17 Maintenance Technician Interview Questions & Answers

Finding the right maintenance technician isn’t just about filling a position — it’s about assembling a dependable team of professionals that will serve as the backbone of your company’s success. But how can you identify the candidate with the best technical skills who will ensure your organization runs smoothly? It all starts with asking the right job interview questions. 

We spoke with industry expert Eliot Vancil, CEO of Fuel Logic LLC, to help us compile a list of interview questions for assessing a candidate’s skills, experience and approach to maintenance, while also providing example answers for those entering the interview process. 

What Managers Look for in Maintenance Technician Job Candidates

When looking for the ultimate maintenance tech candidate, hiring managers should seek out individuals who not only possess strong technical expertise but also demonstrate creative problem-solving skills and dedication to excellence in their work. In a demanding role where unexpected challenges and urgent deadlines are common, those who remain calm, adaptable and solution-focused will naturally stand out. 

Vancil underscores the value of qualities such as reliability, collaboration and accountability in candidates. He seeks out technicians who are enthusiastic about their craft and eager to learn from others, embrace new maintenance techniques and integrate emerging maintenance technologies into their work. Ultimately, managers should choose candidates who not only deliver exceptional maintenance and repair services but also push the boundaries of innovation in the industry. 

Here’s our comprehensive guide to the best maintenance technician interview questions, tips and insights to help maintenance supervisors or even maintenance managers seeking a qualified maintenance worker. Additionally, we include several sample answers to help those candidates preparing for that next big interview.

Technical Knowledge and Experience Questions

1. What experience do you have with repair and maintenance? What types of equipment and machinery have you worked with in the past?

2. Can you summarize the training you’ve completed and any maintenance-related certifications you’ve earned? 

3. Can you provide details on how and where you acquired your maintenance skills? Which methods of learning and teaching have you found most effective?

4. How do you adapt and continue to develop your skills as the maintenance industry evolves and new technologies emerge? Further, how do you integrate new technologies into your maintenance technician role? 

• What to look for:
  • Proactive attitude: Candidates should demonstrate initiative to learn new maintenance techniques rather than waiting to be trained.
  • Growth mindset: Technicians should be eager to enhance their skills and continuously improve. 
• Sample answer: “Keeping up with the latest maintenance trends is key to excelling as a technician. I stay informed by reading industry blogs and trade publications, and I attend workshops and webinars when I can. I make it a priority to apply these new ideas and practices to my work, such that I can develop my expertise.”

5. Do you have any previous experience working with a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS)? 

Troubleshooting and Critical Thinking Questions

6. Can you share a particularly challenging maintenance or repair task you’ve handled? How did you approach the problem? 

• What to look for:
  • Problem-solving abilities: Candidates should demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness and creativity in their problem-solving.
  • Learning: If faced with an unfamiliar issue, did they seek out resources or other team members for solutions?
• Sample answer: “The most complex repair task I’ve worked on was a hydraulic press that kept losing pressure, which disrupted operations. I started by conducting a full diagnostic, reviewing repair logs and schematics, and consulted with colleagues for additional insights. I then strategically checked each part, starting with the pump and moving onto the valves and seals. I eventually discovered a small crack in a line, repaired it and recommended preventive maintenance strategies like adding a pressure sensor to prevent future issues and downtime.”

7. Suppose you encounter an unexpected equipment breakdown you’re unfamiliar with. Can you walk me through the steps you would take in diagnosing and resolving the issue? 

• What to look for:
  • Safety protocols first: Candidates should prioritize workplace safety by assessing the equipment, rather than immediately trying to solve the maintenance issue.
  • Logical troubleshooting: Don’t just swap parts; technicians should gather information and test their theories first.
  • Resourcefulness: If manuals or instructions fall short, do candidates explore other options like consulting colleagues or sourcing from industry experts? 
• Sample answer: “First, I’d ensure the facility’s safety by locking and tagging out the equipment and notifying my colleagues that it’s off-limits. Then, I’d gather more information on the issue, such as error codes, unusual sounds and any maintenance work recently completed on the equipment. I would then review manuals or online resources. If those didn’t help, I would collaborate with a colleague or contact the equipment manufacturer. I believe that prioritizing quality and safety is more important than rushing the repair.”

8. Describe a situation where you had to complete a repair under a tight deadline. How did you manage the pressure, and what was the outcome?

9. How would you prioritize repairs if multiple pieces of equipment were to face malfunctions at once?

• What to look for:
  • Triage mindset: Technicians should prioritize tasks based on importance, not ease.
  • Communication skills: Would they keep their managers and colleagues informed about the issue and seek support if needed?
  • Time management skills: Can the technician manage their time effectively to ensure they complete critical repairs promptly while also keeping other tasks on track?
• Sample answer: “I’d start by assessing the urgency of each repair task, prioritizing emergency maintenance tasks that impact safety regulations or critical production. For example, I would address a leak near electrical panels before fixing a conveyor belt that stops moving. Throughout this process, I would provide regular updates on the progress and status of equipment with my boss and delegate simpler fixes to my team so that we can get key assets back up and running as soon as possible.”

10. When tasked with repairing valuable equipment on a limited budget, how do you determine the best course of action? 

Behavioral Interview Questions

11. What motivates you to excel in a job that often involves repetitive tasks and long hours?

• What to look for:
  • Routine maintenance standards: While routine maintenance schedules can be repetitive, the technician needs to be able to maintain high standards with every task, understanding the importance of consistency.
  • Teamwork: Candidates need to have a “no task is too big or too small” mindset, understanding that they’re part of a team and working to help the greater good.
• Sample answer: “In a job with repetitive tasks and long hours, what motivates me is the satisfaction of knowing that every detail I attend to contributes to the smooth operation of the entire facility. I find pride in maintaining high standards, and I stay engaged by setting personal benchmarks for efficiency and accuracy. I enjoy finding ways to improve processes, no matter how small, and I appreciate the consistency that comes with routine tasks. Moreover, I’m driven by the understanding that my work directly impacts the safety and productivity of the team. Staying focused on the bigger picture helps me remain motivated and committed, even during the more monotonous aspects of the job.”

12. How do you ensure accountability and quality in your work when completing work orders independently?

• What to look for:
  • Self-driven: An adept technician should be diligent and avoid shortcuts, even without supervision. 
  • Organization: Do they keep thorough records of their work, even if not required?
  • Willingness to ask for help: Are they proactive in seeking assistance when needed?
• Sample answer: “Even if no one looks over my work, I act like they will. I keep detailed notes in case the issue arises again, and if I’m unsure about something, I ask for help rather than risk making a mistake.”

13. How do you prioritize deferred maintenance tasks? What factors influence your decision-making? 

14. How do you handle after-hours emergency maintenance calls? 

Out-of-the-Box Questions

15. If you were a tool, which one would you be and why?

• What to look for:
  • Creativity: Not just “a hammer ’cause I’m tough,” but a wrench because it can be used for many things.
  • Team player: It’s great if they connect it to working together, like how a voltmeter needs other people to work.
• Sample answer: “I’d be a multi-tool. It can be used for several tasks, just like I can do many different things. You are the only one who can make it better, though. Like maintenance itself, it takes skill and care. It’s also small and easy to carry, which is how I try to be for my team.”

16. If you could work on any project in the world, what would it be and why?

17. If you could have any superpower to improve your maintenance work, what would it be, and how would it help you?

Let Coast Help Guide Your Maintenance Strategy

Now that you’ve assembled a reliable team of technicians, check out how Coast’s CMMS can help you manage your maintenance strategy and ultimately enhance your organization’s operational efficiency.