You've probably read it but the comments made by Tech-Home, and Elzappr to slumlordworker's topic "maintenance elect" are good advice.
The interview process will probably be tough. I would test your knowledge of controls and ladder logic. If you have a chance to learn what manufacturers they use for their drives and controllers, (if it's standardized) you might bone up on a few of their most common units if you can.
Here's my favorite interview questions.
We have shut down a line for maintence and you are going to perform a PM on a 480v conveyor motor circuit. What are the general steps you would take to do the job during the outage?
1. Collect some facts and tools for the job.
2. Communicate with other crafts.
2. Safety.. Think Lock Tag and Try
3. Inspect/repair as necessary.
4. Clean/lubricate.
5. Test. Communicate with other crafts as required.
After you answered that question I would follow up and ask you to be more specific about one part of your answer like;
When you are in the MCC at the Starter, after you addressed any safety requirments, what kinds of things would be looking for?
Think contact wear, corrosion, signs of heating, loose connections and proper fuses, overloads and/or settings.
Later when the line ia back up and running a supervisor calls you and says the conveyor you performed the PM on has shut down. When you return to the plant, what are the steps you would take to start the the maintenance proceedure?
1. Check in with supervision.
2. Collect some facts, what happend?
3. Ladder logic/control diagrams
4. Prepare and communicate a plan of action, do you need assistance?
5. Safety (Communicate with operator before installing any safety devices) Lock Tag and Try. Necessary PPE
6. Check power (current and voltage) and control ckts (continuity and permissives) as necessary to isolate the problem
7. Make repairs and verify as necessary
8. Communicate with operator before removing any safety devices
9. Stand by until operator is confident with the repairs.
10. Paperwork
11. Check out with supervision.
In a large facility you will spend years learning the various processes and equipment. Some of the equipment you may only get to work on once in 10 years. You can't possible expect to know everything about all of the equipment there. The first thing you should learn is what are your rescources, where can you find the information you need to know when something does need to be maintained. And then having some basic motor control, ladder logic skills and communication skills are essential.
Once you do get on board the first thing I would evaluate is your safety awarness.
Good luck.
