Industrial Machinery Mechanics

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Installation, Maintenance & Repair
• O*NET-SOC code: 49-9041
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Disassemble machinery or equipment to remove parts and make repairs.
• Reassemble equipment after completion of inspections, testing, or repairs.
• Examine parts for defects, such as breakage or excessive wear.
• Record repairs and maintenance performed.
• Operate newly repaired machinery or equipment to verify the adequacy of repairs.
• Record parts or materials used and order or requisition new parts or materials, as necessary.
• Observe and test the operation of machinery or equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using voltmeters or other testing devices.
• Analyze test results, machine error messages, or information obtained from operators to diagnose equipment problems.
• Study blueprints or manufacturers' manuals to determine correct installation or operation of machinery.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Acetylene torches, Adjustable widemouth pliers, Adjustable wrenches, Air compressors, Airhammer chisels, Airpowered descaling drills

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Maintenance Workers, Machinery
• Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
• Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
• Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
• Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Industrial Machinery Mechanics — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.