Maintenance Machinist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of increasing industrial automation, the focus on maintenance machinists has never been more crucial.

As technology advances, the demand for skilled professionals capable of maintaining, adjusting, and safeguarding our complex machinery grows louder.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a maintenance machinist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager constructing the profile of an ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate world of machinery maintenance,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable maintenance machinist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Maintenance Machinist Duties and Responsibilities

Maintenance Machinists work in industrial settings where they inspect, repair, and maintain various machinery and equipment to ensure efficient operation.

Their job involves a combination of mechanical and manual tasks.

Maintenance Machinists have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Inspect machinery and equipment for defects or malfunctions
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals to understand equipment and controls
• Disassemble machinery and equipment to remove parts and make repairs
• Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components of machinery or equipment
• Reassemble equipment after completion of inspections, testing, or repairs
• Observe and test the operation of machinery or equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using voltmeters or other testing devices
• Operate newly repaired machinery or equipment to verify the adequacy of repairs
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment and adjust and lubricate moving parts
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and maintain clean and orderly work areas
• Order parts and supplies necessary for maintenance and repair work

 

Maintenance Machinist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Maintenance Machinist to join our team.

In this role, you will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and fabrication of mechanical parts and equipment.

This includes operating a variety of machines, diagnosing malfunctions, and performing preventive maintenance tasks.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the mechanics behind machinery, is detail-oriented, and can troubleshoot equipment issues efficiently.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform routine preventive maintenance to ensure that machines continue to run smoothly
• Inspect, operate, and test machinery and equipment to diagnose machine malfunctions
• Read blueprints and schematic drawings to determine work procedures
• Operate equipment including lathes, drill presses, milling machines, grinders, and CNC machines
• Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components of machinery and equipment
• Maintain and repair specialized equipment and machinery found in kitchens, laundries, hospitals, stores, offices, and factories
• Assemble and test machinery to ensure that it functions properly
• Comply with safety regulations and maintain clean and orderly work areas

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Maintenance Machinist or similar role
• Knowledge of industrial machinery and equipment
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and manuals
• Ability to handle physical workload
• Experience with precision measuring instruments or electronic testing devices
• High school diploma or equivalent; Certificate from a vocational school or apprenticeship is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Maintenance Machinist
• Work Environment: This position involves working in a manufacturing or industrial setting. Some physical labor and heavy lifting may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Maintenance Supervisor or Maintenance Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Maintenance Machinist Do?

Maintenance Machinists are skilled professionals who are typically employed in industrial settings such as manufacturing plants, construction companies, and other related industries.

Their primary role is to maintain, repair, and fabricate machinery parts to ensure that all the equipment in the facility is operating smoothly.

This may involve diagnosing faults, dismantling machinery to replace defective parts, and reassembling the machinery once the repairs are done.

Maintenance Machinists also use machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders, to produce precision metal parts.

They interpret blueprints, technical diagrams and schematics to ensure accurate production and assembly of machine parts.

They play a crucial role in preventive maintenance by regularly inspecting and servicing machinery to prevent breakdowns and production delays.

This might involve tasks like lubricating moving parts, adjusting machine settings, and replacing worn-out parts.

Maintenance Machinists adhere to safety regulations and wear protective equipment to ensure their safety and that of their coworkers.

They also need to keep an inventory of machine parts and tools, and order new ones as needed.

In addition, they may be tasked with the responsibility of training other workers on how to properly operate machinery, emphasizing on safety procedures and efficient operation.

 

Maintenance Machinist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Maintenance Machinist should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Technical knowledge and skills to set up, adjust, and operate all of the basic machine tools and many specialized or advanced variation tools.
• Problem-solving skills to diagnose and fix issues that come up during the machining process.
• Physical stamina and strength to stand for long hours, handle heavy machinery, and work with their hands.
• Mathematical skills for understanding complex technical blueprints and calculating dimensions and tolerances with precision.
• Attention to detail to ensure that the dimensions of the parts are precise, which is critical in manufacturing processes.
• Interpersonal and communication skills for collaborating with team members, understanding instructions and reporting to superiors.
• Understanding of mechanical systems and operational procedures to ensure machines are working at full capacity and maintained properly.
• Ability to interpret technical manuals, schematics, and drawings for equipment repair and installation.

 

Maintenance Machinist Experience Requirements

Entry-level maintenance machinists are typically required to have a minimum of 1-2 years of experience, often obtained through an apprenticeship or vocational training in machinery or maintenance technology.

They may also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Machine Operator, Maintenance Technician, or other related manufacturing roles.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are usually considered skilled maintenance machinists.

They often gain this experience by working in roles that require the repair and maintenance of industrial machinery and mechanical equipment.

Maintenance machinists with more than 5 years of experience are often considered for supervisory or managerial roles.

These candidates have typically developed a strong understanding of machinery, good problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead and train others.

Some roles may also require maintenance machinists to have specific certifications or licenses, such as the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) certification or a state-issued journeyman machinist license.

This not only validates their skills and experience but also ensures their adherence to safety standards and protocols.

 

Maintenance Machinist Education and Training Requirements

Maintenance Machinists typically complete a high school diploma or equivalent education, with a focus on mathematics, blueprint reading, metalworking, and drafting.

The bulk of their training, however, is obtained through an apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

These apprenticeships generally last up to four years and are often sponsored by unions or manufacturers.

Upon completion of an apprenticeship, a Maintenance Machinist receives a journey worker certification that is recognized nationwide.

While not always required, some Maintenance Machinists may choose to pursue an associate’s degree or certificate in machine technology or related fields from a community college or technical school.

These programs provide additional training in manual and computer-controlled machines, precision measurement, and other necessary skills.

Furthermore, certain positions may require Maintenance Machinists to be proficient in computer programming and software use, such as computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).

Continuing education is important for Maintenance Machinists as technology advances and new machinery and techniques are introduced.

Ongoing training may be provided by equipment manufacturers, union programs, or self-study courses.

 

Maintenance Machinist Salary Expectations

A Maintenance Machinist earns an average salary of $48,724 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may vary based on the machinist’s level of experience, specialized skills, location, and the size and type of the employing company.

 

Maintenance Machinist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a maintenance machinist need?

Maintenance Machinists should possess mechanical skills to understand and operate machinery, equipment, and tools effectively.

They should be skilled in troubleshooting and problem-solving to determine the cause of machine malfunctions and decide the best course of repair.

Technical skills, including proficiency in blueprints reading and understanding machinery manuals, are also vital.

 

Do maintenance machinists need a degree?

While a degree is not typically required for a maintenance machinist, a high school diploma or equivalent is usually the minimum educational requirement.

Many maintenance machinists obtain vocational training or complete apprenticeships to gain the necessary skills for the role.

Certifications, such as the Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP), can also be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a maintenance machinist resume?

When reviewing a maintenance machinist’s resume, check for experience with machinery repair and maintenance, especially in an industrial or manufacturing environment.

Look for knowledge in mechanical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and other related fields.

Certification or completion of a relevant vocational training program can also be an added advantage.

 

What qualities make a good maintenance machinist?

A good maintenance machinist should have strong problem-solving abilities to effectively diagnose and repair machinery.

They should also have a high level of mechanical aptitude and hand-eye coordination for precision work.

Good communication skills are also crucial as they need to explain complex mechanical issues to non-technical colleagues or management.

 

What is the difference between a maintenance machinist and a maintenance technician?

While both roles involve maintenance and repair work, a maintenance machinist specializes in repairing and maintaining mechanical equipment and machinery, often in manufacturing or industrial settings.

On the other hand, a maintenance technician may work on a wider range of systems, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, often in residential or commercial buildings.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken a closer look at what it truly entails to be a maintenance machinist.

Guess what?

It’s not merely about fixing machines.

It’s about crafting the industry’s future, one piece of machinery at a time.

With our definitive maintenance machinist job description template and real-world examples, you’re now ready to take the next step.

But why stop here?

Take a further plunge with our job description generator. It’s your next destination for creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every machinery maintenance is a part of a larger industrial framework.

Let’s build that future. Together.

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