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Manufacturing Industrial Machinery Mechanic
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What Does an Industrial Maintenance Technician Do?

An industrial maintenance technician keeps industrial and commercial machines performing at their best. 

This skilled technician goes by many names including industrial mechanic, service engineer, industrial machinery mechanic or machine mechanic. A related role is a millwright, a maintenance technician who moves large industrial equipment, piece by piece, to another location and rebuilds it. 

An industrial maintenance technician or mechanic works on many different types of machines. A technician’s skills need to be equally diverse, from welding and wiring to hand tools and hydraulics. 

One of the biggest tasks is preventive maintenance, so small mechanical or technical problems don’t become big ones. Think about a conveyor belt or a hydraulic lift in a production environment. Few businesses can afford for that crucial equipment to break. 

An industrial maintenance tech makes sure it doesn’t by observing, adjusting and calibrating the equipment and running diagnostics when needed. 

As machines become more sophisticated, they are increasingly run by computers — creating one more element for an industrial mechanic to master. 

If this combination of skills sounds like something you’d like to pursue, keep reading to learn more about the training requirements. 

An industrial machinery mechanic or industrial maintenance technician does maintenance on an automatic robot arm in an auto factory
The need for industrial maintenance technicians and mechanics is expected to grow 14% over the next decade. Workers with the widest range of skills will see the most opportunities. (Credit: Simon Kadula/Shutterstock)

Responsibilities

  • Clean, lubricate and maintain machinery
  • Use technical manuals and diagnostic equipment to keep machines functioning well
  • Repair machinery and components
  • Weld and cut metal parts
  • Be proficient with electronics and industry control software
  • Adhere to all safety requirements
  • Disassemble and rebuild machinery (depending on job description)

How To Become an Industrial Maintenance Technician or Mechanic: FAQs

The bottom line:

If you know you want to work with your hands and are interested in learning how to repair and maintain big, complex machinery, consider this career. You’ll make a good salary out of the gate, and there’s room to grow! Check out the training options listed below or go to SkillPointe’s training pages for a broader selection. 

Service engineer Jack Jaeger works on a machine for a customer

How I became a service engineer

Jack Jaeger is one of the lucky ones. He knew early on what he wanted to do.

"When I graduated high school, I knew I did not want to go for a four-year degree, so I pursued trade school," says Jack, a service engineer at Helios Gear Products in Illinois. 

The 22-year-old's job involves a significant amount of travel to keep customers' machines running smoothly.

But the payoff of a happy client makes it worthwhile.  

Find out what else Jack likes about his job as an industrial maintenance technician.

Find Industrial Machinery Mechanic Training In Your Area

Salt Lake City

Maintenance Technician (Online) Certificate of Completion

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Dallas

Apprenticeship 321 Program: Industrial Maintenance Mechanics

The goal of the Apprenticeship 321 Program is to cultivate highly skilled workers for large and small manufacturers who can enter the workforce...
Albany

Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology Apprenticeship, A.A.S

Students who successfully complete all Industrial Mechanics & Maintenance Technology Apprenticeship, Associate of Applied Science degree requirements...
Albany

Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology Apprenticeship Certificate

Students who successfully complete all Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance, One-year Certificate program requirements will be able to: Complete a...
Portland

Manufacturing Plant Electrician Apprenticeship

The Manufacturing Plant Electrician Apprenticeship is overseen by the MA #1018 Metro Manufacturing Plant Electrician JATC. The MPE license allows the...
Portland

Industrial Mechanic Apprenticeship

The Industrial Mechanic Apprenticeship is overseen by the MA #1146 Pacific Northwest Industrial Maintenance & Millwright JATC. Under their Journey...
Grants Pass

Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology Apprenticeship, A.A.S

The Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology Apprenticeship program is based on the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) Oregon State...
Grants Pass

Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology Apprenticeship Certificate

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Grants Pass

Mechanical Maintenance Apprenticeship Certificate

The Mechanical Maintenance Apprenticeship certificate program is based on the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) Oregon State Apprenticeship...
Milwaukee

Industrial Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship

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Fond du Lac

Industrial Electrician Apprenticeship

Industrial electricians work to install, test, troubleshoot, maintain and repair electrical equipment in industrial settings. They ensure electrical...
Fond du Lac

Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship

Gain on-the-job training and perfect a wide range of installation, manufacturing and maintenance skills with the Maintenance Technician...
Charleston

TTC Adult Apprentices

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Construction:    HVAC Technician       Welder      Electrician      Architectural Drafter      Civil Engineer...

Industrial Machinery Maintenance Apprenticeship

Apprentices will learn how to use various tools, including hand tools, shop tools and portable jobsite tools. The technical skills involve aspects of... Read More

Naval Maintenance Apprentice Technical Certificate of Credit

This TCC is designed as a specialty area for students employed at Trident Refit Facility. Upon completion of this TCC, students are eligible to move... Read More
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