Maintenance engineer: Job description

Maintenance engineers are responsible for the continuous running of equipment and machinery. They use computerised systems to oversee routine maintenance and organise repairs. They are also involved in control and monitoring devices and occasionally in the manufacture of items that will help in maintenance.

Maintenance engineering plays a vital role in the efficiency, development and progress of manufacturing and processing industries. Maintenance engineers work with other professionals in order to improve production facilities, reduce the incidence of costly breakdowns and develop strategies to improve overall reliability and safety of plant, personnel and production processes.

Typical work activities

Responsibilities and tasks may vary from role to role but typical work activities include:

• designing maintenance strategies, procedures and methods;
• planning and scheduling planned and unplanned work;
• diagnosing breakdown problems;
• carrying out quality inspections on jobs;
• liaising with client departments and customers;
• arranging specialist procurement of fixtures, fittings or components;
• controlling maintenance tools, stores and equipment;
• monitoring and controlling maintenance costs;
• dealing with emergency and unplanned problems and repairs;
• writing maintenance strategies to help with installation and commissioning guidelines.