Maintenance Workers, Machinery

Fine Tune Your Future. Machinists Are in Demand. 

Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment. Millwrights install, dismantle, repair, reassemble, and move machinery in factories, power plants, and construction sites. Duties Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights typically do the following:

• Read technical manuals to understand equipment and controls
• Disassemble machinery and equipment when there is a problem
• Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components
• Perform tests and run initial batches to make sure that the machine is running smoothly
• Detect minor problems by performing basic diagnostic tests
• Test malfunctioning machinery to determine whether major repairs are needed
• Adjust and calibrate equipment and machinery to optimal specifications
• Clean and lubricate equipment or machinery
• Move machinery and equipment

Industrial machinery mechanics, also called maintenance machinists, keep machines in working order by detecting and correcting errors before the machine or the products it produces are damaged. Many of these machines are increasingly run by computers. Industrial machinery mechanics use technical manuals, their understanding of industrial equipment, and observation to determine the cause of a problem. For example, after detecting a vibration from a machine, they must decide whether it is the result of worn belts, weak motor bearings, or some other problem. They may use computerized diagnostic systems and vibration analysis techniques to help figure out the source of problems. Examples of machines they may work with are robotic welding arms, automobile assembly line conveyor belts, and hydraulic lifts. After diagnosing a problem, the industrial machinery mechanic may take the equipment apart to repair or replace the necessary parts. Once a repair is made, mechanics test a machine to ensure that it is operating correctly. In addition to working with hand tools, mechanics commonly use lathes, grinders, and drill presses. Many also are required to weld.

Machinery maintenance workers do basic maintenance and repairs on machines. They clean and lubricate machinery, perform basic diagnostic tests, check the performance of the machine, and test damaged machine parts to determine whether major repairs are necessary. Machinery maintenance workers must follow machine specifications and adhere to maintenance schedules. They perform minor repairs, generally leaving major repairs to industrial machinery mechanics. Maintenance workers use a variety of tools to do repairs and preventive maintenance. For example, they may use a screwdriver or socket wrenches to adjust a motor's alignment, or they might use a hoist to lift a heavy printing press off the ground.      

Maintenace Workers, machinery are expected to grow 16 percent with over 261 jobs opening a year!

Many maintenance workers, machinery jobs in the Gulf Coast Region are at companies that manufacture products supporting Building Equipment Contractors but not limited to any other industries.

How do you become a Maintenance Worker, Machinist?

Education

Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights generally need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some mechanics and millwrights complete a 2-year associate's degree program in industrial maintenance. Industrial maintenance programs may include courses such as welding, mathematics, hydraulics, and pneumatics.

Training

Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers typically receive more than a year of on-the-job training. Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers learn how to perform routine tasks, such as setting up, cleaning, lubricating, and starting machinery. They also may be instructed in subjects such as shop mathematics, blueprint reading, proper hand tool use, welding, electronics, and computer programming. This training may be offered on the job by professional trainers hired by the employer or by representatives of equipment manufacturers.

After completing an apprenticeship program, millwrights are considered fully qualified and can usually perform tasks with less guidance.

Employers, local unions, contractor associations, and the state labor department often sponsor apprenticeship programs. The basic qualifications for entering an apprenticeship program are as follows:

• Minimum age of 18
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Physically able to do the work

Gulf Coast Region Maintenance Worker and Machinist Programs

Community Colleges That May Offer Training 
(Depending on Demand)

• College of the Mainland
• Houston Community College System
• Lee College
• Lone Star College

Major Employers in the Gulf Coast Region

• ABB Vetco Gray Inc
• Ameri-Forge Corp
• Baker Oil Tools
• Cameron
• Dresser-Rand
• Dril-Quip Inc
• FMC Energy Systems
• Goodman Manufacturing
• National Oilwell
• NCI Building Systems
• Oceaneering International
• Schlumberger
• Wyman-Gordon Forging

   If you have questions about our Industry/Occupation Profiles or are an organization in the Gulf Coast Region, please contact webmaster@wrksolutions.com.

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