Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Industrial machinery mechanics are skilled professionals responsible for maintaining and repairing a variety of industrial machines, including factory equipment, conveyors, and packing machinery. Their primary focus is on preventive maintenance, diagnosing potential issues before they lead to equipment failures that could disrupt production. When machines do malfunction, mechanics must quickly assess and resolve the problems to minimize downtime. They typically work in factories, power plants, and construction sites, where they may encounter challenging and sometimes hazardous environments, requiring adherence to strict safety protocols.
These mechanics engage in hands-on work, utilizing a range of tools and technologies, including computerized devices for testing and diagnostics. A foundation in mathematics, physics, and mechanical operations is essential, with many mechanics gaining additional education through specialized training programs or technical schools. Collaborative skills are also important, as they frequently communicate with machine operators to identify machinery issues. Overall, industrial machinery mechanics play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of manufacturing processes, making their work essential to the efficiency of various industries.
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Subject Terms
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing, Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Interests: Machinery, mechanics, working with your hands, solving problems, using tools and computers
Earnings (Yearly Average):$59,470 per year $28.59 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 13% (Much faster than average)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training More than a year of on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Industrial machinery mechanics maintain industrial machines including factory equipment, conveying systems, and production and packing machinery. Most of their job is preventive, as an industrial machinery mechanic tries to diagnose problems with a machine before it breaks down. They are also trained to make repairs when a machine does stop working. When machines fail, production is slowed or stopped, so mechanics must make repairs quickly and efficiently.
Industrial machinery mechanics are also known as industrial machine repairers or maintenance machinists. They are responsible for keeping a number of complex machines in a factory or plant in working order. Industrial machinery mechanics are also responsible for keeping factories or plants stocked with the proper machine parts necessary to make repairs.
Work Environment. Industrial machinery mechanics work in factories, power plants, and on construction sites. They are sometimes required to work overtime, or on nights and weekends, if a machine breaks down outside of regular workday hours. The job of an industrial machinery mechanic can be dangerous. They are required to follow specific safety precautions and wear protective gear while working.
Occupation Interest. Industrial machinery mechanics are interested in how machines work. They analyze and solve complex problems on a daily basis and enjoy working with their hands. Industrial machinery mechanics apply instructions from manuals and diagrams to machines and machine parts, and they are adept at using a number of tools. They will often use computers or other electronic devices to analyze equipment.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Industrial machinery mechanics work regular work hours, though they are sometimes required to work overtime. Throughout a normal day, they perform a number of tasks related to the maintenance and upkeep of machines in factories and production plants. These machines include conveyor belts, robotic arms, and hydraulic lifts.
When there is a problem with a machine, industrial machinery mechanics must diagnose the issue and figure out the best way to solve it. They talk with machine operators and inspect the machinery. They check initially for loose connectors or worn parts. If a part needs replacing, industrial machinery mechanics will replace it. They are also responsible for having the right parts on hand for such a situation. If there are no loose or worn parts, industrial machinery mechanics must perform tests to determine the problem. Sometimes these tests involve computer programs or electronic testing equipment. Industrial machinery mechanics analyzes the test results to decide his or her next course of action.
Industrial machinery mechanics are sometimes called to take entire machines apart and put them back together. This is often done by following a manual or diagram. Industrial machinery mechanics routinely use hand tools. They also use larger tools such as lathes, grinders, and drill presses. Some industrial machinery mechanics perform welding tasks. After they have replaced an old part or performed a repair, they will test the machine to make sure it works.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. The most common environments of industrial machinery mechanics are factories, plants, and construction sites. These sites can often be noisy and dirty. It is important for industrial machinery mechanics to be able to tune out the distractions of their environment in order to focus on making repairs.
Human Environment. There are a large number of people working around industrial machinery mechanics, performing a multitude of tasks at any given time. They must work well with others, including colleagues and clients. They must also be adept at dealing with machine operators. Industrial machinery mechanics will often have to ask an operator questions to diagnose a problem with a machine. In a factory environment, every person performs a specialized task in service of a larger production scheme. Industrial machinery mechanics monitor equipment to keep the whole operation running smoothly and are an important part of this equation.
Technological Environment. Industrial machinery mechanics regularly use computers, computerized machines, and testing devices in their work. The majority of industrial machines have computerized components, and many are operated by way of computer software.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. An aspiring industrial machinery mechanic should enroll in courses focusing on mathematics, physics, computer science, and English. Shop courses, which instruct students on basic engineering and machinery operation, are also important for aspiring industrial machinery mechanics. Most employers require industrial machinery mechanics to have a high school diploma or pass a General Education Development (GED) test.
Postsecondary. Most industrial machinery mechanics need at least one year of postsecondary education or specialized training in their field. Courses in such a program include blueprint reading, computer programming, mechanical drawing, mathematics, or electronics. Many employers require industrial machinery mechanics to have advanced degrees. Most industrial machinery mechanics are required to be familiar with and trained in repairing all types of industrial machinery.
Some industrial machinery mechanics complete a two-year associate’s degree in industrial maintenance at a technical school. Others begin working in a different factory job and take classes provided by their employer in order to become industrial machinery mechanics. In either case, hands-on training is an important part of any training program. Industrial machinery mechanics must be comfortable with the machines they spend their time monitoring.
Related Occupations
− General Maintenance Mechanic
− Heavy Equipment Service Technician
− Machinist and Tool and Die Maker
Bibliography
"Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights." Occupational Outlook Handbook. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/industrial-machinery-mechanics-and-maintenance-workers-and-millwrights.htm. Accessed 20 Sept. 2023.