Maintenance Engineering

A K Narayanan | Maintenance Manager | ISPAT INDO, Indonesia

What is Maintenance Engineering?

You may be curious about a Career in Maintenance Engineering. Internet is brimming with pages on How to get into Maintenance Engineering, while one should first understand What is a Career in Maintenance Engineering. The most authoritative source of information on Maintenance Engineering is someone with real experience in it.

Maintenance Manager A K Narayanan is an experienced professional with 7 years & 11 months in Maintenance Engineering. Maintenance Manager A K Narayanan defines Maintenance Engineering as:

Maintenance Engineering is the way of Ensuring uninterrupted production and take care of machines and processes.

How Maintenance Manager A K Narayanan got into Maintenance Engineering?

After completing 3 years diploma in Electrical Engineering I have joined a company in Mumbai as a Maintenance Engineer and there I did Maintenance Engineering for 18 years.

Maintenance Manager A K Narayanan's Talk on Maintenance Engineering

The Journey of a Maintenance Engineer: Narayanan's Path from Technician to Consultant In the dynamic world of manufacturing and production, maintenance engineers play a pivotal role. Narayanan, an experienced maintenance engineer with over 18 years in the field, shares his journey and insights into this essential profession. After working extensively in various capacities, including a notable stint in Indonesia, he transitioned to consultancy, helping organizations optimize processes and setups. This article explores the essence of maintenance engineering, the necessary educational background, the essential skills required, the positives and challenges of the role, and what a typical day looks like for a maintenance engineer. What Is Maintenance Engineering? Maintenance engineering involves the management and upkeep of machinery used in production environments to ensure seamless operations. A maintenance engineer is responsible for ensuring that equipment runs smoothly, minimizing downtime, and preventing damages that could hamper productivity. This field combines elements of electrical and mechanical engineering, requiring professionals to have a deep understanding of various systems and processes. Maintenance engineers ensure that machines operate continuously and efficiently, a critical requirement in any production setting. Education Electrical Engineering To become a maintenance engineer, a solid educational foundation in electrical engineering is essential. This discipline provides the necessary knowledge to understand the generation and distribution of electrical energy, which is crucial for operating modern machinery. With machines being predominantly electrically operated, this knowledge enables engineers to troubleshoot issues effectively and ensure optimal machine performance. Mechanical Engineering In addition to electrical engineering, mechanical engineering is also vital for maintenance engineers. This field covers the principles of mechanics, which are indispensable when dealing with machinery that converts materials and energy forms. Understanding how mechanical systems work, such as in processes like steel production, is critical for a maintenance engineer to perform their duties effectively, from operation to repair. Other Streams Aside from electrical and mechanical engineering, maintenance engineers must also be familiar with hydraulics, pneumatics, and electronics. These additional streams of engineering help in managing various machine controls, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the machinery involved and aiding in the effective resolution of any issues that may arise during operations. Skills People Management A significant skill for maintenance engineers is people management. The role requires collaboration among a team of various specialists, such as electrical and mechanical engineers, who work together to diagnose and fix machines. Managing this collaboration ensures that the repair process is efficient and that all team members contribute their expertise, leading to faster solutions to any mechanical issues. Understanding Machines A deep understanding of machinery is crucial for maintenance engineers. They need to comprehend not only how machines operate but also their functions in the production process. This in-depth knowledge aids in preventative measures and troubleshooting, allowing engineers to effectively identify and resolve potential problems before they escalate into major breakdowns. Troubleshooting Troubleshooting is another essential skill for maintenance engineers. Each day brings new challenges and potential malfunctions of machinery, requiring engineers to quickly diagnose issues and devise repair plans. Quick identification and resolution are vital to minimizing downtime and maintaining production efficiency. Physical Agility Maintenance engineering can be physically demanding, requiring professionals to be fit and agile. Often, engineers may need to work long hours, including weekends, to ensure that production does not halt. Physical agility allows maintenance engineers to navigate complex machinery and perform repairs effectively, especially during emergencies. Preventive Maintenance Preventive maintenance is a proactive approach that every maintenance engineer should master. This involves instituting a structured maintenance schedule to perform regular checks and services on equipment. By adhering to these schedules, engineers can significantly reduce unexpected breakdowns, maintaining consistent operational flow in production environments. Hobby Cultivating a hobby is essential for maintenance engineers to manage work-related stress. Engaging in leisure activities not only provides an outlet for relaxation but also helps engineers recharge, allowing them to approach challenges with renewed energy and insight. Positives Job Satisfaction One of the most rewarding aspects of being a maintenance engineer is the profound job satisfaction derived from ensuring smooth production processes. When production figures improve due to effective maintenance efforts, engineers feel a sense of accomplishment, knowing their contributions have been invaluable. Continuous Learning The ever-evolving field of maintenance engineering offers continuous learning opportunities. Engineers are constantly exposed to new technologies, processes, and problem-solving techniques. This ongoing education is not just within their field, but also encompasses a broader understanding of production processes, making the profession stimulating and enriching. Organization Profits Effective maintenance engineering can lead to significant cost savings for organizations. By preventing breakdowns and improving efficiency, maintenance engineers contribute to reduced operational costs and energy savings, making them indispensable to the organizations they serve. Exciting Maintenance engineering is far from mundane; each day presents new challenges and unexpected problems that require innovative solutions. This variety and the dynamic nature of the job keep engineers engaged and motivated, ensuring that no two days are alike in this profession. Challenges Thankless Job Despite the critical nature of their work, maintenance engineers often operate in a thankless environment. Their successes may go unnoticed, but a minor malfunction can quickly shift focus onto them, highlighting the pressure they face in maintaining flawless operations. Taxing The job can also be mentally and physically taxing. Maintaining machinery and processes requires not only technical acumen but also stamina and resilience, especially during periods of high pressure when production must be maintained without interruption. Communication Communication can be a challenge in maintenance engineering, particularly when working in diverse teams across different regions. Engineers must navigate various cultural and linguistic barriers, which can complicate teamwork and hinder effective troubleshooting efforts. A Day Of Maintenance Engineering A day in the life of a maintenance engineer is rarely standard; it often begins with reviewing previous day’s performance to understand what went right and what went wrong. This reflection informs the day’s tasks, which typically involve observing machinery to identify any potential issues that might arise from sounds or performance changes. Engineers implement maintenance schedules and perform required daily tasks while seizing opportunities to address any additional concerns, all while fostering a mindset geared toward continuous improvement in processes and equipment. The journey of a maintenance engineer, as described by Narayanan, is one filled with challenges and rewards. This profession not only requires a blend of technical expertise and soft skills but also a passion for continual learning and improvement. As industries continually evolve and push for greater efficiency, the role of the maintenance engineer becomes increasingly essential, creating lasting impacts on productivity and innovation in the field.

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How to get into

Maintenance Engineering?

If you are want to get into Maintenance Engineering, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Maintenance Engineering is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Maintenance Engineering, what education and skills you need to succeed in Maintenance Engineering, and what positives and challenges you will face in Maintenance Engineering.

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Links for this Talk

Maintenance Manager A K Narayanan's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/aknarayanan

LifePage Career Talk on Maintenance Engineering

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/maintenance-engineering

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20161218-0001

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmJgTyiJbSg

(Maintenance Engineering, A K Narayanan, ISPAT INDO, Indonesia, Electrical Maintenance, Electrical Engineering, Plant Maintenance, Mechanical Maintenance, Production, Troubleshooting)

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