SURFACE MAINTENANCE MECHANIC INSPECTOR

Military Grades: E1-E8 GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Experience or training which demonstrates knowledge of equipment to be able to do routine jobs, simple preventative maintenance tasks, and can use common tools and equipment in the line of work.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Experience or training leading to an extensive knowledge of the mechanical makeup, operation, and working relationships of complex interconnecting systems, assemblies, and parts for a variety of combat, tactical, commercial, special purpose vehicles, and equipment. Ability to diagnose, repair, overhaul, and modify interconnected complex systems on a variety of combat, tactical, commercial, special purpose vehicles, and equipment.

Extensive knowledge of state of the art electrical, electronic, complex hydraulic, pneumatic, and other major non-mechanical systems that have a functional relationship and effect on the operation of major mechanical systems. Extensive knowledge of hydraulic lifting, loading, turning, and positioning systems and their mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and electronic controls.

Skill and knowledge to develop or improvise methods, alter parts, and make repairs in the absence of technical guidelines (such as modifying parts to fit and mesh into systems for which the parts were not designed); improvise modifications to equipment to correct recurring malfunctions; and design modifications to meet special test requirements or other special needs. Length of time is not of itself qualifying.

Candidates' experience should be evaluated on the basis of duties performed rather than strictly on the rank of the individual; however, established compatibility criteria/assignments must be followed. The applicant's record of experience and/or training must show possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position.

The purpose of the position is to serve as an inspector of surface maintenance equipment to ensure that physical and operating characteristics are within acceptable standards and specifications. Duties involve complex inspection work that requires a wide variety of inspection processes and techniques.

This position is responsible for the following duties: Inspects a large variety of heavy-duty mobile equipment (i.e., combat, tactical, etc.) and automotive vehicles (i.e., attack tanks, large cranes, tank retrievers, fire trucks, bridge transporters, armored vehicle launched bridges, bulldozers, road graders, crawler tractors, power shovels, self propelled earth compacting equipment, self propelled artillery, etc.).

May also inspect heavy artillery, small arms, powered support and other equipment or components of equal or lesser complexity. May assist higher-graded inspectors to perform inspections on equipment repairs. Inspects complex, interrelated mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic and electrical systems, equipment and their components while in operation or in a standby condition.

Inspects and performs tests to braking, steering, and differential systems, which are mechanically integrated with the transmission; to large engines, which directly power multiple hydraulic and pneumatic systems; to intricate fuel injection systems; to turret stabilization systems; and to other systems combined in a single, complex mechanical assembly.

Uses specially designed testing methods and test equipment such as computerized test sets, precision gauges, electronic sensors, injector test stands, engine scopes, etc., to assure that tolerance and safety factors have been met. Inspects equipment to determine repairs needed. Utilizes established Maintenance Expenditure Limits (MEL) to evaluate economic feasibility of repair(s).

Considers a variety of factors such as cost and availability of parts, man-hours, and impact of time constraints on the mission to assess whether repair is economical. Recommends to a higher echelon to condemn equipment when the repair costs exceed the established MEL. Prepares lists of needed repairs, parts, and man-hours authorized. Performs in-process inspections to assure that equipment is being repaired in accordance with pertinent requirements.

Performs final inspection, certifying that equipment is in satisfactory operating condition, or rejects the work and returns the equipment to the repair shop with specific reports prescribing additional repairs. Serves as inspector on Command Maintenance Evaluation Teams (COMET) and/or as a member of Maintenance Assistance and Instruction Teams (MAIT). Performs other duties as assigned.