JOB DESCRIPTION

Repair and maintain the operating condition of industrial production and processing machinery, printing machinery, and refinery and pipeline distribution systems in accordance with diagrams, operating manuals, or manufacturer specifications.

SKILLS AND APTITUDES NEEDED

Aptitude for mechanics Basic knowledge of mechanical drawing, mathematics, blueprint reading, physics, computers and electronics Manual dexterity Good physical conditioning and agility

Industrial machine mechanics maintain and repair machinery in a plant or factory. Their work is important not only because an idle machine will delay production, but also because a machine that is not properly repaired and maintained may damage the final product or injure the operator.

Mechanics are subject to common shop injuries such as cuts and bruises, and use protective equipment such as hard hats, protective glasses, and safety belts. They may also face additional hazards because they often work on ladders or underneath or above large machinery in cramped conditions. Because factories and other facilities cannot afford breakdowns of industrial machinery, mechanics may be called to the plant at night or on weekends for emergency repairs. Overtime is common among industrial machine mechanics.