If you are a strong problem-solver who likes to work with your hands and never experience the same thing each work day, then a career as a maintenance mechanical engineer may be in your future. Industrial and manufacturing environments are always in need of some form of ongoing maintenance of equipment, machinery, vehicles, and building facilities.
What’s the career outlook for maintenance mechanics?
An experienced maintenance mechanic is someone who has a wide range of repair skills, developed over time. The more experienced, the more in demand he or she will be to a potential hiring company. According to the US Department of Labor and Statistics, there is a faster than average growth of 19 percent in this occupation until 2020, and the average pay for a skilled maintenance mechanic is $44,160 USD annually (as of 2010). The job description states that “Industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment.”
Working conditions and work hours for maintenance personnel
Most maintenance mechanics work in industrial or institutional type facilities, and may work part time or full time. However, work hours may vary according to needs. Many maintenance mechanical engineers also work on call, during evenings, weekends, and holidays to ensure the safe operation and security of mechanical devices and manufacturing equipment. Others respond to work requests that require travel to a remote work site or to repair a fleet vehicle on the road. A great deal of standing, walking, lifting, bending, and fitting into tight spots is required on a daily basis.
Requirements to get a job as a maintenance engineer
This is a job that involves a great deal of personal risk and physical conditioning, therefore it’s critical to receive the right training from the start. While it’s possible to get started as a maintenance mechanic with a high school diploma, it’s recommended that you also take at least a one-year certification program that includes mechanical troubleshooting and repairs, the use of mechanical tools and computing devices, and safety training. Typically, a maintenance mechanic will also receive several years of on-the-job training with more senior mechanics to make sure their work is high quality.
Best ways to find work in this industry
To get involved with work in the maintenance field, one will want to look at programs offered by a local trade school or technical college. During this time, it is possible to also become employed as part of a team of maintenance mechanics, for hands-on training that will provide valuable experience later on. Many manufacturing plants, industrial centers, hospital complexes, and office buildings need skilled maintenance mechanics. A staffing agency that specializes in placing manufacturing workers will often have access to temporary and permanent placements for maintenance personnel.