Industrial Machinery Mechanics

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Also known as:
Bag Machine Adjuster, Boilerhouse Mechanic, Foundry Equipment Mechanic, Hydroelectric Machinery Mechanic, Industrial Conveyor Belt Repairer, Loom Fixer, Loom Technician

See all Manufacturing Careers.

ABOUT INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY MECHANIC CAREERS

Video transcript

Industrial machinery is production machinery. This means at least two things: First, the machine is located in a plant of some sort and, second, when it breaks down, getting it running again quickly is essential. A broken machine can stop an entire assembly line, costing a company a huge amount of money in lost production time. That's why industrial machinery mechanics are so vital. It's also why these professionals spend so much of their time doing preventative maintenance.

Machine parts need to be oiled, greased, and cleaned on a regular basis. Robots and other automated equipment need to be calibrated. And often, diagnostic programs must be run. Indeed, given the increasing computerization of industrial machines, it can be important to be as good with a floppy disk and keyboard as with a socket wrench and micrometer.

The work can be dirty and cramped. You may be called in from a sound night's sleep to make emergency repairs in the middle of the night. In fact, the U.S. Labor department reports that for more than half of all industrial machinery repairers, working overtime is common.

This can be a very well paid job - and no wonder: If the machines don't work, then the factory doesn't work. That makes a company's industrial machinery mechanics very important people indeed.

SNAPSHOT

Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.

Leadership	HIGH
Critical decision making	HIGH
Level of responsibilities	HIGH
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines	HIGH
Dealing and handling conflict	LOW

Competition for this position	HIGH
Communication with others	LOW
Work closely with team members, clients etc.	HIGH
Comfort of the work setting	HIGH
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions	HIGH
Exposure to job hazards	LOW
Physical demands	HIGH

Daily tasks

Study blueprints or manufacturers' manuals to determine correct installation or operation of machinery.

Cut and weld metal to repair broken metal parts, fabricate new parts, or assemble new equipment.

Demonstrate equipment functions and features to machine operators.

Observe and test the operation of machinery or equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using voltmeters or other testing devices.

Disassemble machinery or equipment to remove parts and make repairs.

Reassemble equipment after completion of inspections, testing, or repairs.

Examine parts for defects, such as breakage or excessive wear.

Record parts or materials used and order or requisition new parts or materials, as necessary.

Operate newly repaired machinery or equipment to verify the adequacy of repairs.

Clean, lubricate, or adjust parts, equipment, or machinery.

Analyze test results, machine error messages, or information obtained from operators to diagnose equipment problems.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Controlling Machines and Processes	Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Handling and Moving Objects	Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Performing General Physical Activities	Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE

Mechanical	Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Engineering and Technology	Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Production and Processing	Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Design	Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Building and Construction	Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

TOP SKILLS

Equipment Maintenance	Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing	Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Operation Monitoring	Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Troubleshooting	Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Operation and Control	Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Quality Control Analysis	Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Equipment Selection	Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.