Maintenance Engineer: Job Description, Salary, Duties & More (2024)

Toolbox, Lunchbox, Out of the Box Thinking: Being A Maintenance Engineer

A rewarding job suitable for flexible, self-motivated people, maintenance engineering offers you a chance to see the product of your work in action.

If you’re someone who prefers real, tangible results and wants a sense of pride from your work, becoming a maintenance engineer could be the right choice for you.

Maintenance engineers work in all kinds of industries, including manufacturing, construction, technology, health care, and aerospace.

The job is right for anyone who loved to take their toys apart as children or gets pleasure from tinkering around with the equipment at home.

Working as a maintenance engineer will take you from the boiler room to the rooftop and everywhere in between.

Each day is a new adventure.

Maintenance Engineer Information

Official Job Title	Maintenance Engineer
Average Salary	$76,576
Stress Level	High
Work/ Life	Low
Job Satisfaction	High
Career Advancement	Average

Maintenance Engineer Job Description

What Is A Maintenance Engineer?

Maintenance engineers keep systems, properties, and machinery functional and in peak condition.

They are responsible for performing regular inspections, making any necessary repairs, and adapting or replacing outdated technology or machines with newer, better models.

Maintenance engineers work in a variety of different industries, including manufacturing, computer technology, aerospace, automotive, and medical.

They provide an essential service by ensuring the machinery others rely on for important tasks is clean and works well.

What Does A Maintenance Engineer Do On A Daily Basis?

When something goes wrong in a factory, plant, or hospital, maintenance engineers are called to the scene to diagnose the problem.

It is the task of the maintenance engineer to determine the cause of breakdowns or poor performance and to fix these issues promptly so work can continue.

Depending on the industry, maintenance engineers might work on manufacturing equipment, computers, vehicles such as planes and cars, construction equipment, structural elements, or electronic devices.

Most maintenance engineers conduct regularly scheduled maintenance and inspections but are also expected to deal with emergencies.

Going outdoors on rooftops and ladders, crawling into cellars or electronics cupboards, and working in tight spaces are all part of the maintenance engineer’s daily experience.

Responsibilities, Duties & Roles Of A Maintenance Engineer

The primary responsibility of a maintenance engineer is to keep things up and running at the workplace and any off-site locations.

Maintenance engineers can expect to perform measurements and calibrations.

They also choose parts for replacements or repairs.

Discussing plans with others in the workspace allows work to continue with minimal interruptions.

A maintenance engineer can expect to consult with department heads regarding large-scale updates, repairs, or changes that could affect on-site teams.

Maintenance engineers also travel to the company’s off-site locations to keep machinery and devices in top condition.

When unexpected breakdowns occur, maintenance engineers should deal with them immediately.

Maintenance Engineer Salary

Average Salary

According to Salary.com, the average salary for a fully qualified maintenance engineer is $76,576/year.

The entry-level salary an incoming maintenance engineer can expect is $53,664 annually, according to Salary.com.

Senior-level maintenance engineers average $88,607 annually.

How To Become A Maintenance Engineer

The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree

Becoming a maintenance engineer doesn’t require post-secondary education.

However, many applicants will complete a 1-year or 2-year certification program or a 3–4-year university degree either before applying or during the first few years on the job.

Reading subjects such as mathematics, applied science, engineering, technology, or CAD prepares a candidate for a career as a maintenance engineer.

Many national and professional organizations offer certifications for maintenance engineers.

In the United States, options for certification include the Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP), the American Public Works Association (APWA), or the Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA).

Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications

Maintenance engineers must be quick thinkers and problem solvers.

While much of the work requires regularly scheduled maintenance and repairs, maintenance engineers are also called upon to deal with unanticipated breakdowns and emergencies.

Anyone interested in becoming a maintenance engineer must also be physically fit.

The work requires climbing ladders, squeezing into small or cramped spaces, lifting heavy objects, and getting dirty.

Maintenance engineers often work outdoors in rain, snow, or intense heat, so must be healthy and strong.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Maintenance Engineer?

Anyone who has completed secondary education can become a maintenance engineer and train as an apprentice.

It may take 1-2 years of experience before the candidate can work independently in this situation.

Applicants with certifications or post-secondary degrees may be hired to work immediately after finishing their programs.

Is It Hard To Become A Maintenance Engineer?

Becoming a maintenance engineer isn’t difficult as long as you are mechanically inclined and physically fit.

Many positions are open to those without university degrees, so it is easy to get started.

However, mastering the skills to be capable of working on all the tasks required can take several years of experience or education.

Maintenance Engineer Career Paths

The Maintenance Engineer Roadmap

Many candidates began their journey immediately after completing their secondary education.

Entry-level maintenance engineers often apprentice alongside more experienced staff for 1-2 years before taking on the position.

Others come into the job with a university qualification or 1–2-year certification.

Much of what a maintenance engineer needs to know can be learned on-site.

However, familiarity with tools, science, and mathematics will speed training along.

After becoming a maintenance engineer, doors will open to other career choices, including more advanced engineering posts.

Projections For Growth In Maintenance Engineer Jobs

Maintenance engineer positions are expected to grow steadily at an average to above-average rate over the next ten years.

Projections indicate 5% or higher growth through 2031.

As more machines and technology are brought into the workplace, skilled tradespeople able to maintain and repair them are likely to be needed in many companies.

The valuable skills maintenance engineers offer also can be used across many different industries, with tech and manufacturing companies expected to hire more maintenance engineers in the near future.

In Summary: Is Maintenance Engineer A Good Career?

Working as a maintenance engineer can be a demanding job because of the physical intensity and the importance of accuracy.

However, maintenance engineers report having very high job satisfaction and relish the challenges their career choice offers.

Individuals who enjoy working independently and solving problems will find their careers enjoyable.

Working Conditions

Can A Maintenance Engineer Work Remotely From Home?

The work of a maintenance engineer cannot be done remotely.

While certain tasks can be monitored using cameras and software, much of what maintenance engineers do takes place on-site.

Maintenance engineers also need to be available to deal with unexpected delays, machinery malfunctions, and emergencies.

Remote employment opportunities are improbable for this type of work.

How Many Hours Does A Maintenance Engineer Work?

Most maintenance engineers work 35-40 hours each week.

Maintenance engineers are expected to work around the clock in many positions as the companies which employ them often stay open for two or more shifts or are active 24 hours each day.

Many maintenance engineers are employed for 10-14 hour shifts and may work mornings, afternoons, evenings, or overnight as needed.

Some maintenance engineers are also “on-call” and may need to remain in on-site accommodations for 24 hours or longer.

Overtime is frequently available for interested workers.

Can A Maintenance Engineer Work Part-Time?

It is possible to work as a part-time maintenance engineer, especially when apprenticing.

Many companies take on part-time workers to cover the busiest times of the day or for labor-intensive projects.

What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A Maintenance Engineer?

Apprentice and entry-level maintenance engineers typically do not receive paid time off, though may be allowed up to 7 unpaid days off.

If paid time off is issued, 3-5 days annually is the likely amount offered.

As workers advance in their profession, they may receive 7-14 days’ worth of paid time off.

Because maintenance workers’ schedules often include 10–14-hour shifts, many maintenance engineers only work 3-4 days each week and enjoy long weekends or several days off in a row.

Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Maintenance Engineer

Maintenance Engineer Resume Tips

When designing a resume, keep it simple.

Avoid a flashy design or eccentric theme.

List work history in reverse chronological or functional order so the hiring manager can immediately see your most relevant work experience.

Use action words to describe the work you did, such as inspected, repaired, or maintained.

If you are coming into the workplace without relevant work experience, consider listing personal or academic experience which showcases your skills and abilities.

You can also list your relevant skills, including tools, machinery, engineering software, or technology you have used.

Maintenance Engineer Interview Questions

Q1: When you’re presented with a job, how do you decide which tools to use?

Why it works: While many applicants may lack work experience in the field, all should have some background in using tools and performing projects such as home maintenance.

Asking this question allows the applicant to share work they’ve done and gives the hiring manager a better understanding of how the applicant solves problems.

Applicants who cannot choose their tools independently or who struggle to decide how to deal with a task are usually not prepared for maintenance engineering positions.

However, they may be open to apprenticeships and paid training.

Q2: How would you respond if you were unable to easily diagnose or repair a problem?

Why it works: Maintenance engineers must be quick thinkers who are able to figure out solutions to urgent problems.

While work experience and education prepare candidates to perform routine maintenance and problem-solving, there will be times when the solution is not as easy to find.

Asking this question lets hiring managers find out how candidates respond to difficult problems and whether they are comfortable tackling challenges.

It also informs the hiring manager about the candidate’s confidence and problem-solving style.

Applicants should have a consistent method of testing, so they don’t prolong the problem at the company’s expense.

Q3. Are you prepared to work nights and weekends? Are you comfortable being on-call?

Why it works: The job of a maintenance engineer often requires long hours.

Many companies bring maintenance engineers on for long shifts (10-14 hours/day) and cannot guarantee evenings and weekends off.

When important projects are underway, or emergencies need to be dealt with, maintenance engineers may be expected to stay on for 16-24+ hours in order to finish the work on time.

Maintenance engineers can also expect periodic overtime, especially when machinery is being rehauled, renovations are underway, or new sites are being built.

Applicants who require a consistent schedule and are unable to work evenings and weekends are not likely to be a good fit.

Q4. What are the safety procedures that you need to follow for a sample project?

Why it works: Describing a task and asking what safety procedures must be followed is a good way for hiring managers to gauge the candidate’s relevant experience.

The answer will also reveal whether the candidate places emphasis on workplace safety and will help staff avoid costly accidents and injuries.

Candidates with certifications from OSHA, in particular, should understand all the precautions they need to take to avoid getting hurt on the job.

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For HR Manager: Tips For Hiring A Maintenance Engineer

Key Characteristics To Look For In A Maintenance Engineer

Physical Fitness:
- Working as a maintenance engineer requires physical strength and endurance.
- Maintenance engineers can expect to work in cramped conditions where they may need to be bent or crouched for an extended period.
- They may work inside freezers, commercial refrigerators, hot kitchens, boiler rooms, or warm, steamy factories.
- Their work often takes them outdoors in scorching hot or very cold weather, rain, and snow.
- Because they are expected to scale ladders, haul heavy equipment, contort, or climb to make repairs, they must be physically fit and able to work on their feet for several hours.
Attention To Detail:
- Being a maintenance engineer requires careful attention to detail.
- Inspections must be carried out utilizing industry-standard schedules and guides, and no part of the inspection should be skipped or rushed over.
- Inattention can cause costly breakages or excessive wear and tear.
- Failure to properly maintain equipment and facilities may lead to property damage, expensive replacements, and injuries.
- Carelessness and lack of focus are unacceptable.
Problem-Solving Abilities:
- A person seeking work as a maintenance engineer must have strong problem-solving abilities.
- The work requires maintenance engineers to think quickly on their feet and deal with troubles promptly as they arise.
- After training, maintenance engineers may have no higher-up or direct supervisor to turn to, so they need to be capable of thinking creatively to effectively deal with issues before they become serious.

Minimum Level Of Education & Experience

Some maintenance engineers start working soon after finishing secondary school.

In many situations, they are taken on as apprentices and taught for several years before being considered fully qualified.

Others earn certifications equivalent to a 1-year university degree.

Those hoping to use the career as a stepping stone may take a 3–4-year degree course either before starting work or within the first few years of employment.

For any applicant, knowledge of mathematics and applied sciences is beneficial.

Many students planning to pursue this career study advanced mathematics or applied sciences in secondary school.

Familiarity with tools and general household maintenance also puts a candidate in a good position to start this career.