Maintenance Engineer

Impact: Operational, Safety

Ensure the optimal functioning, reliability, and safety of machinery, equipment, and industrial systems by implementing preventative maintenance, troubleshooting issues, performing repairs, and optimizing processes to minimize downtime and extend asset lifespan.

What the day looks like

People interaction
Moderate
Team vs solo
Team-oriented
Client facing
Rarely
Impact visibility
High
Travel
Occasional local travel
Schedule flexibility
Rigid
Remote work
Limited Remote
Typical work hours
40-50
Stress level
Moderate

At a glance

Median salary
$85,000
Entry-level
$65,000
Senior
$110,000
Growth by 2033
5%
Demand
Stable
Freelance potential
Low
Salary growth potential
High
Typical student debt
$30,000 - $50,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

  • Machine Maintenance
  • PLC Programming
  • HVAC Systems
  • CAD
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Predictive Maintenance

Soft skills

  • Problem-solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Communication
  • Attention to Detail
  • Adaptability

Technical complexity: High

How to get there

Minimum education
Bachelor's Degree
Licensing
No
Years to mid-career
5
Years to senior
10
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

    Where you can go from here

      Typical progression

      1. Senior Maintenance Engineer, Reliability Engineer, Engineering Manager

      Future outlook

      Automation probability
      Low
      AI disruption risk
      Low
      Demand trend
      Stable

      How people feel about it

      Overall satisfaction
      3.5/10
      Meaning
      3.5/10
      Work-life balance
      3/10
      Prestige
      6.5/10
      Social perception
      Moderate

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