Maintenance Workers, Machinery

What the job really is

Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.

At a glance

• Sector: Installation, Maintenance & Repair
• O*NET-SOC code: 49-9043
• 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:

• Dismantle machines and remove parts for repair, using hand tools, chain falls, jacks, cranes, or hoists.
• Reassemble machines after the completion of repair or maintenance work.
• Record production, repair, and machine maintenance information.
• Lubricate or apply adhesives or other materials to machines, machine parts, or other equipment according to specified procedures.
• Install, replace, or change machine parts and attachments, according to production specifications.
• Set up and operate machines, and adjust controls to regulate operations.
• Collaborate with other workers to repair or move machines, machine parts, or equipment.
• Read work orders and specifications to determine machines and equipment requiring repair or maintenance.
• Inspect or test damaged machine parts, and mark defective areas or advise supervisors of repair needs.
• Start machines and observe mechanical operation to determine efficiency and to detect problems.
• Transport machine parts, tools, equipment, and other material between work areas and storage, using cranes, hoists, or dollies.
• Collect and discard worn machine parts and other refuse to maintain machinery and work areas.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Abrasive rubbing stones, Abrasive wheels, Adjustable widemouth pliers, Adjustable wrenches, Bandsaws, Bench saws

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
• Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
• Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Rail Car Repairers

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: Maintenance Workers, Machinery — 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.