Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights

Working Schedule

• Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights work full-time, typically 8 hours a day, with overtime or weekend shifts possible. They might also be on call in case of problems at the workplace. 

Typical Duties

• Install new equipment and machines and test for proper operation
• Review and follow procedures outlined in manufacturer technical manuals 
• Keep equipment and machines clean and well lubricated to ensure proper functioning
• Perform other general maintenance on schedule, as applicable to each piece
• Troubleshoot problems; run diagnostic tests 
• Repair or swap out parts that aren’t working correctly or are broken 
• Mark equipment that is under repair or awaiting parts
• Communicate with teammates and supervisors about equipment status 
• Tear down pieces that need to be moved or taken off-site
• Transport items to storage locations or to other work areas, as directed
• Catalog parts carefully during disassembly

Additional Responsibilities

• Keep up with routine maintenance schedules and log details when work is done
• Review technical manuals for changes and updates
• Conduct tool and equipment inventory
• Ensure all testing tools are calibrated correctly prior to using them to test machines
• Prepare and use chemical cleaning products 
• Practice all safety protocols to mitigate workplace mishaps
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, as needed

Soft Skills

• Analytical 
• Attention to detail
• Coordination
• Evaluation and problem-solving skills
• Hand and finger dexterity
• Observant
• Realistic
• Sound judgement
• Strength and stamina
• Strong reading skills
• Team player
• Time management 

Technical Skills

• Equipment maintenance, calibration, and repair
• Enterprise resource planning software 
• Facilities management programs
• Inventory management software
• Technical manual databases
• Tools and equipment usage, including: abrasive stones, wrenches, blowtorches, calipers, air guns, cutting die, deburring tools, dollies, drill bits, drill press, forklifts, grease guns, grinders, saws, hammers, hoists, jacks, ladders, levels, metal cutters, metal folders, microcontrollers, micrometers, plumb bobs, power buffers, riveters, punches, rulers, scaffolding, screwdrivers, shears, slings, socket sets, taps, shop cranes, and more

• Commercial & industrial repair 
• Construction
• Manufacturing    
• Wholesale trade    

Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights all shoulder a ton of responsibility because when something goes wrong with a piece of equipment, it has a domino effect that impacts the entire flow of production. Work stoppages are very costly for owners, so, to the greatest extent possible, workers must strive to avoid them. Maintenance should be done on-time and problems anticipated so solutions can be ready. When downtime can’t be avoided, the pressure is on to get repairs completed quickly. 
 
Work hazards are common, given the number of tools used and the way certain machines function. Great attention to detail must be paid, and personal protective equipment like hardhats, OSHA-approved safety glasses, steel-toed boots, gloves, and hearing protection should be worn to mitigate injury. Safety protocols should be followed at all times to avoid mishaps, and workers have to be careful when moving heavy parts. 

As business continues to automate, demand for highly-skilled Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights will continue. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook is bright, with an expected 13% rise on average. However, it’s Industrial Machinery Mechanics who’ll see the most increase, up to 16%. 
 
As machines become increasingly complex and computerized, workers with training in modern, high-tech equipment should be the most competitive when entering the job market. That said, workers with the broadest skill sets will be in-demand, because many companies use a mix of older and newer equipment.

Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights enjoy tinkering. They like working with their hands, making or fixing things, and can become engrossed in whatever they’re working on. Chances are they always had this fascination with machines or with creating things in school classes or out in the garage. They might’ve loved LEGOs, too, building intricate contraptions while following the directions step-by-step. 
 
Whatever they worked on, they wanted it to work correctly and took pride in making sure it did. They might be perfectionists, perhaps trained on following procedures or maybe that’s just part of their personality which developed on its own. Aside from being hands-on, they might have also been bookworms, happily reading and learning new things they could put into practice later. As kids, they may have seemed content to work alone, but were likely comfortable participating on teams, too.