motors, generators, and gearboxes, while carefully documenting component conditions and configurations.
Conduct a full range of electrical tests, including winding resistance, insulation resistance (megger), surge comparison, and core loss tests, to assess electrical integrity.
Utilize precision measuring instruments, such as micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators, to verify that shafts, bearing journals, and housings meet strict dimensional specifications.
Execute complete motor rewinds, which involves meticulously collecting winding data, stripping failed windings, fabricating and inserting new coils, and making precise connections.
Perform dynamic balancing on rotors, armatures, and other rotating components using specialized equipment to minimize vibration and extend equipment life.
Replace and properly install components such as bearings, seals, brushes, and encoders according to OEM specifications and industry best practices.
Operate overhead cranes, hoists, and forklifts to safely handle and maneuver large, heavy motors and components within the service center or at a customer site.
Interpret and work from technical documentation, including electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and service manuals, to guide repair and assembly processes.
Conduct final run-tests on repaired equipment, meticulously monitoring voltage, amperage, temperature, and vibration levels to ensure performance meets or exceeds standards.
Prepare detailed and accurate service reports, inspection forms, and work order documentation for each job to ensure clear records and customer communication.
Perform on-site field service work, including troubleshooting, removal, and installation of motors and controls at customer facilities.
Communicate technical findings, repair recommendations, and job status updates clearly to supervisors, project managers, and customers.
Weld, braze, or perform basic machining on motor components such as shafts, frames, and end bells as necessary to complete repairs.
Strictly adhere to all company and industry safety regulations, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, and personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols.
Take ownership of the quality of work performed, ensuring all repairs are completed to the highest standard of craftsmanship.

Secondary Functions

Assist in maintaining an organized inventory of spare parts, winding supplies, and other materials required for efficient shop operations.
Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and support to apprentice technicians and junior members of the team.
Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing shop efficiency, quality control, and safety procedures.
Stay current with emerging motor technologies, repair techniques, VFD applications, and industry standards through ongoing training and professional development.
Maintain and calibrate shop tools and testing equipment to ensure they are in good working order and provide accurate readings.
Collaborate with the sales and customer service teams to provide technical insights and assist in quoting complex repair jobs.
Contribute to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment in compliance with 5S or similar lean manufacturing principles.
Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to motor failure trends and repair cycle times.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Deep knowledge of AC/DC motor theory, construction, and repair principles.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, mechanical blueprints, and technical manuals.
Hands-on experience with diagnostic equipment, including multimeters, megohmmeters, surge testers, and core loss testers.
Skilled in motor winding data collection, coil forming, and connection procedures (Wye, Delta, etc.).
Expertise in using precision mechanical measurement tools, including micrometers, calipers, and feeler gauges.
Proven ability to operate dynamic balancing machines to balance rotors and armatures.
Competency in performing basic machining (lathe work) and welding (MIG/TIG) for component repair.
Familiarity with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), soft starters, and other motor control systems.
Certified or experienced in the safe operation of overhead cranes and forklifts.
Understanding of bearing types, installation/removal techniques, and proper lubrication practices.

Soft Skills

Exceptional diagnostic and analytical problem-solving skills.
Meticulous attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality and precision.
Clear and effective verbal and written communication abilities.
A proactive, safety-first mindset in all work activities.
Strong time management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively within a team.
Customer-focused attitude, especially when performing field service work.
Adaptability to changing priorities and challenging repair scenarios.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.
Certificate of completion from a vocational program in a related field.

Preferred Education:

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Electromechanical Technology or a similar discipline.
Completion of a formal Electric Motor Technician apprenticeship program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Electromechanical Technology
Industrial Maintenance Technology
Electrical Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5 years of hands-on experience in the inspection, repair, and rewinding of industrial electric motors.

Preferred: 5+ years of experience in an EASA-accredited motor service center, with demonstrated expertise in repairing a wide range of motor sizes and types (including servo and specialty motors).