Pneumatic systems technician

Pneumatic systems technicians use blueprints and technical documentation to assemble and install equipment operated by gas or air under pressure. They set up the systems according to engineering specifications and test them to ensure good functioning order. They may also perform maintenance and repair work on installed pneumatic equipment.

Working conditions for pneumatic system technicians vary with their employers and their jobs.

Many technicians install, test, or repair equipment in factories. Although their basic workweek is thirty-five to forty hours long, these technicians may be required to work some night or weekend shifts and some overtime. At times they may have to do heavy lifting. There is some danger of electric shocks, burns, and cuts.

Factory technicians usually work alone or in pairs. Those that work in laboratories or shops are often parts of teams that include technicians, skilled workers, and engineers. They usually work regular hours. Sometimes they must travel to inspect equipment in the field.

In many cases technicians must deal with a wide variety of customers, as well as with their coworkers.

The following job titles also refer to pneumatic systems technician:

pneumatic air system inspector
vacuum systems assembler
pneumatic gas system inspector
Pneumatic systems inspector
air system inspector
pneumatic system assembler
gas system inspector
vacuum system installer
pneumatic system installer
pneumatic vacuum system inspector

Many pneumatic system technicians learn their skills through on-the-job training. However, many companies prefer to hire beginners who have some postsecondary formal training in industrial technology, mechanics, or a related field in which fluid power is part of the curriculum.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Pneumatic systems technician is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to pneumatic systems technician.

fluid power technician
industrial machinery mechanic
moulding machine technician
agricultural machinery technician
forge equipment technician

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of pneumatic systems technician. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of pneumatic systems technician with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

pneumatic engineering technician
industrial engineering technician
process engineering technician
production engineering technician
medical device engineering technician

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of pneumatic systems technician.

• Pneumatics: The application of pressurised gas to produce mechanical motion.
• Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

These skills are necessary for the role of pneumatic systems technician.

• Resolve equipment malfunctions: Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions; communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.
• Operate welding equipment: Use welding equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel; wear protective eyewear during the working process.
• Record test data: Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.
• Perform test run: Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.
• Install electrical and electronic equipment: Install equipment which is dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields in order to work, or equipment to generate, transfer or measure such currents and fields. This equipment includes switchboards, electric motors, generators or direct current systems.
• Read standard blueprints: Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
• Secure working area: Secure the operation site fixing boundaries, restricting access, placing signs and taking other measures in order to guarantee public and staff safety.
• Use testing equipment: Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.
• Install pneumatic systems: Install systems and components that use pneumatics to create mechanical movements such as air brakes, pneumatic cylinders, air compressors and other systems.
• Consult technical resources: Read and interpret such technical resources such as digital or paper drawings and adjustment data in order to properly set up a machine or working tool, or to assemble mechanical equipment.
• Operate soldering equipment: Use soldering equipment, such as a soldering gun, a soldering torch or a gas-powered iron, to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of pneumatic systems technician. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Fluid mechanics: The characteristics and properties of fluids, including gases, liquids and plasmas, at rest and in motion, and the forces on them.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of pneumatic systems technician. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Provide technical documentation: Prepare documentation for existing and upcoming products or services, describing their functionality and composition in such a way that it is understandable for a wide audience without technical background and compliant with defined requirements and standards. Keep documentation up to date.
• Order supplies: Command products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.
• Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
• Operate precision measuring equipment: Measure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, and a measuring gauge.
• Conduct routine machinery checks: Check machinery and equipment to ensure reliable performance during use and operations in worksites.
• Perform maintenance on installed equipment: Perform the maintenance on installed equipment on-site. Follow procedures to avoid uninstalling equipment from machinery or vehicles.
• Estimate restoration costs: Estimate the cost implications of restoring and replacing products or parts.
• Replace defect components: Remove defective parts and replace them with functioning components.
• Control air flow: Control the flow of air through the compression units by turning on the valves in the correct sequence.
• Provide customer information related to repairs: Inform customers about necessary repairs or replacements, discuss products, services and costs, include accurate technical information.
• Prepare compliance documents: Prepare documents with legal value which prove that an installation or a facility is conform to the regulations.
• Apply technical communication skills: Explain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.
• Liaise with engineers: Collaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.
• Issue sales invoices: Prepare the invoice of goods sold or services provided, containing individual prices, the total charge, and the terms. Complete order processing for orders received via telephone, fax and internet and calculate the customer’s final bill.
• Write records for repairs: Write records of the repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, of parts and materials used, and other repair facts.

7233 – Agricultural and industrial machinery mechanics and repairers

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References

1. Pneumatic systems technician – ESCO
2. Hydraulic and Pneumatic Technician Job Description – StateUniversity.com