Production

Maintenance Technician job description

Hire a skilled Maintenance Technician to optimize factory uptime, troubleshoot industrial machinery, and perform preventive maintenance in our production facility.

Published February 4, 2025Updated May 17, 20264642 likes

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Job brief

We are seeking a proactive Maintenance Technician to join our high-volume production team and take ownership of our facility's critical infrastructure. In this role, you will perform high-precision troubleshooting, manage equipment overhauls, and lead technical improvements to increase overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). You will work directly with plant operations and engineering teams to ensure our production environment remains safe, efficient, and capable of meeting aggressive output targets. If you are a problem-solver with a passion for industrial mechanics and process optimization, we would love to have you on the team.

Key highlights

Execute comprehensive preventative and predictive maintenance schedules on high-speed packaging lines, conveyors, and robotic material handling systems.
Troubleshoot and repair complex electro-mechanical failures using digital multi-meters, oscilloscopes, and PLC ladder logic software for rapid diagnostics.
Document all work orders, spare parts usage, and maintenance history within our SAP-based CMMS to track equipment lifecycle and repair costs.
Collaborate with production supervisors to implement Lean manufacturing initiatives that reduce waste and improve total equipment effectiveness (OEE).

What is a Maintenance Technician?

A Maintenance Technician is a highly skilled industrial professional responsible for the installation, repair, and preventative upkeep of complex manufacturing equipment. By maintaining electro-mechanical systems, hydraulic circuits, and pneumatic actuators, a Maintenance Technician ensures production lines operate at peak efficiency. This role is fundamental to minimizing operational downtime, upholding strict safety protocols, and supporting the continuous improvement of manufacturing workflows.

What does a Maintenance Technician do?

A Maintenance Technician typically performs complex diagnostics on PLC-controlled machinery, executes scheduled preventative maintenance tasks, and conducts emergency repairs during production cycles. They document all maintenance activities in a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) while collaborating with production leads to ensure equipment adheres to ISO safety and quality standards. Additionally, they often work with multi-meter tools and schematic diagrams to troubleshoot electrical failures and ensure total machine reliability across the facility floor.

Key responsibilities

Execute comprehensive preventative and predictive maintenance schedules on high-speed packaging lines, conveyors, and robotic material handling systems.
Troubleshoot and repair complex electro-mechanical failures using digital multi-meters, oscilloscopes, and PLC ladder logic software for rapid diagnostics.
Document all work orders, spare parts usage, and maintenance history within our SAP-based CMMS to track equipment lifecycle and repair costs.
Perform precision alignment, lubrication, and calibration of gears, motors, and hydraulic pumps to ensure optimal equipment output and performance.
Interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, and pneumatic diagrams to identify root causes of equipment malfunctions and prevent recurring downtime.
Collaborate with production supervisors to implement Lean manufacturing initiatives that reduce waste and improve total equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Maintain strict adherence to OSHA 30 standards, LOTO procedures, and arc flash safety protocols during all facility maintenance operations.
Train junior operators on proper machine startup, shutdown, and basic autonomous maintenance to extend the lifespan of critical production hardware.

Requirements and skills

Associate degree in Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, or completion of a formal apprenticeship program in a related mechanical trade.
Minimum of 3+ years of experience working as a Maintenance Technician within a high-volume, automated manufacturing environment.
Proficiency in troubleshooting Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLC systems, VFDs, and industrial sensor networks using diagnostic software tools.
Advanced knowledge of mechanical power transmission, high-pressure hydraulics, and pneumatic systems found in modern production environments.
Strong understanding of NFPA 70E electrical safety standards and a demonstrated track record of following LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) procedures.
Ability to read and interpret complex CAD drawings, electrical blueprints, and technical service manuals to facilitate quick repairs.
Experience using CMMS platforms (such as UpKeep, SAP, or Maximo) to manage inventory, work orders, and recurring maintenance metrics.
Excellent diagnostic mindset with the ability to communicate technical failure data to plant engineering and production leadership.

FAQs

What does a Maintenance Technician do on a daily basis?

A Maintenance Technician focuses on keeping manufacturing equipment running at peak performance through a mix of scheduled preventative maintenance and reactive breakdown repairs. Daily tasks include troubleshooting mechanical or electrical faults, replacing worn components, calibrating sensors, and logging all maintenance data in a CMMS. They also conduct safety inspections to ensure that all machinery remains compliant with OSHA regulations.

What skills are required for a Maintenance Technician?

Key skills for a Maintenance Technician include strong technical proficiency in reading electrical schematics, troubleshooting PLC systems, and repairing hydraulic or pneumatic equipment. You must also be comfortable using precision tools like multi-meters and hand tools while demonstrating a deep understanding of industrial safety protocols. Soft skills such as analytical problem-solving and the ability to work under pressure during production downtime are equally vital.

Who does a Maintenance Technician work with in a factory?

A Maintenance Technician works closely with the production floor staff, operators, and production supervisors to identify equipment issues in real-time. They also collaborate with plant engineers to modify machine settings for new production runs and coordinate with warehouse teams to manage the inventory of spare parts and replacement components required for facility repairs.

Is a career as a Maintenance Technician rewarding?

Yes, a career as a Maintenance Technician is highly rewarding for individuals who enjoy mechanical challenges and technical troubleshooting. It offers high job security because manufacturing plants rely heavily on these experts to minimize downtime and maintain operational safety. Additionally, experienced technicians often have clear career pathways into roles like Maintenance Supervisor, Reliability Engineer, or Plant Facilities Manager.