How to become An Industrial Machinery Mechanic

They are vital cogs in the manufacturing juggernaut - plants the world over need Industrial Machinery Mechanics to maintain and repair industrial production and processing machinery. Hence, the global economy continues to thrive. 

• Maintenance Machinist
• Maintenance Mechanic
• Maintenance Technician
• Industrial Mechanic
• Fixer
• Industrial Mechanic
• Machine Adjuster
• Overhauler

What do Industrial Machinery Mechanics do?

An Industrial Machinery Mechanic would typically need to:

• Maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machineries such as conveying systems, production machinery and packaging equipment
• Keep machines in working order by detecting and correcting mechanical, electrical and hydraulic errors before the machine or the products it produces are damaged
• Use basic diagnostic tests to catch minor problems; test malfunctioning machinery to confirm whether significant repairs are necessary
• Use technical manuals, their understanding of industrial equipment and observation to determine the cause of an issue such as vibration caused by worn belts or weak motor bearings
• Use computerised diagnostic systems and vibration analysis techniques, if available, to help figure out the source of problems
• Take the machinery or equipment apart or repair or replace the faulty components following diagnosis of a problem; cut and weld metal to repair metal parts; fabricate new parts
• Test a machine and run initial batches to ensure it is operating correctly after the repair is completed
• Communicate existing and potential issues with their supervisors; use computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS) or paper records to log completed maintenance work
• Adjust and calibrate equipment and machinery to optimal specifications; handle assigned work orders and preventive maintenance such as inspections, oil changes and meter readings
• Clean the machinery and tools they work with; move machinery and equipment, if needed; assemble and install new machines
• Enter codes and instructions to program computer-controlled machinery; condition monitoring sensors and equipment
• Demonstrate the functions and features of the machinery or equipment to machine operators; abide by essential safety measures and policies

Most Industrial Machinery Mechanics work in factories, power plants or at construction sites. Working conditions may vary from well-lit and clean modern plants to dirty, noisy and cold older heavy industrial plants.

Your work may require you to lift heavy objects and often stoop, bend and reach or work high up on ladders.

In general, Industrial Machinery Mechanics work full-time, around 40 hours per week. Be aware, though, that you may be on call and work night or weekend shifts. Overtime is often necessary, especially when machines break down.

School placement offices and internet job sites may have information about manufacturing locations hiring Industrial Machinery Mechanics. Local union or government offices may also list job openings. When industrial plants place wanted ads in newspapers or list openings on a sign outside, you can apply directly to a prospective employer.

Work opportunities are available in a wide variety of plants in industrialised areas of the country.

Industrial Machinery Mechanics are generally employed by:

• Manufacturing Industries
• The Wholesale Trade Sector
• Repair and Maintenance of Commercial/Industrial Machinery & Equipment (excluding automotive and electronic) Facilities
• Construction Companies

Industrial Machinery Mechanics may be members of unions that provide resources, training opportunities and industry news.

Professional associations and organisations such as The International Society Of Automation are crucial for an Industrial Machinery Mechanic interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Likelihood of injuries such as cuts and bruises from working around industrial machinery without taking proper precautions and using protective equipment
• High probability of strains from lifting heavy objects and working in awkward positions, including on top of ladders or in cramped conditions under heavy machinery
• The need to stay physically fit to remain focused and avoid injuries and errors during night shifts and overtime work
• Discomfort in the dirty, noisy and draughty work environment if employed in older heavy industry plants

There is an increased demand for Industrial Machinery Mechanics with some training and understanding in industrial technology, electricity, hydraulics and computer programming.

You may have already learnt the basic trade skills in previous factory jobs. 

You can also take advantage of onsite technical training offered by either hired professional trainers or by representatives of equipment manufacturers. It is also possible that your employer sponsors training programs in local technical schools.

Typical on-the-job training includes learning how to perform routine tasks such as setting up, cleaning, lubricating and starting machinery. You may also receive instruction on shop mathematics, blueprint reading, proper hand tool use, welding, electronics and computer programming.

Look out for union-sponsored four-year apprenticeship programs that add on-the-job training to classroom instruction. Such programs prefer applicants who have completed high school. You will find relevant apprenticeship training programs listed in local union or government employment offices.

Volunteer or find a part-time job with a mechanic or craftsman to gain familiarity with tools and machinery. Explore and repair machineries such as automobiles and home appliances to sharpen your skills. 

It would prove advantageous to focus on mathematics and computers while in high school. Take as many shop courses as you can.

Read about the profession and interview/shadow experts working with industrial machines to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

A more significant percentage of Industrial Machinery Mechanics complete an accredited one-year certificate or two-year associate degree program, including welding, mathematics, hydraulics, and pneumatics.

A smaller per cent have a high school diploma, reinforced by high school or postsecondary classes in mechanical drawing, mathematics, blueprint reading, computer programming or electronics.

Certification demonstrates an Industrial Machinery Mechanic’s competence in a skill set such as plant maintenance and reliability, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination.

Voluntary certification in computer-aided design (CAD) software, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software, data entry software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software and Microsoft Office software from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Industrial Machinery Mechanics. Most advance to jobs tending to more sophisticated machinery. Highly skilled mechanics may also be promoted to the position of Master Mechanic.

Those who demonstrate desirable leadership and interpersonal skills may advance to Maintenance Manager or Facilities Manager positions. There is also the distinct possibility of becoming a Machinist, Millwright, Numerical Control Tool Programmer, Precision Metalworker, Packaging Machinery Technician, Robotics Technician or Tool and Die Maker with additional training.

Candidates with a broad range of skills in machine repair will have the best job prospects. 

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Industrial Machinery Mechanic build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

CPD allows you to upskill continually in electrical, electronic and computer programming, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Any time invested in acquiring managerial skills will prove helpful if you seek promotion to managerial or supervisory positions. CPD also helps with the regular renewal of accredited certifications and retaining membership of professional organisations.

Standard Equipment and Machinery

Robotics welding arms, automobile assembly line conveyor belts and hydraulic lifts are some of the more common machines an Industrial Machinery Mechanic works around during a workday.

Tools of the Trade

Industrial Machinery Mechanics generally work with hand tools, lathes, grinders, drill presses and welding machines.

Standard Safety Gear

Industrial Machinery Mechanics use protective equipment such as hardhats, safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, and earplugs to avoid the high likelihood of injury.

The Future

Although automation generally means slower employment growth, the continued increase in automated manufacturing machinery such as automated conveyors to move products and materials in factories translates into increased demand for Industrial Machinery Mechanics.

The conveyor belts, motors and rollers need regular care and maintenance. They enjoy job stability even during production slowdowns; most plants need them to overhaul machinery.

The average car requires 30,000 parts, while the average plane requires 6 million pieces.

Industrial Machinery Mechanics who keep the machines going are vital to the continued operation of plants and factories. No wonder then that these professionals are in high demand worldwide.

“In a properly automated and educated world, then, machines may prove to be the true humanising influence. It may be that machines will do the work that makes life possible and that human beings will do all the other things that make life pleasant and worthwhile.”

― Isaac Asimov, Robot Visions