Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Maintenance Technician
💰 $25 - $42 per hour
🎯 Role Definition
Are you a hands-on problem-solver with a passion for keeping things running smoothly? This role requires a dedicated and experienced Maintenance Technician to become a vital part of our operations team. In this role, you will be the backbone of our facility, responsible for the upkeep, troubleshooting, and repair of our sophisticated machinery and essential building systems. You'll leverage your expertise in mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems to minimize downtime, enhance equipment reliability, and ensure a safe production environment. If you thrive in a dynamic setting and enjoy the challenge of diagnosing and fixing complex issues, we want you to help us maintain the highest standards of operational excellence.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Maintenance Apprentice or Helper
- Technical School Graduate (e.g., Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics)
- Machine Operator with strong mechanical aptitude
Advancement To:
- Senior or Lead Maintenance Technician
- Maintenance Supervisor or Manager
- Reliability Engineer or Specialist
Lateral Moves:
- Controls or Automation Technician
- Facilities Engineer
- Project Engineer
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Execute highly diversified duties to install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain production machinery and facility equipment according to safety and productive maintenance systems.
- Perform comprehensive preventive and predictive maintenance on equipment, including cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting parts to ensure optimal performance and prevent failures.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems to identify root causes of malfunctions and implement effective solutions.
- Read and interpret equipment manuals, technical drawings, blueprints, and electrical schematics to perform required maintenance, service, and installations.
- Respond to and execute emergency/unscheduled repairs of production equipment during operations, performing scheduled maintenance during planned downtime.
- Fabricate or repair machine parts and components using machine shop tools such as lathes, grinders, drills, and milling machines.
- Manage and maintain a detailed inventory of spare parts, tools, and supplies, ensuring critical components are readily available to minimize downtime.
- Accurately document all maintenance activities, repairs, part usage, and work orders within the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
- Strictly adhere to and enforce all safety regulations, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, and maintain a clean, safe, and orderly work area.
- Install, set up, and commission new machinery and equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications and company standards.
- Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, compressed air, and electrical distribution panels.
- Collaborate with production staff, engineers, and leadership to identify opportunities for equipment improvement and increased operational efficiency.
- Respond promptly to maintenance requests from all departments, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and their impact on safety and production.
- Utilize predictive maintenance technologies, such as vibration analysis and thermal imaging, to anticipate equipment failures before they occur.
- Assist in the development, documentation, and continuous improvement of the preventive maintenance program and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Secondary Functions
- Operate a variety of hand and power tools, multimeters, and material handling equipment (e.g., forklifts, aerial lifts) in the performance of duties.
- Perform general building maintenance tasks, including minor plumbing repairs, carpentry, painting, and drywall patching as needed.
- Provide technical training and guidance to machine operators on basic equipment care, cleaning, and routine autonomous maintenance tasks.
- Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) investigations for significant equipment failures to develop and implement robust corrective actions.
- Coordinate with and oversee external contractors and vendors for specialized repairs, large-scale projects, or warranty service.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives, such as 5S, Kaizen events, and lean manufacturing projects, to enhance workplace organization and efficiency.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Electrical Troubleshooting: Proficient in diagnosing and repairing AC/DC circuits, motors, and control systems up to 480V.
- Mechanical Systems: Strong knowledge of gearboxes, pumps, conveyors, bearings, and power transmission systems.
- Hydraulics & Pneumatics: Ability to read schematics, troubleshoot, and repair hydraulic and pneumatic circuits and components.
- PLC & VFD: Basic understanding and ability to troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).
- Blueprint & Schematic Reading: Expertise in interpreting mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and technical manuals.
- Welding & Fabrication: Skills in MIG, TIG, or Stick welding for repairs and fabrication.
- CMMS Software: Experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System to track work orders and inventory.
- HVAC Systems: Knowledge of commercial/industrial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Soft Skills
- Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical and diagnostic skills to quickly identify the root cause of issues.
- Time Management: Ability to prioritize urgent tasks and manage a demanding workload in a fast-paced environment.
- Communication: Clear and effective communication skills to collaborate with team members, operators, and management.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to repairs, documentation, and safety procedures.
- Safety Mindset: A strong commitment to following all safety protocols and promoting a safe work culture.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED.
Preferred Education:
- Associate's Degree, Technical Diploma, or Journeyman Certification.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Industrial Maintenance Technology
- Mechatronics
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Manufacturing Technology
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 3-5+ years of hands-on experience as a Maintenance Technician in an industrial, manufacturing, or distribution environment.
Preferred: Experience in a facility with automated conveyor systems, CNC machinery, or food/pharma production equipment is highly desirable.