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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Electro-Mechanic

💰 $55,000 - $95,000

ManufacturingSkilled TradesEngineeringMaintenanceAutomation

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a technical problem-solver with a passion for keeping complex machinery running at peak performance? As an Electro-Mechanic, you are the critical link between electrical and mechanical systems, serving as the frontline expert for troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining sophisticated industrial equipment. This dynamic role requires a unique blend of skills to diagnose issues across robotics, PLCs, hydraulics, and pneumatics. You will be instrumental in minimizing downtime, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving continuous improvement initiatives within a fast-paced manufacturing or production environment. This is more than a job; it's a career for a hands-on specialist who thrives on technical challenges and ensures the heart of the operation never skips a beat.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Industrial Maintenance Technician
  • Electrician or Mechanic with cross-training
  • Mechatronics or Electromechanical Technology Graduate
  • Military Veteran with a technical specialty (e.g., Avionics, Electronics Technician)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Electro-Mechanic / Lead Technician
  • Maintenance Supervisor or Manager
  • Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer
  • Field Service Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Automation Technician
  • Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Technician
  • Field Service Technician
  • Robotics Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform advanced troubleshooting and diagnostics on complex electro-mechanical systems, including automated packaging lines, robotic cells, and CNC machinery, to identify root causes of failures.
  • Execute timely repairs on a wide range of industrial equipment, encompassing electrical systems (up to 480v 3-phase), motors, drives, PLCs, sensors, and mechanical components like gearboxes, conveyors, and pumps.
  • Conduct comprehensive preventative and predictive maintenance routines on all production equipment to minimize unplanned downtime and extend equipment lifespan.
  • Read, interpret, and redline complex technical documents, including electrical schematics, mechanical blueprints, and hydraulic/pneumatic diagrams, to facilitate repairs and installations.
  • Install, commission, and test new industrial machinery and automation systems, ensuring they meet operational specifications and safety standards.
  • Troubleshoot and modify PLC programs (primarily Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix and Siemens S7) to resolve logic issues and optimize machine performance.
  • Diagnose, repair, and maintain robotic systems (e.g., FANUC, KUKA, ABB), including teaching points, calibrating, and replacing end-of-arm tooling.
  • Perform precision mechanical tasks such as machine alignment, component replacement, and basic fabrication using tools like lathes, mills, and welders.
  • Utilize a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to accurately document all work orders, track parts usage, and maintain detailed maintenance histories.
  • Adhere strictly to all safety protocols, including Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO), arc flash, and machine guarding procedures, to maintain a safe work environment for all personnel.
  • Identify and implement continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing equipment reliability, reducing cycle times, and improving overall operational efficiency.
  • Calibrate and maintain a variety of instruments and sensors, including pressure transducers, temperature sensors, proximity switches, and vision systems.
  • Respond to urgent equipment breakdowns and emergency service calls with a high sense of urgency to restore production as quickly and safely as possible.
  • Assemble and disassemble intricate electro-mechanical systems and sub-assemblies according to engineering specifications and technical manuals.
  • Conduct thorough root cause analysis (RCA) on recurring equipment failures and develop effective corrective action plans to prevent reoccurrence.

Secondary Functions

  • Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to provide technical input on equipment modifications, upgrades, and new capital projects.
  • Assist in managing the inventory of critical spare parts, sourcing components, and creating purchase requisitions to ensure parts availability.
  • Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and training to junior technicians and machine operators on equipment operation and basic maintenance tasks.
  • Support facility-wide maintenance needs, including HVAC, compressed air systems, and other building utilities as required.
  • Participate actively in team meetings, safety huddles, and continuous improvement (Kaizen) events to contribute to departmental and plant-wide goals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • PLC Troubleshooting & Programming: Proficiency in diagnosing and making minor edits to Allen-Bradley (RSLogix 500/5000, Studio 5000) and/or Siemens (TIA Portal) platforms.
  • Electrical Systems: Strong understanding of AC/DC circuits, motor controls, VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives), servos, and the ability to read electrical schematics.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Expertise in repairing and maintaining mechanical systems, including gearboxes, conveyors, pumps, and power transmission components.
  • Hydraulics & Pneumatics: Ability to troubleshoot and repair systems by reading schematics and replacing components like valves, cylinders, and actuators.
  • Robotics Maintenance: Experience with industrial robots (FANUC, ABB, KUKA), including troubleshooting, teaching, and preventative maintenance.
  • CMMS Proficiency: Experience using maintenance software (e.g., SAP PM, Maximo, eMaint) for work order management and documentation.
  • Welding & Fabrication: Basic skills in MIG, TIG, or Stick welding and ability to fabricate simple brackets, guards, and fixtures.
  • Instrumentation & Calibration: Knowledge of process instruments for measuring temperature, pressure, flow, and level.

Soft Skills

  • Analytical Problem-Solving: A systematic and logical approach to diagnosing complex, multi-faceted equipment issues under pressure.
  • Communication & Collaboration: Ability to clearly explain technical issues to non-technical staff and work effectively with engineers, operators, and leadership.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: Skill in managing multiple work orders and urgent requests in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to repairs, documentation, and adherence to safety procedures.
  • Safety-First Mindset: A deep-seated commitment to safe work practices, including LOTO and PPE compliance.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to work on a wide variety of equipment and willingness to learn new technologies as they are introduced.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED combined with a technical certificate in a relevant field or a completed apprenticeship program.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Electromechanical Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechatronics Technology
  • Electromechanical Engineering Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance Technology
  • Automation and Robotics Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7+ years of hands-on experience as an Electro-Mechanic or Industrial Maintenance Technician in a manufacturing, distribution, or industrial environment.

Preferred: Experience in a high-speed, automated environment such as automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, or consumer goods manufacturing is highly desirable.

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