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Job Report Industrial Machinery Repairers
Nature of the Work
When a machine breaks down in a plant or factory, not only is the machine idle, but
raw materials and human resources are wasted. It is the industrial machinery repairer's job
to prevent these costly breakdowns and to make repairs and quickly as possible.
Industrial machinery repairers--often called maintenance mechanics--spend much
of their time doing preventive maintenance. This includes keeping machines well oiled and
greased, and periodically cleaning parts. Repairers regularly inspect machinery and check
performance. They use tools such as micrometers, calipers, and depth gauges to measure
and align all parts. For example, forearms on industrial robots in motor vehicle
manufacturing plants need frequent adjustment, and gears, bearings, and other mechanical
parts have to be aligned and lubricated. By keeping complete and up-to-date records,
mechanics try to anticipate trouble and service the machinery before factory production is
interrupted.
When repairs become necessary, the maintenance mechanic must first locate the
specific cause of the problem. This requires knowledge reinforced by experience. For
example, after hearing a vibration from a machine, the mechanic must decide whether it is
due to worn belts, weak motor bearings, or any number of other possibilities. New industrial
machinery often is equipped with computer control panels that indicate the source of
mechanical problems.
After the problem has been diagnosed, the maintenance mechanic disassembles the
equipment and repairs or replaces the necessary parts. A wide range of tools may be used.
For example, repairers may use a screwdriver and wrench to adjust an engine, or a hoist
to lift a printing press off the ground. Repairers use catalogs to order replacements for
broken or defective parts. When parts are not readily available, or when a machine must
be quickly returned to production, repairers may sketch a part that can be fabricated by the
plant's machine shop. Repairers often follow blueprints and engineering specifications in
maintaining and fixing equipment. After the equipment has been serviced, the repairer
reassembles and tests it.
Some of the industrial machinery repairer's duties may be performed by millwrights.
Working Conditions
Repairers may work in stooped or cramped positions, to reach the underside of a
generator, for example. They also may work from the top of a ladder when repairing a large
machine. These workers are subject to common shop injuries such as cuts and bruises.
Because factories and other organizations cannot afford breakdowns in industrial
machinery, industrial machinery repairers may be called to the plant at night or on
weekends for emergency repairs.
Employment
Industrial machinery repairers held about 465,000 jobs in 1990. Repairers work in
every industry in which a great deal of machinery is used. Six of every ten work in
manufacturing industries, primarily in machine shops, printing plants, oil refineries, garment
shops, automobile and aircraft companies, and food processing plants. Others work for
government agencies and for service firms that maintain equipment for a fee.
Because industrial machinery repairers work in a wide variety of plants, they are
employed in every section of the country. Employment is concentrated, however, in heavily
industrialized areas.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Most workers who become industrial machinery repairers start as helpers and pick
up the skills of the trade informally and by taking courses offered by machine
manufacturers. Some learn the trade through apprenticeship programs sponsored by the
United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America and the
International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Technical, Salaried and Machine Workers. This
training usually lasts 4 years and consists of on-the-job training and related classroom
instruction. Apprentices learn how to operate, disassemble, and repair machinery from
experienced repairers. Classroom instruction focuses on subjects such as shop
mathematics, shop theory, blueprint reading, welding, and safety. Electronics training is
offered as a part of the apprenticeship program but is not required. However, a growing
number of employers prefer this background.
Graduation from high school is preferred, but not always required, for entry into this
occupation. However, participants in apprenticeship programs must have a high school
diploma or the equivalent. High school courses in mechanical drawing, mathematics,
blueprint reading, physics, and electronics are useful.
Mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity are important qualifications for workers
in this trade. Good physical condition and agility are also necessary because repairers
sometimes have to lift heavy objects or climb to reach equipment located high above the
floor.
Opportunities for advancement are limited. Industrial machinery repairers advance
either by working with more complicated equipment or by becoming a supervisor.
Examinations may be administered periodically by employers to determine the
repairer's ability to maintain more advanced machinery. Some of the most highly skilled
repairers can be promoted to master mechanics or become machinists or tool-and-die
makers.
Job Outlook
Employment of industrial machinery repairers is expected to grow about as fast as
the average for all occupations through the year 2000. U.S. firms, to remain competitive
in world markets, are expected to introduce more automated production equipment. These
machines which require much preventive maintenance, will stimulate demand for repairers
to keep them in good working condition. Many additional job openings will result from the
need to replace repairers who transfer to other occupation or retire.
Industrial machinery repairers are not usually affected by seasonal changes in
production. During slack periods, when some plant workers are laid off, repairers often are
retained to do major overhaul jobs. Although these workers may face layoff or a reduced
workweek when economic conditions are particularly severe, they generally are less
affected than other workers because machines have to be maintained regardless of the
level of production.
Earnings
According to the available data, industrial machinery repairers had average hourly
wages of $11.68 in 1990, the middle 50 percent earned between $8.89 and $14.64 per
hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $7.23 and the top 10 percent earned more
than $18.04. This is in sharp contrast to the average hourly wage for all nonsupervisory
workers in private industry, except farming, which was $9.66.
Labor unions to which most industrial machinery repairers belong include the United
Steelworkers of America; the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement
Workers of America; the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers;
and the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Technical, Salaried and Machine
Workers.
Related Occupations
Other occupations which involve repairing machinery include aircraft mechanics and
engine specialists, automotive and motorcycle mechanics, bowling-pin-machine mechanics,
diesel mechanics, farm equipment mechanics, machinists, millwrights, tool-and-die makers,
and vending machine mechanics.
Sources of Additional Information
Information about employment and apprenticeship opportunities in this field may be
available from local offices of the State employment service and from:
International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Technical, Salaried and Machine
Workers, 1126 16th St. NW., Washington, D.C. 20036.
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