MTTR

Term from Mechanical Maintenance industry explained for recruiters

MTTR stands for Mean Time To Repair, which is a basic measurement used in maintenance and repair work. It tells us how long it typically takes to fix something when it breaks down. Think of it like measuring the average time a mechanic needs to repair a broken machine and get it running again. Companies use MTTR to understand how efficient their maintenance team is and to plan their maintenance schedules. A lower MTTR is better because it means equipment gets fixed faster, which saves money and keeps production running smoothly.

Examples in Resumes

Reduced MTTR from 4 hours to 2 hours through improved maintenance procedures

Managed maintenance team achieving an MTTR of under 60 minutes for critical equipment

Implemented new troubleshooting methods that decreased Mean Time To Repair by 40%

Typical job title: "Maintenance Technicians"

Also try searching for:

Maintenance Engineer Repair Technician Maintenance Supervisor Equipment Technician Reliability Engineer Plant Maintenance Manager Facilities Maintenance Technician

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a strategy to reduce MTTR in a manufacturing facility?

Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss implementing preventive maintenance schedules, training programs for technicians, maintaining proper spare parts inventory, and using maintenance management software to track repairs and identify patterns.

Q: How do you balance MTTR goals with safety and quality requirements?

Expected Answer: Should explain how to maintain efficiency while ensuring all safety protocols are followed, proper documentation is completed, and repairs meet quality standards. Should mention training programs and standard operating procedures.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors can affect MTTR and how do you address them?

Expected Answer: Should mention things like parts availability, technician skill levels, proper diagnostic tools, equipment accessibility, and documentation quality. Should be able to explain how each factor impacts repair time.

Q: How do you track and report MTTR metrics?

Expected Answer: Should describe methods for documenting repair times, using maintenance software, creating reports, and analyzing trends to identify areas for improvement.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is MTTR and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that MTTR measures average repair time and why quick repairs are important for reducing costs and maintaining productivity.

Q: What steps do you take when responding to an equipment breakdown?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic troubleshooting steps, safety procedures, proper use of tools, and documentation of repair activities.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic equipment repair and maintenance
  • Following repair procedures
  • Using common maintenance tools
  • Basic documentation of repairs

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Troubleshooting complex equipment issues
  • Reading technical documentation
  • Using maintenance management software
  • Training junior technicians

Senior (5+ years)

  • Developing maintenance strategies
  • Managing maintenance teams
  • Analyzing repair data and trends
  • Implementing improvement programs

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No hands-on repair experience
  • Poor understanding of safety procedures
  • Unable to explain basic troubleshooting steps
  • No experience with maintenance documentation
  • Lack of time management skills