Engineering maintenance technician
Look after and fix electrical and mechanical equipment used in industry, from factories and power stations to aircraft and escalators.
Also known as: maintenance engineer
About the job
What it's like
As an engineering maintenance technician, you'll focus on inspecting, repairing and maintaining mechanical and electrical systems. It's a role where your quick thinking and technical skills make a real difference every day.
You'll often be called on to fix urgent issues, which can be both challenging and rewarding, especially when you get things back up and running.
You might work on anything from:
machinery and equipment used on production lines in factories, railways and roads
laboratory equipment in hospitals or used to manufacture drugs and medicines
civil or military aircraft
equipment and facilities for generating power including hydro-electric, wind turbines, solar and marine energy technology, fossil fuel and nuclear power stations
lifts, escalators, walkways and airport skytrains
Engineering maintenance technicians are needed in industries such as manufacturing, energy, transport, healthcare and even the public sector.
Some technicians specialise in areas such as electrical systems, robotics or HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning).
Your tasks might include:
diagnosing faults in machinery using testing equipment
carrying out planned maintenance to prevent breakdowns
repairing or replacing worn or faulty parts
updating maintenance records and reporting issues
installing new equipment and ensuring it works safely
responding quickly to emergency breakdowns
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
maintain energy-efficient systems in factories or buildings
help reduce waste by keeping equipment running efficiently
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- recalling
- attention to detail
- problem solving
- resourceful
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Practical Craft Skills
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Practical Electronics
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Practical Metalwork
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
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Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You would need a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications such as Electrical Installation (SVQ level 3) or Process Engineering Maintenance (SVQ level 3).
Or a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) in areas like:
Mechanical engineering
Electrical and Electronic engineering technologies
Maintenance engineering technologies
Engineering
Some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5, in particular for entry to a Modern Apprenticeship.
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
It's also helpful to register with the Engineering Council to gain EngTech status.
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