What does a Senior Mechanic do?
A senior mechanic builds machines or mechanical components based on client specifications and requirements. As a senior mechanic, you will perform a variety of duties that include performing technical inspections on corrective maintenance, vehicle armor and services, monitoring and supporting day-to-day facility and production operations, and troubleshooting problems. Additionally, you will perform preventative maintenance on equipment, generators, and vehicles, and conducting research on parts repair. You will also perform various custodial and maintenance duties as requested.
Senior mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior mechanic resumes:
- Create and manage preventive and predictive routes using Maximo CMMS database.
- Perform technical inspections on vehicle armor, corrective maintenance, and services (PMCS )
- Test coolant conditions, inspects wires and repair if damage, replace wire harness, troubleshoot faulty electrical components.
- Support GMP manufacturing and team with QA.
- Replace electrical switches, lights and outlets.
- Use table top grinders and tools for assembly.
- Diagnose and repair larger Oshkosh dump trucks, HETS, PLS.
- Maintain a highly efficient PMCS record in a highly stress shop.
- Weld, repair and construct access platforms, steps, ladders and relate equipment.
- Program CNC equipment using Mastercam software as well as Solidworks for part creation and design.
- Maintain and overhaul precision lathes, milling machines, CNC, foundry equipment, ovens and hydraulic systems.
- Operate tools such as drill, pipe threader, pipe cutter, grinders, buzz saws and jack hammers.
- Work independently or assist higher grade mechanic on an irregular rotating basis throughout a production line assembling combat vehicles.
- follow all safety and GMP regulations.
- Diagnose and troubleshot malfunctions in automotive systems and components.
Senior mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Senior Mechanics are proficient in Hand Tools, Preventive Maintenance, and HVAC. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Dexterity, and Troubleshooting skills.
We break down the percentage of Senior Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 10%
Connect hoses and pipelines to pumps and vessels prior to material transfer, using hand tools
- Preventive Maintenance, 7%
Performed all general vehicle maintenance activities including installation, repair, trouble-shooting, diagnostics, and preventive maintenance.
- HVAC, 6%
Serviced and repaired all HVAC equipment, general plumbing, electrical installations, and maintenance.
- Plumbing, 5%
Assisted in miscellaneous facility & building maintenance, including repairs related to plumbing, lighting systems, packaging compactors, etc.
- Diesel Engines, 5%
Diagnosed malfunctions and performed and supervised corrective maintenance on diesel engines.
- Shop Safety, 4%
Supervised compliance with shop safety programs; maintenance, and security of hand and shop power tools.
Most senior mechanics use their skills in "hand tools," "preventive maintenance," and "hvac" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential senior mechanic responsibilities here:
Customer-service skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a senior mechanic to have is customer-service skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "these workers interact with customers on a regular basis." Senior mechanics often use customer-service skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "provided supervision and technical guidance to subordinates and communicated with customers regarding vehicle issues and potential repairs. "
Dexterity. Many senior mechanic duties rely on dexterity. "many repair and maintenance tasks, such as repairing small devices, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools, require a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination.," so a senior mechanic will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways senior mechanic responsibilities rely on dexterity: "operate all types of hand tools, floor equipment and a trainer on forklifts. "
Troubleshooting skills. senior mechanics are also known for troubleshooting skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to senior mechanic responsibilities, because "workers find, diagnose, and repair problems." A senior mechanic resume example shows how troubleshooting skills is used in the workplace: "provided technical guidance and assistance in areas of planning, servicing and troubleshooting equipment. "
The three companies that hire the most senior mechanics are:
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Compare different senior mechanics
Senior mechanic vs. Aviation maintenance technician
An Aviation Maintenance Technician carries out repairs and maintenance on all sorts of aircraft, like airplanes and helicopters. They ensure that aircraft are in perfect working condition.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between senior mechanics and aviation maintenance technician. For instance, senior mechanic responsibilities require skills such as "preventive maintenance," "hvac," "plumbing," and "diesel engines." Whereas a aviation maintenance technician is skilled in "airframe," "aircraft maintenance," "maintenance manuals," and "aviation maintenance." This is part of what separates the two careers.
On average, aviation maintenance technicians reach similar levels of education than senior mechanics. Aviation maintenance technicians are 1.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Senior mechanic vs. Aircraft maintenance technician
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians make commercial, government/private airplanes, and helicopters safe for their crew and passengers. They ensure that aircrafts meet Federal Aviation Regulations.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real senior mechanic resumes. While senior mechanic responsibilities can utilize skills like "preventive maintenance," "hvac," "plumbing," and "diesel engines," aircraft maintenance technicians use skills like "airframe," "powerplant," "aircraft components," and "aircraft systems."
Aircraft maintenance technicians earn a higher average salary than senior mechanics. But aircraft maintenance technicians earn the highest pay in the government industry, with an average salary of $58,621. Additionally, senior mechanics earn the highest salaries in the energy with average pay of $63,054 annually.aircraft maintenance technicians earn similar levels of education than senior mechanics in general. They're 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior mechanic vs. Mechanics supervisor
A mechanics supervisor is responsible for coordinating mechanical and installation work and supervising installers, mechanics, and repairmen. They are responsible for scheduling these tasks and ensuring all operations run efficiently. Mechanics supervisors also inspect work done by mechanics under their supervision, examine tools to ensure that they are in good working condition, and maintain logs of machine repair and maintenance.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from senior mechanic resumes include skills like "hand tools," "plumbing," "shop safety," and "vehicle maintenance," whereas a mechanics supervisor is more likely to list skills in "mechanical maintenance," "cmms," "fra," and "safety rules. "
Mechanics supervisors earn the best pay in the energy industry, where they command an average salary of $83,636. Senior mechanics earn the highest pay from the energy industry, with an average salary of $63,054.When it comes to education, mechanics supervisors tend to earn similar degree levels compared to senior mechanics. In fact, they're 0.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Senior mechanic vs. Diesel technician
Diesel technicians specialize in repairing and handling the maintenance of vehicles powered by diesel. They are primarily responsible for inspecting cars, conducting tests, and identifying its problems to determine what course of action to take. Aside from repairing engines, diesel technicians may also fix other systems such as brakes, steering, and even lighting. It is essential to discuss the extent of repairs to clients and make them understand the costs involved. Furthermore, it is vital to maintain an accurate record of data at all times.
Types of senior mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
