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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Group Technician

💰 $ - $

TechnicianMaintenanceManufacturingEngineeringSkilled Trades

🎯 Role Definition

The Group Technician is a highly skilled, hands-on professional responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of complex machinery and automated systems within a specific operational group or department. This role serves as a key technical resource, ensuring equipment uptime, operational efficiency, and safety compliance. A Group Technician often acts as a mentor to other technicians and works closely with engineering and production teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives and resolve advanced technical issues. They are the frontline experts in maintaining the health and performance of the organization's most critical production assets.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Maintenance Technician
  • Industrial Electrician or Mechanic
  • Field Service Technician

Advancement To:

  • Maintenance Supervisor or Team Lead
  • Reliability Engineer
  • Technical Specialist or Controls Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Facilities Maintenance Specialist
  • Automation Technician
  • Quality Assurance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute comprehensive preventative and predictive maintenance schedules on a wide range of industrial machinery and automated equipment to minimize downtime and ensure operational continuity.
  • Perform advanced diagnostic tests and systematic troubleshooting on complex mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems to accurately identify root causes of failures.
  • Conduct intricate repairs and rebuilds on critical production equipment, including component replacement, precision alignment, and system calibration.
  • Install, set up, and commission new machinery and production lines, ensuring all components are integrated correctly and functioning according to design specifications.
  • Read and interpret complex technical documentation, including electrical schematics, mechanical blueprints, hydraulic/pneumatic diagrams, and manufacturer's service manuals.
  • Troubleshoot and perform minor programming adjustments on Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), primarily from manufacturers like Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Omron.
  • Utilize a variety of diagnostic tools and precision measurement instruments, such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, calipers, and thermal imaging cameras, to assess equipment condition.
  • Fabricate or modify machine parts and guarding using machine shop equipment like lathes, mills, grinders, and welding tools (MIG, TIG, Stick) as needed for repairs or improvements.
  • Respond promptly to emergency breakdown calls, assess the situation quickly and safely, and implement effective repairs to restore production with minimal delay.
  • Maintain meticulous records of all maintenance activities, repairs, and parts usage within a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) like SAP PM, Maximo, or Fiix.
  • Champion and adhere to all safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), arc flash, machine guarding, and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Collaborate directly with machine operators and production supervisors to understand equipment performance issues and gather information for effective troubleshooting.
  • Provide technical guidance, on-the-job training, and mentorship to junior technicians and apprentices to build the overall skill level of the maintenance team.
  • Manage the inventory of critical spare parts, identifying needs, placing orders, and organizing storage to ensure availability for planned and unplanned maintenance.
  • Participate in and lead continuous improvement projects (Kaizen events) focused on enhancing equipment reliability, safety, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
  • Perform detailed root cause analysis (RCA) on recurring equipment failures and develop and implement permanent corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence.
  • Support engineering teams with the implementation of equipment upgrades, retrofits, and process modifications.
  • Conduct regular safety inspections and risk assessments on machinery and work areas, documenting findings and recommending corrective measures.
  • Calibrate and maintain robotic systems, vision systems, and other advanced automation technology integrated into the production process.
  • Interface with external service vendors and contractors during specialized repairs or installations, overseeing their work to ensure it meets company standards.
  • Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions for complex maintenance tasks.

Secondary Functions

  • Provide on-demand technical support and diagnostics for urgent operational issues as they arise outside of scheduled work.
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of preventative maintenance strategies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality assurance teams to resolve complex technical challenges and support continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Participate in team meetings, safety briefings, and project planning sessions to ensure alignment with group and plant-wide objectives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • PLC Troubleshooting: Proficient in connecting to, diagnosing, and troubleshooting PLC-controlled systems (e.g., Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Siemens S7), including interpreting ladder logic.
  • Schematic & Blueprint Reading: Advanced ability to read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics and mechanical drawings.
  • Electrical Systems: Strong knowledge of AC/DC circuits, motor controls, VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives), servos, and industrial wiring up to 480V.
  • Mechanical Systems: Expertise in power transmission components (gearboxes, belts, chains), bearings, precision alignment, and mechanical assembly.
  • Hydraulics & Pneumatics: In-depth understanding of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including pumps, valves, cylinders, and actuators, and the ability to troubleshoot them effectively.
  • Welding & Fabrication: Competency in MIG, TIG, and/or Stick welding for repair and fabrication purposes.
  • CMMS Software: Experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System for work order management and documentation.
  • Robotics: Foundational knowledge of industrial robot operation and troubleshooting (e.g., FANUC, ABB, Kuka).
  • Network Communication: Basic understanding of industrial networking protocols like EtherNet/IP, Profibus, or DeviceNet.
  • Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Proficiency with structured problem-solving methodologies such as 5-Whys or Fishbone diagrams.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: A systematic and analytical approach to diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues under pressure.
  • Communication: Ability to clearly and concisely communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical colleagues.
  • Teamwork & Mentorship: A collaborative spirit and willingness to share knowledge and guide other members of the team.
  • Safety-First Mindset: An unwavering commitment to following safety procedures and promoting a safe work environment.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to handle changing priorities, unexpected breakdowns, and evolving technologies.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in carrying out repairs, calibrations, and documentation.
  • Initiative: A proactive approach to identifying potential problems and opportunities for improvement without direct supervision.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED combined with a technical certificate from a trade school or an equivalent apprenticeship program.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree (A.S.) in a technical field such as Industrial Maintenance Technology, Mechatronics, or Electrical Engineering Technology.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Maintenance Technology
  • Mechatronics / Automation
  • Electrical Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

5-10 years of progressive, hands-on experience as a maintenance technician in a manufacturing, industrial, or similar high-tech environment.

Preferred:

Prior experience in a lead or senior technician role, with a demonstrated history of mentoring junior staff and successfully leading complex repair or installation projects. Experience in an environment with a strong focus on Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) or Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) is highly valued.

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