15 Machine Technician Skills for Your Career and Resume

Machine technicians are responsible for the maintenance and repair of machines in a variety of settings. They use a variety of skills to troubleshoot problems, fix machines and prevent future issues. Understanding the most important skills for machine technicians can help you determine if this is the right career for you.

Equipment Operation

A machine technician needs to be familiar with the equipment they work on. This includes knowing how to operate and repair various types of machinery, including computers, electrical systems, hydraulic components and other mechanical devices. It’s important for a machine technician to know how to use their tools correctly so they can complete their tasks safely and efficiently.

CNC Machining

CNC, or computer numerical control, machining is a process that uses computers to program and operate machinery. Machine technicians use CNC machines for many tasks, including creating prototypes of new products and repairing existing parts. Understanding how these machines work can help you advance in your career as a machine technician.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is a skill that can help you perform your job well. As a machine technician, you may need to examine and repair intricate machinery, so it’s important to be able to pay close attention to the details of each component. This skill can also help you keep track of all the tools and parts you use on a project so you don’t leave anything behind when you’re finished.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting is the ability to identify and solve problems. As a machine technician, you may need to troubleshoot issues with machinery or computer systems. For example, if an automated production line isn’t working properly, you might be able to find the source of the problem and fix it. This can help ensure that your company’s products are made correctly and on time.

Electrical Systems

Electrical systems are the components that allow machines to function. Machine technicians need to understand how electrical systems work so they can troubleshoot and repair them when necessary. This includes understanding basic electrical theory, such as voltage, amperage and resistance. It also means knowing how to read schematics and wiring diagrams and using tools like multimeters to test circuits for proper functioning.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is the ability to identify and resolve issues. Machine technicians use problem-solving skills when diagnosing equipment, as they must determine what caused a machine failure and how to repair it. They also use this skill when completing maintenance tasks, as they may need to find solutions for unexpected problems that arise during their work.

Automation

Automation is the ability to program and operate machinery. It’s important for machine technicians to know how to use automation software, which allows them to create programs that control machines’ functions. For example, if a machine needs to perform certain actions at specific times, an automation program can help the technician set up those actions so they occur automatically.

Plumbing

Plumbing is the process of installing and maintaining water supply systems. Machine technicians often need to understand plumbing so they can repair or replace parts in a system, such as valves, pipes and pumps. They also use their knowledge of plumbing when troubleshooting machines that have issues with cooling or heating.

Hydraulics

Hydraulics is the process of using liquids to transmit power. Machine technicians use hydraulics in many machines, including hydraulic presses and hydraulic lifts. Understanding how hydraulics work can help you repair these types of machines more efficiently. You may also need to troubleshoot issues with hydraulics, so it’s important to know how they function.

Analytical Skills

Machine technicians use analytical skills to troubleshoot and repair machines. They analyze the machine’s functions, determine what might be causing a problem and find solutions. For example, if a machine isn’t producing enough product, they can examine the machine’s parts and determine whether there is an issue with the motor or if the machine needs more fuel.

Mechanical Skills

Mechanical skills are the ability to use tools and understand how machines work. This is an important skill for machine technicians because they often need to repair or replace parts on various types of machinery. For example, a machine technician might need to know how to remove a specific component from a piece of equipment so they can fix it. They also may need to be able to identify what type of part they need to order and where to find that part.

Welding

Machine technicians use welding skills to connect and repair various parts of machinery. This includes using a variety of types of welds, such as spot welds, which are small welds used for connecting two pieces of metal together, or butt welds, which are larger welds that join two large pieces of metal together. Machine technicians also use welding to repair broken equipment by filling in cracks with molten metal.

Pneumatics

Pneumatics is the study of gases and their properties. Machine technicians use pneumatics to understand how air pressure, gas flow and other aspects of gases work in machines. This skill can help you troubleshoot issues with pneumatic systems, which are used in many types of machinery. Pneumatics also includes understanding how different gases affect a machine’s performance. For example, some gases may be more efficient than others or have different effects on the environment.

Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is the process of identifying and repairing potential issues before they become larger problems. For example, a machine technician might perform regular inspections on equipment to identify any wear or damage that could lead to an emergency situation. This allows them to repair the machines before they break down completely, which can save time and money for their employer.

Electrical Skills

Electrical skills are necessary for machine technicians to understand how machines function and how they communicate with each other. Machine technicians use electrical skills when troubleshooting, repairing or maintaining machinery. They also need these skills to read schematics and diagrams that show the electrical components of a machine.

How Can I Learn These Machine Technician Skills?

There are many ways that you can learn the skills necessary to be a machine technician. One way is to find a trade school or community college that offers courses in machining and related topics. You can also look for online courses or distance learning programs that can help you learn the skills you need. There are also many books and other resources available that can teach you the basics of machining and other related topics. Whatever route you choose, make sure that you take the time to learn the skills thoroughly so that you can be a successful machine technician.