What does a production mechanic do?
Production mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real production mechanic resumes:
- Accomplish final operational checkout for conformance to customer specifications of prototype and new electronic systems including system installation on new airframes.
- Perform preventive maintenance and repair of semi-automate equipment, PLC control assembly lines as per OSHA and FDA guidelines.
- Limit PLC troubleshooting duties (but willing to learn).
- Check tolerances with linear gauges, micrometers, and calipers.
- Operate computing equipment to perform job tasks (e.g., upload/download programs, create/edit CNC or PLC programs).
- Work with various gauges and measuring devices such as micrometers, calipers, optical comparators, toolmakers microscope, etc.
- Organize a procedure for rapid plumbing repairs by proactively devising a solid inventory system for effectively managing spare parts and tools.
- Assemble anti-static and ionization bars and blowers.
- Preform SPC checks and other hourly checks.
- Provide ideas/ solutions for equipment / operational improvements and participate on miscellaneous improvement teams.
Production mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Production Mechanics are proficient in Production Equipment, Hand Tools, and Preventive Maintenance. They’re also known for soft skills such as Manual dexterity, Mechanical skills, and Troubleshooting skills.
We break down the percentage of Production Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Production Equipment, 13%
Demonstrated trouble shooting capability on production equipment to include all electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic repairs.
- Hand Tools, 12%
Skilled in using various portable machines and hand tools, e.g., flange facing machines, drills, grinders, etc.
- Preventive Maintenance, 7%
Conducted routine/preventive maintenance and urgent repairs on diverse manufacturing systems for established soft-drink bottler.
- GMP, 5%
Comply with all Plant Safety, GMP, ISO, OSHA procedures, and other programs.
- Production Machines, 5%
Handled the fabrication of equipment modifications to upgrade production machines.
- Quality Checks, 5%
Performed quality checks at the start of shift to verify parts were in spec.
"production equipment," "hand tools," and "preventive maintenance" are among the most common skills that production mechanics use at work. You can find even more production mechanic responsibilities below, including:
Manual dexterity. The most essential soft skill for a production mechanic to carry out their responsibilities is manual dexterity. This skill is important for the role because "industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights must have a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination when handling very small parts." Additionally, a production mechanic resume shows how their duties depend on manual dexterity: "diagnose mechanical problems and determine how to correct them, checking blueprints, repair manuals, or parts catalog as necessary. "
Mechanical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling production mechanic duties is mechanical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights use technical manuals and sophisticated diagnostic equipment to figure out why machines are not working." According to a production mechanic resume, here's how production mechanics can utilize mechanical skills in their job responsibilities: "provided emergency repairs to mechanical as wells as electrical line equipment. "
Troubleshooting skills. production mechanics are also known for troubleshooting skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to production mechanic responsibilities, because "industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights must observe, diagnose, and fix problems that a machine may be having." A production mechanic resume example shows how troubleshooting skills is used in the workplace: "repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting of production line equipment. "
The three companies that hire the most production mechanics are:
- Silgan Containers8 production mechanics jobs
- Turkey Hill Dairy7 production mechanics jobs
- Progress Rail6 production mechanics jobs
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Compare different production mechanics
Production mechanic vs. Repairman
An industrial maintenance/electrician specializes in installing and maintaining electrical systems in different establishments. Responsibilities usually include performing inspections to assess electrical damages on systems, understanding blueprints, troubleshooting problems, replacing or fixing components, and conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure that electrical systems function smoothly and efficiently. Moreover, an industrial maintenance/electrician may also upgrade facilities, provide technical support to staff, and train new members of the workforce while enforcing and promoting the company's safety standards and regulations.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, production mechanic responsibilities require skills like "production equipment," "hand tools," "gmp," and "production machines." Meanwhile a typical repairman has skills in areas such as "safety procedures," "safety rules," "pry bars," and "aar." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Repairmen really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $44,834. Comparatively, production mechanics tend to make the most money in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $56,805.The education levels that repairmen earn slightly differ from production mechanics. In particular, repairmen are 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a production mechanic. Additionally, they're 0.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Production mechanic vs. Machine repairman
An industrial maintenance technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing commercial and industrial machinery in a building or a manufacturing plant. You will perform typical duties that include ensuring all machines function properly through preventative maintenance service, conducting tests to ensure production machinery functions properly, and performing safety checks and routine maintenance. Other duties include collaborating with the production team, preparing maintenance reports, and instructing and guiding new employees. An industrial maintenance technician also assesses the machinery's functionality and fabricates parts for machine upgrades and repair.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, production mechanic responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "preventive maintenance," "gmp," "quality checks," and "parts inventory." Meanwhile, a machine repairman has duties that require skills in areas such as "preventative maintenance," "machine tools," "spindles," and "repair machines." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Machine repairmen tend to reach similar levels of education than production mechanics. In fact, they're 1.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Production mechanic vs. Industrial maintenance/electrician
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, production mechanics are more likely to have skills like "gmp," "production machines," "quality checks," and "parts inventory." But a industrial maintenance/electrician is more likely to have skills like "electrical equipment," "allen-bradley," "ladders," and "switches."
Industrial maintenance/electricians earn the best pay in the automotive industry, where they command an average salary of $59,754. Production mechanics earn the highest pay from the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $56,805.Most industrial maintenance/electricians achieve a similar degree level compared to production mechanics. For example, they're 2.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Production mechanic vs. Industrial maintenance technician
Types of production mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
