Predictive Maintenance
Predictive Maintenance is a modern approach to keeping industrial equipment running smoothly by spotting problems before they cause breakdowns. Think of it like a health monitoring system for machines - just as doctors use tests to predict health issues, maintenance teams use sensors and data to predict when equipment might fail. This is different from older methods where teams either fixed things after they broke or followed strict maintenance schedules regardless of equipment condition. Companies use this approach to save money on repairs, avoid unexpected shutdowns, and make their equipment last longer.
Examples in Resumes
Implemented Predictive Maintenance program that reduced equipment downtime by 40%
Led team of technicians in transitioning from reactive to Predictive Maintenance approaches
Developed Predictive Maintenance schedules using equipment monitoring data
Used PdM and Predictive Maintenance techniques to extend machine lifecycle
Typical job title: "Predictive Maintenance Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Predictive Maintenance Engineers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Industry Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you implement a predictive maintenance program in a facility that currently uses reactive maintenance?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should explain the step-by-step process: starting with equipment assessment, selecting monitoring tools, training staff, establishing baselines, and gradually transitioning from reactive to predictive approaches while showing return on investment.
Q: How do you determine the cost-effectiveness of a predictive maintenance program?
Expected Answer: Should discuss calculating ROI by comparing costs of implementation against savings from reduced downtime, extended equipment life, lower repair costs, and improved production efficiency. Should mention specific examples from past experience.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What types of data do you collect for predictive maintenance and how do you use it?
Expected Answer: Should explain common measurements like vibration, temperature, oil analysis, and equipment runtime, and how these indicators help predict potential failures. Should mention basic data analysis methods.
Q: How do you prioritize maintenance tasks based on predictive data?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to assess equipment criticality, interpret warning signs, and balance maintenance resources with production needs to create effective maintenance schedules.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the difference between preventive and predictive maintenance?
Expected Answer: Should explain that preventive maintenance follows fixed schedules regardless of condition, while predictive maintenance uses actual equipment condition data to determine when maintenance is needed.
Q: What basic tools and techniques are used in predictive maintenance?
Expected Answer: Should mention common tools like vibration meters, thermal cameras, and oil analysis kits, and explain their basic uses in monitoring equipment health.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic equipment monitoring
- Reading maintenance data
- Using common testing tools
- Following maintenance procedures
Mid (2-5 years)
- Data analysis and trending
- Maintenance planning
- Root cause analysis
- Team coordination
Senior (5+ years)
- Program implementation
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Team management
- Strategic planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on equipment experience
- Unfamiliar with basic monitoring tools
- Lack of data analysis skills
- No understanding of maintenance strategies
- Poor documentation practices
