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Mechanical Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Methanex

Senior Mechanical Planner

Nederland, TX · On-site

Description Position Summary The Senior Mechanical Planner is responsible for the execution of all mechanical and rotating turnaround and capital work order processes. This role ensures efficient and ...

Oxy

OxyChem Mechanical Planner

Convent, LA · On-site

We are looking for an experienced and self-motivated individual to fill the position of Mechanical Planner with our Chemical Manufacturing facility located in Convent, Louisiana . Essential Job ...

OxyChem

OxyChem Mechanical Planner

Convent, LA · On-site

We are looking for an experienced and self-motivated individual to fill the position of Mechanical Planner with our Chemical Manufacturing facilitylocated in Convent, Louisiana . Essential Job Duties

Worley

Mechanical Turnaround Planner III

Geismar, LA · On-site

Purpose The Mechanical Turnaround Planner will be responsible for developing detailed mechanical work plans to support the successful execution of the project while adhering to site safety, quality ...

New

Vst

Planner - Mechanical

Tatum, TX · On-site

... with mechanical knowledge. * Maximo experience is a plus. * Operating procedures, safety procedures, auxiliary equipment, fuel handling equipment, fossil plant planning, clearance procedures ...

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Mechanical Planner information

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How much do mechanical planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for mechanical planner in the United States is $41.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.06 and $46.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a Mechanical Planner faces when coordinating maintenance schedules?

Mechanical Planners often encounter challenges such as balancing urgent repair needs with planned maintenance, ensuring parts and resources are available on time, and minimizing equipment downtime. Effective communication with maintenance teams, operations staff, and suppliers is crucial to keep schedules on track. Additionally, adapting plans quickly in response to unexpected equipment failures or changing production priorities is a key part of the role. Success in this position requires excellent organizational skills and the ability to anticipate potential conflicts or delays.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mechanical Planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mechanical Planner, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, project scheduling, and maintenance planning, often supported by a relevant degree or technical certification. Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), planning software like SAP or Primavera, and technical drawings is typically required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating teams and managing maintenance schedules. These abilities ensure efficient project execution, minimize downtime, and contribute to the overall reliability and productivity of mechanical operations.

What Does a Mechanical Planner Do?

A mechanical planner oversees the smooth operation of a production line in a factory. Your responsibilities in this career include coordinating schedules for equipment maintenance and downtime. You often make recommendations on improving performance and allocating labor to meet deadlines and prepare plans. Your duties may involve management tasks, such as hiring and training workers. You either supervise the entire process or specialize in a particular aspect with larger companies. Mechanical planner positions exist in a variety of industries, including transportation, machinery, and food.

What does a mechanical planner do?

A mechanical planner is responsible for developing and coordinating mechanical equipment installation schedules, ensuring that project timelines are met. They review engineering drawings, specify materials, and collaborate with construction teams, often using software like CAD or project management tools. Their role helps ensure efficient and accurate execution of mechanical systems in construction or manufacturing projects.

Is a maintenance planner a good job?

A maintenance planner is a valuable role that involves scheduling and coordinating maintenance activities to ensure equipment reliability and safety. It requires strong organizational skills, knowledge of maintenance procedures, and often familiarity with planning tools like CMMS software. The job can offer stable employment and opportunities for career advancement in industrial or manufacturing settings.

What are Mechanical Planners?

Mechanical Planners are professionals responsible for organizing, scheduling, and coordinating maintenance or construction work involving mechanical systems and equipment. They develop detailed plans for tasks such as repairs, installations, and preventive maintenance, ensuring that resources like materials, labor, and tools are allocated efficiently. Mechanical Planners also create work orders, manage timelines, and help ensure safety and compliance standards are met. Their work is essential for minimizing downtime and optimizing the performance of mechanical assets in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and facilities management.

What is the difference between Mechanical Planner vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectMechanical PlannerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires technical diploma or associate degree, certifications in planning or CAD softwareBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, professional engineering license (PE) often preferred
Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based, working with project schedules, CAD drawings, and planning toolsOffice and field work, involving design, analysis, and project management
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, construction, and industrial plants for planning maintenance and fabricationDesign, development, and analysis of mechanical systems across various industries

While both roles involve mechanical knowledge, a Mechanical Planner focuses on scheduling, coordinating, and preparing plans for mechanical projects, whereas a Mechanical Engineer is involved in designing and analyzing mechanical systems. The roles often collaborate but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What skills do you need to be a maintenance planner?

A maintenance planner needs strong organizational and communication skills to coordinate maintenance activities effectively. Knowledge of maintenance management software, technical understanding of mechanical systems, and the ability to read technical drawings and manuals are essential. Certifications such as CMMS or technical training in mechanical systems can also enhance job performance.

What can I do with a mechanical degree?

A mechanical degree prepares individuals for roles such as mechanical planner, engineer, designer, or technician, involving tasks like designing, analyzing, and maintaining mechanical systems. It often requires knowledge of CAD software, physics, and engineering principles, and may lead to careers in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, or energy industries.
More about Mechanical Planner jobs
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What states have the most Mechanical Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Mechanical Planner jobs include:
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Mechanical Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Planner job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,812 per year, or $41.7 per hour.
Senior Mechanical Planner

Senior Mechanical Planner

Methanex

Nederland, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description
Position Summary
The Senior Mechanical Planner is responsible for the execution of all mechanical and rotating turnaround and capital work order processes. This role ensures efficient and effective planning of resources to support safe execution, minimal downtime, and maximum productivity across turnaround, capital, and routine maintenance activities. The Planner develops detailed job plans, defines parts and materials, determines required crafts and skills, and coordinates resources to deliver safe and effective work execution.
Position Responsibilities
Scope Identification & Validation
  • Research work order history to ensure appropriate preventive maintenance work orders are included in scope.
  • Screen incoming work orders to identify scope and required level of planning.
  • Conduct field walkdowns to validate job scope and requirements.
  • Validate scopes with Operations, Maintenance, and other disciplines to support front-end loading.
  • Identify safety hazards, permitting and isolation requirements, and long-lead materials early.
  • Ensure appropriate risk assessments are completed for medium- to high-risk scopes.

Planning & Work Package Development
  • Develop detailed work packages for mechanical and rotating equipment including:
  • Job scope, step-by-step sequence, labor and material requirements
  • Skill requirements, tools, equipment, and external resources
  • Cost estimates and execution strategy
  • Include supporting documentation such as spec sheets, vendor manuals, P&IDs, photos, and isolation plans.
  • Ensure all jobs are field-walked and materials are verified onsite prior to package release.
  • Develop procedures using OEM manuals, drawings, and specifications.
  • Provide first-level troubleshooting to support development of job packages.
  • Estimate labor hours, total duration, and required skills for each job.
  • Create and maintain task lists for recurring work.

Materials, Procurement & Rotating Equipment Management
  • Identify, specify, and arrange parts, materials, specialty tools, and external services.
  • Create purchase requisitions (carts) and track material status through delivery.
  • Track ordered materials and notify appropriate stakeholders when jobs are ready for release.
  • Assist procurement in sourcing materials and expediting deliverables.
  • Manage rotating equipment kits, including:
  • Verifying inventory and condition
  • Sending kits for refurbishment after use
  • Ensure material availability aligns with schedule requirements.

Planning Integration, Scheduling & Cost Control
  • Maintain planning progress aligned with turnaround milestones and stage gates.
  • Support scheduling activities and ensure alignment with labor, cost, and resource planning.
  • Ensure material cost estimates are properly reflected in the schedule (including bulks and tracked items).
  • Support cost tracking, reporting, and variance analysis.
  • Perform material cost overrun investigations and assist with resolution of billing issues.

Turnaround Execution & Field Support
  • Coordinate execution support during turnarounds and critical jobs in alignment with company policies and safety culture.
  • Provide field support during execution, including:
  • Coordinating rotating, mechanical, or critical work scopes
  • Interfacing with contractors, operations, and inspection teams
  • Assist in high-priority work by expediting materials and coordinating resources.

Work Management, Closeout & Continuous Improvement
  • Track job progress and schedules and ensure timely work order closure.
  • Complete required MOC and Mesh (or system) action items.
  • Capture field feedback and continuously improve work packages and task lists.
  • Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Inspection, and Engineering to:
  • Maintain spare parts inventory
  • Build and update Bills of Materials (BOMs)
  • Improve job plans based on execution feedback

TAR Controls, Reporting & Compliance
  • Track and update daily progress in the TAR database, SAP, and Stage Gate lists.
  • Ensure all scope changes are documented and approved through the FCO process.
  • Ensure compliance with Management of Change (MOC) processes.
  • Provide reports and maintain planning documentation as required.
  • Maintain compliance with required training (CBT/LMS).

General Responsibilities
  • Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
  • Maintain a professional image with internal teams, contractors, and vendors.
  • Assist other departments and administrative personnel as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Position Qualifications
Education, Experience, and/or Training
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Minimum 10 years' experience working with fixed equipment.
  • Minimum 3 years' experience working with rotating equipment.
  • Minimum 3 years' experience in Turnaround planning
  • Scheduling knowledge required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strong mechanical knowledge with a solid understanding of rotating equipment and associated maintenance practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to accurately estimate labor, materials, tools, and resource requirements to develop executable work plans.
  • Proficient in maintenance planning systems (SAP/Maximo or similar CMMS) and standard work management processes.
  • Strong understanding of production and processing operations, including materials, equipment, quality control, and cost optimization.
  • Knowledge of business and management principles related to planning, resource allocation, and coordination of work activities.
  • Familiarity with applicable regulations, codes, and industry standards governing maintenance and turnaround activities.
  • Highly organized with strong planning and time management skills; able to effectively prioritize and manage multiple competing demands.
  • Detail-oriented with the ability to identify errors, minimize rework, and ensure high-quality planning outputs.
  • Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, with the ability to evaluate options and make sound decisions based on risk, cost, and operational impact.
  • Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships across Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and contractors.
  • Strong active listening and verbal communication skills to clearly convey technical information and understand stakeholder needs.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and engage diverse groups of people.
  • Proficient in computer applications including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and other digital tools required for planning, reporting, and communication.
  • Strong analytical capability for cost tracking, reporting, and performance improvement activities.
  • Dependable and self-motivated, consistently demonstrating accountability, responsiveness to direction, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
  • Adaptable and flexible, with the ability to manage changing priorities, tight deadlines, and dynamic turnaround environments.
  • Maintains a high level of professionalism and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information.

Security Clearance Requirements
  • Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC)

Software
  • Outstanding proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook required. Demonstrated intermediate Excel knowledge preferred.
  • SAP/Maximo experience, preferred.

Physical
  • The employee must be able to lift and/or move more than 20 pounds occasionally.
  • Requires sitting, standing, and walking for extensive periods of time.
  • Requires working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • The ability to work with a moderate noise level in the work environment is required.
  • Ability to effectively communicate through various means required.

Work Schedule
  • Rotating 4/10 schedule Monday -6:00am - 4:30pm
  • May work additional hours and days, including weekends and holidays as required.

Travel
  • Travel is not anticipated in this role.

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