In the Air Force:
Aerospace Ground Equipment; Airlift/Special Mission Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice, C-20/C-21/C-22/C-37/C-40/E-4/VC-25; Bomber/Special Electronic Warfare and Radar Surveillance Integrated Avionics Apprentice, C-135/25 AF Systems/Carry-on EW; Bomber/Special Electronic Warfare and Radar Surveillance Integrated Avionics Journeyman, B-1; Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Apprentice; Helicopter/Tiltrotor Aircraft Maintenance Journeyman, MHU-139; Missile And Space Facilities; Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice, Any C-135/E-3/E-8; Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Journeyman, B-52; Tactical Aircraft Maintenance (5th Generation) Helper, F-22
In the Army:
Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Systems Technician; Allied Trades Specialist; Armament Systems Maintenance Warrant Officer; BRADLEY Fighting Vehicle System Maintainer; Engineer Equipment Maintenance Warrant Officer; Maintenance Supervisor; Prime Power Production Specialist; Self Propelled Artillery Systems Maintainer; Small Arms/Towed Artillery Repairer; UH-60 Helicopter Repairer
Industrial machinery works around the clock to manufacture food products, generate power, and move suitcases at the airport. Industrial machinery maintenance workers, mechanics, and millwrights make sure industrial machinery stays on the job. Machinery maintenance workers do basic maintenance and repairs, such as cleaning and lubricating machinery, performing basic diagnostic tests, and testing damaged parts. Using computerized diagnostic equipment and expertise, industrial machinery mechanics detect and fix mechanical problems; just listening to a machine’s vibration, they can distinguish a worn belt from a weak motor bearing. Millwrights install and disassemble industrial machines as well as conduct repairs. They often move machines within a facility, carefully categorizing and sequencing every part. They use cranes and forklifts to bring the heavy parts to the new location. In addition to hand tools, these workers use welding and cutting equipment, and precision-measuring devices. Because of the high risk of injury on the job, safety precautions and protective equipment such as hardhats, steel-toed shoes, and earplugs are essential. Industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers typically work regular, full-time hours, although overtime is common, especially for mechanics. Millwrights may have more variable schedules with downtime between projects, as they usually work on a contract basis to assemble or disassemble machines. While all 3 need a high school education to enter the field, machinery maintenance workers typically receive on-the-job training; industrial machinery mechanics need a year or more of training; and most millwrights learn their skills in a 4-year apprenticeship— although an associate’s degree in industrial maintenance may suffice.
What they do:
Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.
On the job, you would:
Repair or maintain the operating condition of industrial production or processing machinery or equipment.
Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components of machinery or equipment.
Clean, lubricate, or adjust parts, equipment, or machinery.
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
product and service development
Arts and Humanities
English language
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Basic Skills
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
figuring out how to use new ideas or things
Technical
figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work
planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Hand and Finger Use
hold or move items with your hands
put together small parts with your fingers
Controlled Movement
quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
order or arrange things
Hearing and Speech
tell the difference between sounds
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Initiative
Adaptability/Flexibility
Cooperation
Integrity
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Data base user interface and query software
Maintenance planning and control software
Industrial control software
KEYENCE PLC Ladder Logic
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
certificate after high school or high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
In the Navy:
Advance Seal Delivery System Maintainer; Auxiliary Systems Technician; Aviation Machinist's Mate; Diesel Engine Inspector; Fire Controlman (AEGIS); Intermediate Maintenance Activity (IMA) Nuclear Worker; LPD-17 Class Diesel Engine Technician; Machinist's Mate, Nuclear Power; NAMTS Valve Repair Technician; Steam Plant Auxiliary Systems Maintainer
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