Condition Monitoring

Term from Mechanical Maintenance industry explained for recruiters

Condition Monitoring is a way to keep track of how well machines and equipment are working by regularly checking their health, similar to how doctors monitor human health. Instead of waiting for something to break, maintenance teams use special tools to detect early warning signs of problems. This helps companies prevent unexpected breakdowns, save money on repairs, and keep their operations running smoothly. Think of it as giving machinery regular health check-ups rather than waiting for them to "get sick." This approach is part of what's called "predictive maintenance" or "preventive maintenance."

Examples in Resumes

Implemented Condition Monitoring systems for critical manufacturing equipment, reducing downtime by 40%

Led Condition Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance programs across 3 production facilities

Used Condition Monitoring techniques to identify and prevent equipment failures before they occurred

Typical job title: "Condition Monitoring Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Reliability Engineer Maintenance Engineer Predictive Maintenance Specialist Equipment Reliability Specialist Maintenance Technician Plant Engineer Asset Management Specialist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: Can you describe a time when you implemented a condition monitoring program from scratch?

Expected Answer: Look for answers showing experience in planning full programs, selecting appropriate monitoring tools, training staff, and measuring success through reduced downtime and cost savings.

Q: How do you determine the cost-effectiveness of a condition monitoring program?

Expected Answer: Candidate should explain how they calculate return on investment by comparing monitoring costs with savings from prevented breakdowns, improved efficiency, and reduced emergency repairs.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What types of equipment problems can condition monitoring detect?

Expected Answer: Should mention common issues like vibration problems, overheating, unusual noises, oil contamination, and how early detection helps prevent major breakdowns.

Q: How do you decide which machines need condition monitoring?

Expected Answer: Should discuss evaluating equipment criticality, production impact, replacement costs, and safety considerations when choosing what to monitor.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What basic tools are used in condition monitoring?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe common tools like vibration meters, thermal cameras, oil analysis kits, and basic understanding of when to use each one.

Q: Why is regular condition monitoring important?

Expected Answer: Should explain how regular monitoring helps catch problems early, prevents unexpected breakdowns, and saves money on emergency repairs.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic equipment inspection techniques
  • Use of monitoring tools and meters
  • Recording and reporting findings
  • Understanding maintenance schedules

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Analysis of monitoring data
  • Problem diagnosis and solutions
  • Multiple monitoring technique usage
  • Maintenance planning and scheduling

Senior (5+ years)

  • Program implementation and management
  • Team training and supervision
  • Complex problem-solving
  • Cost-benefit analysis and budgeting

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No hands-on experience with monitoring equipment
  • Lack of basic mechanical knowledge
  • No understanding of maintenance schedules
  • Unable to interpret basic equipment data
  • No experience with safety procedures