What does a Maintenance Engineer do?
Maintenance Engineers are responsible for the continuous operation of machinery and equipment. Using computerised systems, they organise repairs and oversee routine maintenance. They’re also involved with monitoring and control devices and sometimes in the creation of items that will help in equipment maintenance. Their role is crucial to the progress, development and efficiency of processing and manufacturing industries. Working with other professionals, Maintenance Engineers reduce the incidence of costly breakdowns, improve production facilities and come up with strategies to improve the overall safety and reliability of personnel, plant and production processes.
Maintenance Engineer skills and qualifications
A successful Maintenance Engineer candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:
- Business skills, as they are usually responsible for interacting with suppliers, overseeing a team and managing budgets
- Ability to understand a variety of engineering procedures and functions
- Ability to motivate and lead others
- Team-working skills to liaise and work cooperatively with individuals at all levels
- Negotiation skills and the ability to persuade others
- Excellent diagnostic and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Interpersonal and people-management skills
Maintenance Engineer experience requirements
Employers typically place great value on relevant work experience, as it shows that relevant knowledge and skills have been acquired. The specific experience requirements usually vary for each job, and some employers may prefer candidates who have previous work experience in a related area of engineering. Some employers may consider candidates who have gained experience through placements and related apprenticeships.
Maintenance Engineer education and training requirement
A university degree is usually not required to become a Maintenance Engineer, but many employers prefer candidates who have a BEng in a relevant subject, such as production engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering and electronic and electrical engineering. Some employers accept candidates who have college qualifications, such as the City & Guilds Certificate in Engineering or the BTEC in Operations and Maintenance Engineering, instead of a bachelor’s degree. It’s possible to become a Maintenance Engineer by working as an apprentice Technician or Fitter. To do this, candidates need to build up experience and take further qualifications to progress into the role.
Maintenance Engineer salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Maintenance Engineer in the UK is £34,907 per year. Their actual salary varies depending on their level of education and experience, the company they work for and its geographical location.
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