What does a Maintenance Engineer do?

Maintenance Engineers perform preventive and corrective maintenance on equipment. The position often focuses on three primary objectives: minimizing workplace safety risk, enhancing equipment performance and pursuing cost-effective processes.

Their maintenance tasks can help businesses prevent downtime and injuries while supporting quality control (QC).

Maintenance Engineer skills and qualifications

Maintenance Engineers typically need leadership skills and technical abilities, such as diagnostic skills.

Other Maintenance Engineer skills and qualifications include:

• Familiarity with industrial/commercial equipment, such as HVAC and hydraulic systems
• Extensive understanding of mechanical and electrical systems and schematics
• Hands-on experience executing industry-standard repairs using the proper tools
• Ability to work collaboratively with other Maintenance Engineers, contractors and Maintenance Technicians
• Keen attention to detail to notice equipment issues
• Problem-solving skills to propose quick and affordable solutions
• Knowledge of computerized maintenance management systems, such as UpKeep and eMaint
• Verbal communication skills to train staff on equipment operation and diagnostic methods

Maintenance Engineer experience requirements

Some Maintenance Engineer job descriptions prefer candidates with experience in facilities maintenance or a similar role, including Maintenance Technician or Facilities Technician. You may also check for transferable skills gained from a different role, such as time management skills gained from working in fast-paced settings.

Depending on how much responsibility your Maintenance Engineer will have, your open position may offer on-the-job training alongside Maintenance Managers or Supervisors.

Maintenance Engineer education and training requirements

To attract quality candidates, consider using skills-based hiring. For example, your Maintenance Engineer job profile may prioritize comprehensive equipment knowledge, impressive technical ability and problem-solving skills.

While not required, a formal education in a related field may be preferred depending on the industry, such as a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Well-respected certifications, including the Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician (CMRT) and Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) designations, can also help confirm an applicant’s knowledge and skills.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Maintenance Engineer job description doesn’t fit your needs, you may browse these similar job descriptions:

• Building Maintenance Technician
• Maintenance Manager
• Maintenance Technician

Maintenance Engineer job description FAQS

Who does a Maintenance Engineer report to?

In larger companies with an extensive hierarchy, Maintenance Engineers typically report to a Maintenance Manager or Maintenance Supervisor, while smaller companies may designate Maintenance Engineers as the heads of their department. In a smaller organization, employees may report to a Property Manager, Facilities Manager, Warehouse Manager, Director of Operations or the company’s owner.

Where do Maintenance Engineers work?

Maintenance Engineers typically work for facilities with a lot of equipment requiring routine and on-demand maintenance. This might include manufacturing plants, schools, hospitals, multiresidential properties, utility companies and government facilities. Construction companies may employ specialized Maintenance Engineers to work on major construction sites to keep equipment running smoothly until the project’s completion.

Is Maintenance Engineer an entry-level position?

Maintenance Engineers generally have experience in the industry or workforce. They may have at least a few years of experience in a maintenance-related role. Because these employees often supervise Maintenance Technicians, they likely need an extensive knowledge base and well-developed skills to set a good example.

If your Maintenance Engineer role is more junior or senior level, you may consider the job titles Technician or Manager instead.

Is Maintenance Engineer a physical job?

Yes, Maintenance Engineer jobs can require physical ability. The role generally involves repairs of equipment, often located in hard-to-reach areas. Your job description may mention that the Maintenance Engineer position requires the ability to move a certain weight or navigate tight spaces.

Applicants needing physical accommodations at work may manage more of the diagnostic and budgetary responsibilities for maintenance. For example, they may be responsible for testing design changes using computer-aided design (CAD).