Job Description for a Machine Technician
A machine technician sets up, operates and carries out repair work on machinery. He should also be able to maintain and clean the machinery. He monitors operation of machines and provides instructions to other workers on how to operate and maintain the machinery. A machine technician chooses his area of specialization depending on his interest and abilities.
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Education
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A machine technician who will be carrying out only basic machine repairs needs only a high school diploma. Those who intend to deal with complicated machines should pursue advanced training. A machine technician requires a certificate in machine and technology, mathematics, science, manufacturing and production. These can be pursued in community colleges or vocational schools. Practical experience is a must to become a technician. You can achieve this through apprentice programs or internship while still in school.
Responsibilities
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A machine technician's main responsibility involves designing and setting up machinery. He should also be able to operate machinery and diagnose any malfunctions of the machinery. He identifies and suggests various machinery that can be used to carry out relevant operations. He carries out various support functions such as preventive maintenance and calibration of machinery. He ensures safety guidelines have been made and implemented. He computes data and other relevant information necessary to the working of the machine.
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Key Competencies
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Good design skills, including ability to use blueprints, are crucial in a machine technician's career. A machine technician should have good design skills. This includes the use of design instruments, blueprints, technical plans and drawings. She should also have mechanical knowledge and know how to use various mechanical tools and equipment.
Desirable Skills
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He should have good communication skills. This is in order to understand instructions given and to be able to express himself and give useful feedback. Good visual ability to see objects which are near and far is crucial. It is important that a machine technician have good control movement and manipulative skills. He should have good reasoning and idea-generation abilities. This is in order to effectively follow and implement given guidelines and rules. He should have mechanical aptitude and the ability to understand and solve average mathematical problems
Compensation
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How much a machine technician earns depends on his level of education, among other factors. The salary for machine operators is $24,868 to $37,163 per year. This is dependent on location, industry, level of experience and the level of education. Individuals who have only a high school diploma earn a lower pay rate. Machine technicians in the manufacturing industry are one of the highest paid technicians.
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References
- Photo Credit bolts and screws image by Andrei Kazarov from Fotolia.com blueprints image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com High School sign image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com
