Lift engineer
Also known as: lift service mechanic, elevator installer, elevator service inspector, elevator builder, elevator erecting mechanic, elevator installation team member
About this occupation
Lift engineers set lifts into a prepared framed hoistway. They install support assembly, set up the lift pump or motor, piston or cable, and mechanism. Lift engineers connect the necessary electronic elements to complete the installation and connection of the lift cabin. They also perform the necessary steps to inspect and repair lifts, as well as the shaft and any associated electronics. Lift engineers make sure every inspection and report action is noted in a log book, and report to the client on the state of the serviced lift.
Essential skills and knowledge
- program lift controller
- mechanical systems
- install pneumatic systems
- lift safety legislation
- types of lifts
- electricity
- mechanics
- guide lift car installation
- secure working area
- follow health and safety procedures in construction
- perform maintenance on installed equipment
- conduct routine machinery checks
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Home Appliance Repairers (O*NET 49-9031.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Bill customers for repair work, and collect payment.
- Observe and examine appliances during operation to detect specific malfunctions such as loose parts or leaking fluid.
- Talk to customers or refer to work orders to establish the nature of appliance malfunctions.
- Refer to schematic drawings, product manuals, and troubleshooting guides to diagnose and repair problems.
- Trace electrical circuits, following diagrams, and conduct tests with circuit testers and other equipment to locate shorts and grounds.
- Replace worn and defective parts such as switches, bearings, transmissions, belts, gears, circuit boards, or defective wiring.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Repairing, Critical Thinking, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Speaking, Operations Monitoring
US median pay: US$50,990 a year (2025), 32,150 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (4.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.4)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.4)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.