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Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 7233

Industrial machinery mechanic

Industrial machinery mechanics work on new machinery and equipment in operation. They set up for the specific application and build accessories if necessary, perform maintenance and repair, and run diagnostics to find faults in systems or parts that need replacing.

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Check yourself in a minute: industrial machinery mechanic

Rate 5 of the 16 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

solve technical problems

resolve equipment malfunctions

troubleshoot

perform test run

conduct routine machinery checks

About industrial machinery mechanic

As an industrial machinery mechanic, you will be responsible for maintaining, repairing, and optimizing the complex equipment that keeps manufacturing and production facilities running smoothly. Your day-to-day work involves diagnosing mechanical problems, performing preventive maintenance, replacing worn components, and conducting test runs to ensure machinery operates at peak efficiency. You will work with hydraulic and pneumatic systems, electrical components, and precision mechanical assemblies, using specialized testing equipment to identify faults before they cause costly downtime. Your expertise directly impacts production schedules, product quality, and workplace safety, making your role essential to industrial operations. The career offers strong job security and growth potential, particularly as manufacturing becomes increasingly automated and requires skilled technicians who can work with both traditional and modern equipment.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a industrial machinery mechanic.

1

Equipment Maintenance and Diagnostics

  • Conduct routine machinery checks to identify wear, damage, and performance issues
  • Use testing equipment and diagnostic tools to pinpoint faults in systems and components
  • Perform preventive maintenance according to manufacturer specifications and schedules
  • Write detailed maintenance and repair records documenting all work performed
2

Repair and Component Replacement

  • Replace damaged or worn parts including bearings, seals, and mechanical components
  • Resolve equipment malfunctions using technical problem-solving skills
  • Perform test runs after repairs to verify equipment functionality
3

Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems Work

  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair hydraulic and pneumatic systems and components
  • Select and apply appropriate types of lubricants for different machinery systems
  • Inspect hoses, seals, and connections for leaks and pressure integrity
4

Electrical Systems and Wiring

  • Work with electrical systems and components within machinery
  • Read and interpret electrical wiring plans and technical drawings
  • Troubleshoot electrical faults and replace defective electrical components
5

Workplace Safety and Compliance

  • Secure working areas and implement lockout/tagout procedures during maintenance
  • Ensure all work complies with health and safety regulations
  • Inspect industrial equipment for safety hazards and potential risks

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (16)

types of lubricantstypes of lubricantsTypes of substances whose main function is to reduce friction between parts or surfaces in mutual contact such us oil-based, grease-based, penetrating or dry lubricants. They facilitate uninterrupted ...hydraulicshydraulicsThe power transmission systems that use the force of flowing liquids to transmit power.pneumaticspneumaticsThe application of pressurised gas to produce mechanical motion.electricityelectricityThe principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.electrical wiring planselectrical wiring plansPictorial representation of an electrical circuit. It shows the components of the circuit as simplified shapes, and the power and signal connections between the devices. It gives information about the...mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.solve technical problemssolve technical problemsIdentify technical problems when operating devices and using digital environments, and solve them (from trouble-shooting to solving more complex problems).resolve equipment malfunctionsresolve equipment malfunctionsIdentify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions. Communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.troubleshoottroubleshootIdentify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.perform test runperform test runPerform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, ...conduct routine machinery checksconduct routine machinery checksCheck machinery and equipment to ensure reliable performance during use and operations in worksites.secure working areasecure working areaSecure the operation site fixing boundaries, restricting access, placing signs and taking other measures in order to guarantee public and staff safety.use testing equipmentuse testing equipmentUse equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.perform maintenance on installed equipmentperform maintenance on installed equipmentPerform the maintenance on installed equipment on-site. Follow procedures to avoid uninstalling equipment from machinery or vehicles.inspect industrial equipmentinspect industrial equipmentInspect equipment used during industrial activities such as manufacturing or construction equipment in order to ensure that the equipment complies with health, safety, and environmental legislation.write records for repairswrite records for repairsWrite records of the repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, of parts and materials used, and other repair facts.
Optional (21) — show
manufacturing of taps and valvesmanufacturing of taps and valvesThe manufacture of industrial, sanitary or heating taps and valves.manufacturing of office equipmentmanufacturing of office equipmentThe manufacture of calculators, staplers, cartridges, binding equipment, photocopy machines, boards and all types of equipment and machines used in an office.order suppliesorder suppliesCommand products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.operate welding equipmentoperate welding equipmentUse welding equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel, wearing protective eyewear during the working process.record test datarecord test dataRecord data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptiona...dispose of hazardous wastedispose of hazardous wasteDispose of dangerous materials such as chemical or radioactive substances according to environmental and to health and safety regulations.install electrical and electronic equipmentinstall electrical and electronic equipmentInstall equipment which is dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields in order to work, or equipment to generate, transfer or measure such currents and fields. This equipment includes sw...lay pipe installationlay pipe installationInstall the system of pipes used to transport a fluid, be it a liquid or a gas, from one point to another and connect it to the fuel and water supply lines, air ducts, and other components.perform ICT troubleshootingperform ICT troubleshootingIdentify problems with servers, desktops, printers, networks, and remote access, and perform actions which solve the problems.install hydraulic systemsinstall hydraulic systemsInstall systems and components that use liquid fluid power to create mechanical movements such as hydraulic pumps, valves, hydraulic motors, hydraulic cylinders and other elements that power hydraulic...operate industrial equipmentoperate industrial equipmentOperate devices, machinery, and equipment used in industrial production. Industrial equipment usually includes mounting, adjusting, clamping, rotating, and indexing elements, as well as mechanical, hy...estimate restoration costsestimate restoration costsEstimate the cost implications of restoring and replacing products or parts.install pneumatic systemsinstall pneumatic systemsInstall systems and components that use pneumatics to create mechanical movements such as air brakes, pneumatic cylinders, air compressors and other systems.consult technical resourcesconsult technical resourcesRead and interpret technical resources such as digital or paper drawings and adjustment data in order to properly set up a machine or working tool, or to assemble mechanical equipment.install blinds drive systemsinstall blinds drive systemsInstall mechanical and electrical blinds drive systems such as cranks and tubular motors. If necessary, install and connect the computer control systems such as remote control, sun and wind sensors.provide customer information related to repairsprovide customer information related to repairsInform customers about necessary repairs or replacements, discuss products, services and costs, include accurate technical information.prepare compliance documentsprepare compliance documentsPrepare documents with legal value which prove that an installation or a facility is conform to the regulations.apply technical communication skillsapply technical communication skillsExplain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.issue sales invoicesissue sales invoicesPrepare the invoice of goods sold or services provided, containing individual prices, the total charge, and the terms. Complete order processing for orders received via telephone, fax and internet and...manufacturing of pumps and compressorsmanufacturing of pumps and compressorsThe manufacture of different types of pumps, such as air, vacuum or engine pumps as well as hand pumps, and compressors.operate soldering equipmentoperate soldering equipmentUse soldering equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel, such as a soldering gun, soldering torch, gas-powered iron, and others.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

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Frequently asked questions

What does an industrial machinery mechanic do?

Industrial machinery mechanics work on new machinery and equipment in operation. They set up for the specific application and build accessories if necessary, perform maintenance and repair, and run diagnostics to find faults in systems or parts that need replacing.

What skills does an industrial machinery mechanic need?

An industrial machinery mechanic needs 16 essential skills, including types of lubricants, hydraulics, pneumatics, electricity, electrical wiring plans.

Will AI replace industrial machinery mechanic jobs?

The AI disruption score for industrial machinery mechanic is 37/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: issue sales invoices, record test data, order supplies. Most resilient: electricity, install electrical and electronic equipment, operate welding equipment.

AI Replacement Risk

37/ 100
Moderate Risk
Low riskHigh risk
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Quick Facts

SectorManufacturing & Production
ISCO GroupMetal, machinery and related trades workers
Essential Skills16

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