Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Maintenance C Technician
💰 $22 - $30 per hour
🎯 Role Definition
Welcome! We're defining the role of a Maintenance C Technician, a cornerstone position within our operations team. This isn't just about fixing things when they break; it's about being a proactive guardian of our facility's health. As a Maintenance C Technician, you are the first line of defense, responsible for the hands-on care, preventive maintenance, and basic repair of our production machinery and facility systems. You'll be working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where your mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills will directly contribute to our success by minimizing downtime and maximizing safety. This role is an excellent entry point for a rewarding career in industrial maintenance, offering ample opportunity to learn from senior technicians and grow your expertise in mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Vocational or Technical School Graduate (Industrial Maintenance or related field)
- Manufacturing Operator with strong mechanical aptitude
- Maintenance Apprentice or Helper
Advancement To:
- Maintenance B Technician
- Lead Maintenance Technician
- Maintenance Planner or Scheduler
Lateral Moves:
- Facilities Technician
- Quality Control Inspector
- Machine Operator/Setter
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Execute routine and scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) tasks on a wide range of industrial production equipment to ensure optimal performance and prevent unexpected failures.
- Perform basic troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures on mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems to accurately identify the root cause of malfunctions.
- Conduct repairs on machinery and equipment, which includes replacing worn or defective components such as bearings, belts, motors, gears, and seals.
- Respond promptly and safely to equipment breakdown calls from the production floor to assess the situation and initiate corrective actions to minimize operational downtime.
- Utilize a variety of hand and power tools, precision measuring instruments, and testing equipment to perform maintenance and repair tasks effectively.
- Assist senior-level Maintenance Technicians with more complex repairs, equipment installations, facility projects, and major overhauls, gaining valuable on-the-job training.
- Read and interpret equipment manuals, technical drawings, and basic mechanical/electrical schematics to understand equipment operation and repair procedures.
- Perform fundamental electrical tasks such as replacing fuses, switches, and outlets, and using a multimeter for basic voltage and continuity checks under supervision.
- Document all completed work, parts used, and time spent on tasks with detail and accuracy in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
- Adhere strictly to all safety protocols and procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), while performing all maintenance activities to ensure a safe work environment for yourself and others.
- Conduct regular inspections of machinery and facility infrastructure to identify potential issues, safety hazards, and areas for improvement.
- Perform basic welding, cutting, and fabrication tasks to create or repair guards, brackets, and other simple mechanical parts as needed.
- Maintain the lubrication of all production machinery by checking fluid levels, greasing fittings, and changing oils and filters according to the PM schedule.
- Address basic plumbing and facility-related maintenance issues, such as repairing leaks, unclogging drains, and performing minor carpentry or painting tasks.
- Operate material handling equipment, including forklifts and aerial lifts, in a safe and certified manner to access and move equipment for maintenance.
Secondary Functions
- Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of the maintenance workshop, tool cribs, and personal work areas (5S principles).
- Assist with the management of spare parts inventory by identifying needed parts, reporting low stock levels, and properly storing components.
- Participate actively in team meetings, safety trainings, and continuous improvement initiatives to contribute to the overall effectiveness of the maintenance department.
- Support production teams by providing guidance to machine operators on proper equipment startup, shutdown, and basic daily care procedures.
- Escort and monitor outside contractors or vendors performing specialized work on-site, ensuring they comply with company safety and operational policies.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Mechanical Aptitude: Strong foundational understanding of how mechanical systems work, including gears, pulleys, belts, and power transmission.
- Troubleshooting & Diagnostics: The ability to logically trace and identify the root cause of equipment failures in a timely manner.
- Preventive Maintenance Practices: Knowledge of PM principles and experience executing scheduled maintenance tasks.
- Basic Electrical Knowledge: Familiarity with AC/DC circuits, ability to read basic schematics, and safely use a multimeter for testing.
- Pneumatics & Hydraulics: Foundational knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic systems, including identifying components and troubleshooting basic issues.
- CMMS Proficiency: Experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System to log work orders and track maintenance history.
- Safety Procedures (LOTO): In-depth knowledge and proven application of Lockout/Tagout procedures for energy isolation.
- Hand and Power Tool Proficiency: Skilled in the safe and effective use of a wide range of maintenance tools.
Soft Skills
- Problem-Solving: A methodical and analytical approach to solving technical challenges under pressure.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous in carrying out repairs, conducting inspections, and documenting work to ensure quality and accuracy.
- Communication: Ability to clearly communicate technical issues and work status to team members, supervisors, and production staff.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with a willingness to assist others and learn from senior technicians.
- Adaptability: Flexible and able to adjust to changing priorities, unexpected breakdowns, and varying work demands.
- Time Management: Capable of prioritizing tasks effectively to manage both scheduled PMs and reactive maintenance calls.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Preferred Education:
- Associate's Degree or a technical certificate in Industrial Maintenance Technology, Mechatronics, or a related skilled trade.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Industrial Maintenance Technology
- Mechatronics or Electromechanical Technology
- Welding Technology
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- 1-3 years of hands-on experience in an industrial maintenance role or a related mechanical field.
Preferred:
- Prior experience working within a manufacturing, production, or distribution center environment is highly desirable.