Mechanics use catalogs to order replacement parts and often follow blueprints and engineering specifications to maintain and fix equipment. Some of the industrial machinery repairer's duties may be performed by millwrights. Industrial Machinery Mechanics is in the Manufacturing and Processing Career Cluster. Worker Characteristics Ability to make precise adjustments or repairs Ability to make decisions and solve problems Ability to mentally imagine objects after looking at pictures or listening to descriptions Ability to see detail in pictures, such as blueprints Ability to coordinate the movement of eyes and hands, as when oiling machinery Ability to move fingers rapidly or accurately Ability to move hands easily and skillfully when using tools Physical Demands Frequently need to see nearby objects clearly, as when reading a blueprint Frequently use arms and hands to reach for and handle objects, such as tools Frequently use fingers to make fine movements, such as pick up small items Occasionally need to speak and hear clearly Occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl when making repairs Occasionally lift objects that weigh up to 50 pounds Occasionally need to tell the difference between colors Occasionally use fingers to examine the size, shape, temperature, or texture of objects Occasionally need to see distant objects clearly Occasionally judge the distance between objects Work Setting Industrial machinery mechanics sometimes work outside. They may be exposed to uncomfortable weather.
Shops are often noisy.
Mechanics are sometimes exposed to dust, poor ventilation, and other atmospheric conditions. Also, they may be exposed to injury from moving mechanical parts. Many industrial machinery mechanics belong to unions. Entry level wages may be lower. Pay varies by industry and geographic region.