WHAT DOES A MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN DO?
Reviewed by Lam Nguyen under Editorial Standards
Updated: Mar 31, 2026. The Maintenance Technician performs preventive and corrective maintenance on machinery, equipment, and facility systems to ensure operational reliability and minimize downtime. This role includes troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and control systems, supporting installations, repairs, and continuous improvement initiatives across production and warehouse environments. The Technician also contributes to safety compliance, asset management, and productivity optimization while delivering high-quality service aligned with industry standards and business objectives.
A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Maintenance Technician
1. Maintenance Technician Accountabilities
- Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot and repair specific plant equipment.
- Diagnostics: Analyze test results, machine error messages, and information obtained from operators to diagnose and perform repairs.
- Preventative Maintenance: Perform preventative maintenance (PM), troubleshooting, inspection, calibration, installation, and all necessary support of equipment.
- Teamwork: Support and work as a team with the Electrical Maintenance Technicians.
- Inventory Management: Support parts inventory system accuracy.
- Machining: Create new parts with the use of available machining centers.
- General Duties: Perform miscellaneous plant duties as instructed by the supervisor.
- Safety Compliance: Follow and comply with all safety and work rules.
- Regulatory Compliance: Follow Environmental, Quality, and Safety Management System procedures and requirements.
2. Maintenance Technician Functions
- Equipment Observation: Learn the function of operating building equipment and systems as directed by the Chief and/or Assistant Chief Engineer by observing building engineers in their duties.
- Preventative Maintenance: Maintain a 90%+ on PM completion.
- System Optimization: Optimize the repair and operation of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing equipment and systems.
- Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot and repair equipment and system problems so that problems are resolved on the first attempt, cost-effectively.
- Tenant Service: Respond to tenant service requests in such a manner as to reduce tenant work orders and eliminate recurring problems.
- Work Order Management: Use Building Engines to complete tenant work requests, preventative maintenance assignments, and unscheduled maintenance tasks.
- Productivity Tools: Use various productivity-enhancing tools, such as a smartphone, in the completion of tenant work orders and preventative maintenance tasks.
- Energy Efficiency: Assist in fostering a work environment that promotes energy conservation and continuous improvement of engineering functions.
- Training Participation: Participate in Tabor Center engineering training programs and initiatives, such as TPC, or as suggested by the Chief Engineer.
- Leasing Support: Assist in leasing efforts.
- Safety Compliance: Comply with safety and environmental procedures, specifically hazardous communication programs and lockout–tagout programs.
3. Maintenance Technician Duties
- Equipment Maintenance: Maintain, install, repair, and upkeep equipment, machinery, and facilities.
- Parts Identification: Identify parts or machines needing new or replacement parts.
- Mathematical Application: Utilize shop mathematics to complete assignments.
- Drawing Interpretation: Interpret drawings and schematics of equipment to properly adjust, maintain, or repair machinery.
- Troubleshooting: Respond to requests from production when mechanical issues have been identified and troubleshoot problems.
- Production Communication: Communicate with production to diagnose problems.
- Preventive Maintenance: Perform preventive maintenance according to the equipment manufacturer's recommendations.
- Task Efficiency: Complete assigned tasks with accuracy and efficiency regarding time and resources.
- Reporting: Provide daily reports of activities during the shift.
4. Maintenance Technician Overview
- Maintenance Execution: Carry out preventive and corrective maintenance on a wide range of mechanical and electrical machines.
- Vendor Sourcing: Source for contractors/vendors and services, and spares (mechanical and electrical).
- Vendor Engagement: Engage a relevant vendor for machine and facility repair.
- Scope Preparation: Prepare and provide the scope of work for machine and facility repair.
- Inspection Oversight: Oversee the maintenance and statutory licensing inspection of air pressure vessels, boilers, fire pumps, lifting equipment and gears, cooling towers, etc.
- Project Participation: Be part of the Improvement Projects assigned by the supervising manager.
5. Maintenance Technician Details and Accountabilities
- Maintenance Execution: Execute predictive and preventive maintenance according to plan.
- Corrective Maintenance: Execute corrective maintenance on time.
- Downtime Reduction: Reduce factory downtime caused by equipment malfunction due to maintenance issues, and identify equipment issues.
- Root Cause Analysis: Reduce recurrent equipment failures through true root cause analysis.
- Engineering Support: Support the engineering group with equipment validation and preventive maintenance development.
- Spare Parts Planning: Support for the development of the spare parts list to avoid long equipment downtime.
- Diagram Interpretation: Understand and read a flow chart diagram and PI&D.
- Statistical Analysis: Perform statistical analysis of the PMs done to verify the correct maintenance frequency.
6. Maintenance Technician Additional Details
- Repair Method Assessment: With support from Industrial Engineering, determine the best method of repair in terms of internal or outsourced repair.
- Equipment Installation: Support the installation of new production equipment.
- Equipment Servicing: Service and maintain facilities and production-related equipment.
- Electrical Knowledge: Understand industrial power or electrical qualifications.
- HVAC Inspection: Inspect and service industrial/residential HVAC systems.
- System Maintenance: Inspect, service, and maintain various support systems in buildings on plant premises.
- Machine Assessment: Inspect and assess the functionality of production machines.
- Mechanical Adjustment: Adjust mechanical parts using hand and machine tools.
- Part Fabrication: Fabricate parts for repairs and machine upgrades.
- Routine Maintenance: Conduct routine maintenance and safety checks.
- Production Communication: Communicate with the production team and maintain a clean work area.
7. Maintenance Technician Essential Functions
- Maintenance Procedures: Establish autonomous maintenance procedures and checklists for assigned equipment.
- Operator Training: Train operators to carry out autonomous maintenance and report potential problems.
- Equipment Safety: Ensure equipment is safe and always fit for operation.
- Preventative Maintenance Planning: Establish and carry out preventative maintenance plans.
- Spare Parts Planning: Identify and establish spare parts and maintenance material plans/inventory.
- Equipment Repair: Diagnose, repair, restore, and requalify any equipment failures.
- Problem Analysis: Engage in focused improvement through analysis of potential problems and failures.
- Equipment Monitoring: Monitor equipment health and productivity losses and lead improvement.
8. Maintenance Technician Role Purpose
- Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot equipment issues and make necessary repairs on time.
- Inventory Communication: Communicate with purchasing to maintain inventory levels of spare components.
- Maintenance Scheduling: Work with the production manager to schedule routine preventative maintenance.
- Work Area Organization: Maintain the overall orderliness of the maintenance area and the organization of replacement components.
- Machine Maintenance: Take responsibility for the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of production machines.
9. Maintenance Technician General Responsibilities
- Maintenance Management: Initiate, implement, and manage the maintenance program based on best practices with emphasis on preventive/predictive maintenance.
- Safety Program Coordination: Coordinate the development of company safety and health procedures and programs.
- Incident Investigation: Identify, investigate, report, and provide guidance relative to root causes for incidents, employee safety programs, and regulatory compliance relative to safety and health.
- Emergency Planning: Develop and implement solutions for emergency preparedness plans for the facility.
- Policy Consistency: Assist in ensuring consistency in safety policies and practices.
- Inventory Monitoring: Monitor the use and inventories of spare parts, maintenance supplies, and equipment, and initiate reordering.
- Equipment Repair: Maintain and repair maintenance shop equipment.
- Downtime Reduction: Review the operations of plant equipment and systems constantly to minimize unplanned downtime, anticipate problems on time, and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Compliance Implementation: Customize and implement safety and environmental compliance programs, including Hazard Communication, Lockout/Tagout, Emergency Action Plans, Fire Prevention, Hot Work, Waste Management, and Permit Compliance.
- Training Facilitation: Conduct required safety and environmental training and track attendance.
- KPI Reporting: Maintain key performance indicator reporting for the facility, including injuries, incidents, energy usage, waste generated/recycled, and air emission calculations.
- SDS Management: Maintain facility safety data sheets, including review and approval process.
- Corrective Action Coordination: Coordinate the completion of safety and environmental corrective actions resulting from audits and inspections by customers, insurance providers, and regulatory agencies.
- Incident Leadership: Lead the incident investigation process and ensure corrective actions are completed.
- Safety Metrics Management: Maintain Westrock online safety metrics and audits.
- Site Management Support: Provide backup site management duties in the absence of Site Manager.
10. Maintenance Technician Details
- Inspections: Carry out inspections and routine maintenance in preventive maintenance systems.
- Machinery Inspection: Inspect and report on machinery, equipment, racking, and facility systems.
- Facility Inspection: Inspect buildings, yard surfaces, car parks, drains, and overall structural conditions.
- Repairs: Perform in-house repairs where feasible while maintaining quality and safety standards.
- Contractor Support: Support contractors on site and ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Safety Equipment: Check and maintain safety equipment, including entry systems, extinguishers, and gas detectors.
- Seasonal Support: Assist plant team members with seasonal tasks such as path salting and snow clearing.
- Troubleshooting: Inspect and troubleshoot breakdowns, faults, and issues reported by colleagues across operations.
- Tool Maintenance: Calibrate and maintain production hand tools, including electric, pneumatic, and torque equipment.
- Installations: Assist with factory and office moves, installations, and equipment setup activities.
11. Maintenance Technician Tasks
- Issue Resolution: Diagnose and resolve software and hardware issues on enforcement products in line with service agreements.
- Process Development: Develop and implement technical processes and workshop guides with support from Senior Support Engineers.
- Hardware Upgrades: Assist with hardware retrofits and upgrades, both on-site and through remote support activities.
- Stock Operations: Manage stock operations, including receipting spares returns, processing supplier returns, and conducting stock checks.
- Team Collaboration: Collaborate with Support Team members and suppliers to resolve complex issues requiring escalation.
- Asset Management: Maintain the accuracy of asset registers using internal management tools and tracking systems.
- Data Review: Support data review and investigation from repair cycles to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
- Service Standards: Ensure timely issue resolution to meet contractual obligations and maintain customer service standards.
12. Maintenance Technician Roles
- Equipment Maintenance: Perform repair and preventive maintenance on ASRS cranes, conveyors, and related equipment.
- Engineering Support: Assist Engineering with maintenance and repair of conditioning area equipment and systems.
- Material Flow: Support SCM and Warehouse Engineering with material flow projects and maintenance activities.
- Logistics Improvement: Work with the Logistics Department to improve the efficiency, cost, and productivity of warehouse equipment.
- Training Development: Develop and deliver ASRS maintenance and safety training programs for maintenance personnel.
- Systems Support: Support Facilities Engineering with control systems, monitoring software, and hardware maintenance tasks.
- Facilities Projects: Assist with facilities projects, including utilities installation, equipment installation, and equipment removal.
- Compressor Maintenance: Perform compressor maintenance and support general facility maintenance operations.
- Operations Support: Provide continuous support for ASRS operations and maintain availability for on-call responsibilities.
13. Maintenance Technician Key Accountabilities
- Urgent Repairs: Perform urgent facility and equipment repairs to minimize production downtime during shift operations.
- Preventive Maintenance: Execute preventive maintenance activities to extend facility uptime and operational reliability.
- Machine Stability: Improve machine stability to support consistent production quality and performance.
- Mold Maintenance: Perform mold cleaning, maintenance, and repair to ensure optimal tooling condition.
- Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement activities to enhance uptime and reduce maintenance costs.
- Equipment Evaluation: Evaluate and support the introduction of new facility equipment and systems.
- Safety Compliance: Follow safety requirements to perform daily duties and ensure contractor compliance.
- MOC Support: Support MOC processes for facility improvements, relocations, and new equipment implementation.
14. Maintenance Technician Roles and Details
- Fault Finding: Respond to testbed and facility breakdowns using fault-finding techniques to perform effective repairs.
- Equipment Maintenance: Perform maintenance, repair, and installation of new facility equipment across operations.
- Team Collaboration: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including peers, Engineers, and external contractors.
- Root Cause Analysis: Lead improvement initiatives and root cause investigations to enhance equipment reliability.
- Technical Reporting: Present technical findings and recommendations to facility teams and management.
- Training Support: Train and support apprentices and co-workers to develop technical capability.
- Workload Management: Manage workload and priorities in alignment with operational and business requirements.
- Safety Standards: Follow and promote health and safety standards to protect individuals, teams, and the public.
15. Maintenance Technician Responsibilities and Key Tasks
- Site Safety: Ensure all sites remain safe and fully functional for customers and colleagues.
- Work Scheduling: Follow planned work schedules to achieve first-time fixes and maximize productivity.
- Communication: Communicate effectively and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Team Collaboration: Collaborate with team members to share best practices and technical knowledge.
- Task Management: Manage tasks from initiation to completion while keeping stakeholders informed throughout.
- Personal Development: Drive personal development through progression within the maintenance pathway.
- One Meetings: Schedule and lead regular one-to-one meetings with the line manager.
- Mobile Usage: Use mobile devices to complete work efficiently and provide real-time updates.
- System Utilization: Utilize business systems to support accurate reporting and asset lifecycle management.
- Brand Representation: Represent brand values through professional behavior, a positive attitude, and adherence to standards.
- KPI Support: Support KPI achievement through effective application of skills and system usage.
16. Maintenance Technician Duties and Roles
- Safety Compliance: Follow all safety rules and practices to maintain a safe working environment.
- Preventive Maintenance: Perform preventive maintenance, including lubrication, wear measurement, alignment, and operational observation.
- Breakdown Response: Respond to emergency and breakdown maintenance to support continuous plant operations.
- Diagnostics: Use measurement and test equipment accurately to support diagnostics and repairs.
- System Repairs: Perform electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and steam system repairs and installations.
- Workplace Organization: Maintain clean and organized work areas and complete cleanup after assigned tasks.
- Record Keeping: Prepare and maintain accurate records and required documentation.
- Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot equipment issues and resolve problems to restore functionality.
- Team Collaboration: Collaborate with team members to support effective teamwork and problem-solving.
- Cross Training: Participate in cross-training to expand technical skills across multiple disciplines.
- System Usage: Use computer systems to manage maintenance processes, inventory, and work orders.
17. Maintenance Technician Roles and Responsibilities
- Equipment Performance: Ensure machinery, plant, and equipment operate to high standards to meet customer requirements.
- Process Improvement: Identify improvement areas, take corrective actions, and resolve issues impacting machine efficiency.
- Maintenance Tasks: Perform both electrical and mechanical maintenance tasks based on competency and qualifications.
- Standards Compliance: Ensure all work complies with required standards, including GMP, SOP, and validation requirements.
- Documentation: Complete maintenance documentation accurately and correctly to support compliance and service delivery.
- Equipment History: Record equipment history accurately to meet regulatory requirements and support problem resolution.
- Continuous Improvement: Apply continuous improvement methodologies to support root cause analysis and process enhancement.
- Team Collaboration: Collaborate with teams to eliminate problems and improve operational performance through structured initiatives.
18. Maintenance Technician Responsibilities
- Fault Diagnosis: Diagnose machine malfunctions and determine effective methods to resolve issues.
- Equipment Repair: Maintain and repair production equipment, including hoists, cranes, and forklifts.
- Machine Installation: Install new machinery and associated utility services to support operational requirements.
- Machine Rebuild: Rebuild production machinery through disassembly, repair, and reinstallation processes.
- Preventive Maintenance: Perform scheduled and preventive maintenance on machinery and equipment.
- Technical Diagnostics: Apply diagnostic and repair expertise to industrial machinery and equipment issues.
- Electrical Systems: Utilize electrical knowledge, including three-phase systems, during maintenance tasks.
- Control Systems: Work with programmable logic controllers and variable frequency drives for system support.
- Blueprint Reading: Read and interpret mechanical blueprints and schematics to guide maintenance activities.
- Fluid Systems: Troubleshoot hydraulic and pneumatic systems and related components effectively.
19. Maintenance Technician Accountabilities
- Safety Compliance: Follow safety procedures and wear appropriate PPE before starting all maintenance tasks.
- Preventive Maintenance: Perform routine preventive maintenance on equipment, including HVAC systems, motors, pumps, and generators.
- Multi Trade Repair: Maintain and repair equipment across mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry disciplines.
- Generator Maintenance: Inspect and maintain generators, including testing, fuel monitoring, and supporting contracted services.
- Pool Maintenance: Perform daily pool and spa checks, maintenance, repairs, and operational record keeping.
- Door Window Repair: Maintain doors and windows to ensure proper operation and water integrity.
- Carpentry Work: Carry out carpentry repairs in common areas and residential spaces.
- Electrical Work: Perform electrical work, including tracing, troubleshooting, and installing circuits, controls, and lighting systems.
- Plumbing Maintenance: Execute plumbing maintenance and repairs on fixtures, drains, pumps, and sanitary systems.
- Drywall Installation: Install and finish drywall for maintenance and repair projects.
- Painting Work: Complete painting projects, including surface preparation, containment, and cleanup.
- AC Maintenance: Perform minor repairs on air conditioning units, including thermostats, filters, and coil cleaning.
- Blueprint Reading: Interpret and work from blueprints and site drawings to support maintenance activities.
- Contractor Support: Assist contractors with services, repairs, maintenance, and installation work for facility operations.
Job Role FAQs
What is a job role?
A job role refers to the duties, responsibilities, and expectations associated with a specific position within an organization. It explains what tasks an employee performs, how they contribute to team objectives, and how their work supports the company’s overall goals.
What are the typical responsibilities of a job role?
Typical job role responsibilities include completing daily tasks, collaborating with team members, making decisions, and meeting performance targets. For example, a software developer may write code, fix bugs, review pull requests, and collaborate with product teams.
What is the difference between a job role and a job title?
A job title is the official name of a position, such as Marketing Manager or Software Engineer. A job role describes the actual duties, responsibilities, and expectations associated with that position.
Why are clearly defined job roles important?
Clearly defined job roles help organizations improve productivity, reduce workplace confusion, and ensure accountability. When employees understand their responsibilities and expectations, teams can collaborate more effectively.
How do job roles support career development?
Understanding different job roles helps professionals identify career paths and the skills required for advancement. By learning the expectations of various roles, individuals can build relevant skills and plan long-term career growth.
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Editorial operations are managed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor, with research direction and final oversight by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead. Content is periodically reviewed to reflect observable labor market changes.