what is a mechanical fitter?
A mechanical fitter is the engineering specialist responsible for assembling machine parts and installing, maintaining and repairing plants and equipment. Your work involves collecting parts made from metals or other materials to create production equipment and machinery.
As a mechanical fitter, you lay out the components of a machine and use drawings or schematics to secure the parts according to specifications. You also repair and install valves, tank linings and lead pipes. Sometimes, you have to weld items using gas or electricity.
Since you work with detailed drawings that contain measurements, you need precise measuring equipment. The measurements should be accurate to get the perfect fit. As a mechanical fitter, it is crucial to be familiar with the tools of the trade, like thermal heating, welding and cutting equipment and drilling machines.
what does a mechanical fitter do?
A mechanical fitter works in aviation, production, automobile, mining and manufacturing industries to repair and maintain machines. Their problem-solving skills make them experts in troubleshooting manufacturing plant issues and identifying system faults.
mechanical fitter jobsaverage salary of a mechanical fitter
The median remuneration package for mechanical fitters is $60,000 per year. The salary range depends on your experience and qualifications. You can earn between $53,000 and $90,000 per year.
You can also enjoy additional perks like overtime pay for working long hours and year-end bonuses.
how to increase your salary as a mechanical fitter
You can increase your salary as a mechanical fitter by improving your qualifications. If you have a certificate, consider pursuing a diploma or adding additional skills to your resume. Your work experience also increases your job prospects and pay bracket. Most organisations prefer mechanical fitters with hands-on experience and pay more if you bring additional transferable skills.
Mechanical fitters work in diverse industries, and each sector has a unique pay structure. For instance, in the aviation industry, you are likely to earn more than those in the automobile or manufacturing industries.
The company size and resources also influence your pay. Multinationals handling the assembly of complex equipment often recruit the most highly-skilled fitters since they can pay for the expertise. Small businesses with limited resources and smaller projects usually offer lower pay.
types of mechanical fitters
Mechanical fitting is a branch of mechanical engineering that involves different roles, including:
- fitting and turning: this includes constructing, fitting, and assembling equipment components. A mechanical fitter uses hand tools and machines to produce metal pieces.
- pipefitting: this involves attaching pipes to fixtures, walls and structures like radiators or tanks. A mechanical fitter uses brackets, welding tools and clamps to fit the lines.
- maintenance fitting: You participate in factory equipment maintenance as a mechanical fitter. Your work involves locating defective or worn parts that need replacement or modifications. You use measuring instruments to find components that fit and replace worn-out parts.
working as a mechanical fitter
As a mechanical fitter, you assemble and maintain the components of equipment and machines. Read on to discover some of a mechanical fitter's duties, responsibilities and daily routine.
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duties and responsibilities
While the tasks of a mechanical fitter depend on the employer or industry sector, some of the typical roles include:
- Constructing structural components: as a mechanical fitter, you need to read a machine's or structural system's blueprints. You may use your welding skills to assemble the parts and create functional equipment based on the specifications. When constructing equipment, you make and fit various pieces to create a complete structure.
- Testing equipment and identifying malfunctions: after putting together a machine or equipment, you should run tests to ensure it functions as expected. In case of a problem, you recognise the issues, replace the necessary components or adjust the fitting.
- Repairing malfunctioning machines: mechanical fitters repair malfunctions in a structural system. Once you identify the problems or components causing hitches, you fix the parts and ensure the system runs smoothly.
- Maintaining equipment and machinery: you should develop a maintenance routine and procedure for every machine you assemble. Since you understand the individual components, you know their functional life and can ensure they are replaced before they cause malfunctions. You must service and troubleshoot equipment and replace all faulty parts.
- Inspecting structures to ensure adherence to legislation: as a mechanical fitter, you work on industrial piping systems governed by local codes and regulations. You should know the principles and ensure your work meets the required standards.
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work environment
As a mechanical fitter, you work in workshops, manufacturing or production areas when assembling components. Workshops and production zones are hot, dusty and noisy, and you must wear earmuffs and facial masks to avoid inhaling harmful substances. It would help if you had goggles to protect your eyes from the bright light and small metal pieces when welding or cutting metals. You spend the day standing or bending to lay out the parts and take measurements at the workshop.
At times, you work in an office to prepare blueprints for a machine or write the necessary maintenance procedures.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include welders, production operatives and other assembly workers.
You might also work close to computer numerical control (CNC) machinists and material controllers, as well as other specialists that could include, but are not limited to, mechanical engineers, fabricators, electrical technicians, forklift drivers and warehouse operatives.
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work schedule
A mechanical fitter often works 38 hours a week in a full-time position. Since most manufacturing companies have long working hours, mechanical fitters work on shifts. That means you can work late nights or early morning shifts.
You also have to work weekends if the assembly runs seven days a week. You will work the regular 9 am to 5 pm hours when doing office work. Part-time opportunities in mechanical fitting are rare, but some companies offer short-term contracts for various projects. Some mechanical fitter jobs might involve travelling between cities.
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job outlook
As a mechanical fitter, you can build your career and improve your job prospects to become a senior fitter. Alternatively, specialise in diverse roles and become a pipefitter, a fitter and turner or a maintenance fitter. Some mechanical fitters improve their educational qualifications to become mechanical engineers or maintenance engineers.
Self-employment opportunities are rare unless you are an expert in a specific role. For instance, you can become a consultant or draw blueprints for various machines and equipment.
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advantages of finding a mechanical fitter job through randstad
Finding your mechanical fitter job through Randstad provides essential advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of options in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a mechanical fitter is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent career. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
If you want to become a mechanical fitter, explore the following qualifications:
- apprenticeships and traineeships: you can become a mechanical fitter by undertaking a traineeship as a mechanical engineering tradesperson. The internship takes between 42 and 48 months to complete. You can do a school-based apprenticeship or finish the training as you work. You get a Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade when you complete the internship.
- Additional certifications: if your role involves working at heights or using forklifts, you may need to attain other certifications in forklift operations or fabrication and welding. You can complete short courses from any registered training organisation to achieve certification.
- Work experience: while you need minimal employment experience to get a job as a mechanical fitter, it is essential to have some prior experience in the role. For instance, you can do part-time work as you study or internships to gain additional skills. Work experience helps you gain supervisory positions.
skills and competencies
To succeed as a mechanical fitter, you need the following skills and soft skills:
- problem-solving skills: as a mechanical fitter, problem-solving skills are crucial because your role involves solving malfunctions in machines or equipment. When fixing a malfunction, you need creativity to improve efficiency and performance. Identifying a good process for solving problems is essential instead of experimenting with various remedies. Problem-solving skills help you come up with the best solution for every malfunction.
- Collaboration and interpersonal skills: as a mechanical fitter, you work alongside other fitters to achieve a shared objective. You need team skills to collaborate with others and work together. Interpersonal skills make you a good listener and help you pick valuable tips.
- Maths skills: applying mathematics is crucial in mechanical fitting since you need to get accurate measurements for fitting. Maths skills also help you identify errors faster and develop robust solutions.
FAQs about working as a mechanical fitter
Here are the most asked questions about working as a mechanical fitter:
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what makes a good mechanical fitter?
An excellent mechanical fitter should be able to use hand and power tools. It would be best if you had fantastic hand-eye coordination and the ability to concentrate for extended periods. You should also be able to interpret and read blueprints to complete your tasks satisfactorily.
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how much does a mechanical fitter make in Australia?
Your salary often depends on your qualifications, work experience and skills. If you improve your capabilities and crafts, you can receive better remuneration. A mechanical fitter in Australia earns between $70,000 and $110,000 per year.
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what is the difference between a welder and a mechanical fitter?
A mechanical fitter is often involved in assembling and laying out units of materials and putting them together. Welders usually put the subunits together by welding and fabricating them into position. In small fabrication companies, mechanical fitters often perform installation and fabrication roles.
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what does a mechanical fitter do?
The role of a mechanical fitter is to construct and assemble mechanical systems, including factory machines and pipes used in the transport industry. You fabricate and repair heavy machinery and ensure the equipment works according to specifications. Some mechanical fitters also clear obstructions in work equipment.
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how do I become a mechanical fitter?
You must complete a Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade in Australia. The qualification is attained when you complete the apprenticeship or traineeship, which takes three to four years. It would help if you also had some years of experience to succeed in the role.
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how do I apply for a mechanical fitter vacancy?
Applying for a mechanical fitter job is easy:
- create a Randstad profile and search our mechanical fitter job offers.
- Then send us your CV and cover letter.
Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
