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Career Exploration

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Also called: Industrial Machinery Mechanic, Maintenance Technician, Mechanic, Overhauler

What they do:

Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.

On the job, you would:
  • Repair or maintain the operating condition of industrial production or processing machinery or equipment.
  • Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components of machinery or equipment.
  • Clean, lubricate, or adjust parts, equipment, or machinery.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical
  • product and service development

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • figuring out how to use new ideas or things

Technical

  • figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work
  • planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • put together small parts with your fingers

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • order or arrange things

Hearing and Speech

  • tell the difference between sounds

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Initiative
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Cooperation
  • Integrity

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Industrial control software

  • KEYENCE PLC Ladder Logic
  • Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Bright.

New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Median Annual Salary: $59,830

Education

Certificate after high school or high school diploma/GED is usually needed.