What Is a Maintenance Engineer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Maintenance engineers handle repairs and routine maintenance of mechanical equipment in one or more buildings. As a maintenance engineer, your duties include working on boilers and cooling systems, replacing broken parts and filters, painting, patching drywall, and fixing electrical or plumbing issues. As you gain experience, you deal with more technical or complex jobs. Depending on your employer, you may have the option to specialize your skills in one area, such as plumbing, electrical, or HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems.

To begin a career as a maintenance engineer, you need a high school diploma or GED certificate followed by technical training. A technical school or community college with maintenance engineering, electrical, or plumbing programs provides the skills to acquire an entry-level maintenance engineer position. If you intend to perform plumbing or electrical maintenance, some states require additional qualifications, such as licensure or certification. Research the requirements in your state before applying for positions. When you begin your career as a maintenance engineer, you receive on-the-job training from experienced maintenance professionals. You can find more training, certification, and networking opportunities by joining a professional organization like the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE).

Job Summary

The Maintenance Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of production and manufacturing equipment. This role requires a thorough knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems as well as experience in developing and implementing preventative maintenance programs. The maintenance engineer must have the skills to identify problems quickly, use problem-solving skills to develop solutions, and be able to communicate effectively with other departments in the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement preventative maintenance plans and procedures to ensure that equipment is maintained efficiently and effectively
• Prepare maintenance reports and keep detailed records of equipment maintenance and repairs
• Diagnose and repair malfunctions in electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems
• Inspect and test machinery and equipment to diagnose malfunctions and determine needed repairs
• Utilize computerized maintenance management systems to track and report maintenance activities
• Communicate with other departments to coordinate repairs, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities
• Perform preventative maintenance on all production and manufacturing equipment
• Install, move, and maintain production and manufacturing equipment
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or a related field, with at least 3 years of experience in maintenance engineering
• Proven experience in troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems
• Knowledge of computerized maintenance management systems and other related software
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to develop creative solutions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Able to lift heavy objects and work in cramped spaces