How to Enter
To enter the job of a Maintenance Engineer, most employers would prefer you to have a New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trade) (Level 4) and specialise in Maintenance Engineering in your final year.
The personal requirements of a Maintenance Engineer will often include the following:
Responsible and safety-conscious
Able to follow instructions
Very accurate and patient
Great communicator
Able to make sound judgements
Able to do heavy lifting, work at height and in confined spaces
Can work independently or as part as a team
Typical Responsibilities
Maintenance Engineers can expect to do any of the following tasks:
Carrying out routine maintenance checks on manufacturing equipment and machines
Diagnosing and reporting any faults
Cleaning, repairing and replacing machines and machine parts
Ordering, manufacturing and installing new machines and parts
Deciding on suitable materials and working methods
Testing new machinery and equipment
Progression
With experience, Maintenance Engineers can progress into a supervisory or managerial role, or move into specialise areas such as Product Design, Management or Technical Sales. Maintenance Engineers may also be able to move to other areas of Mechanical Engineering including Mechanical Fitters, Mechanical Machinists, General Engineers, Toolmakers or Metal Formers.
Salary Range
Entry: 32K – 40K per annum (NZD)
Experienced: 40K – 110K per annum (NZD)