Job Description

The Field Machinist performs precision on-site machining and high-tolerance repairs on heavy industrial and rotating equipment. This role assembles and operates portable machining tools in the field, interprets complex engineering documentation, and ensures dimensional accuracy through meticulous measurement and quality control. The position supports critical maintenance and outage work, often under demanding schedules and in dynamic industrial environments.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, align, and operate portable field machining equipment, including boring bars ranging from 2 to 12 inches in diameter, flange facers up to 10 feet in diameter, portable milling machines, and portable grinders for on-site machining operations.
• Set up and operate manual machine shop tools such as engine lathes, milling machines, and grinding equipment to perform high-tolerance repairs on industrial components.
• Perform heavy industrial component repair tasks, including line boring, stud removal, flange refacing, and horizontal joint repairs on steam turbines, valves, and other rotating equipment.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) specifications to plan and execute accurate machining workflows.
• Conduct precise dimensional verification using manual metrology tools, including micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and gauges, to ensure components meet exact tolerances and quality standards.
• Design, adapt, or manufacture custom fixtures on-site to support specialized field machining setups and unique repair situations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area at job sites, ensuring tools and equipment are properly handled, stored, and accounted for.
• Track and manage provided tool lists, ensuring all portable machining equipment and measurement tools remain in proper working condition and are available when needed.
• Support heavy equipment logistics by assisting with rigging and crane operations as required for positioning and securing components for machining.
• Travel to customer sites, often on short notice, to support scheduled outages and 24/7 emergency repair operations while maintaining a professional and safety-focused approach.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 3–5 years of industrial field machining experience, specifically working on heavy rotating equipment and turbine outage support.
• Proficiency in setting up and operating manual engine lathes, milling machines, and grinding equipment for high-precision machining.
• Hands-on experience with portable field machining tools, including boring bars (2 to 12 inches), flange facers (up to 10-foot diameter), portable milling machines, and portable grinders.
• Ability to perform line boring, stud removal, flange refacing, and horizontal joint repairs on steam turbines, valves, and rotating equipment.
• Strong ability to read, interpret, and execute work from engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T specifications.
• Proficient use of manual metrology tools such as micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and gauges for precise dimensional verification.
• Solid understanding of manual machining principles, including lathe and mill operations, surface grinding, and tolerance control.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including short-notice assignments and extended stays at remote job sites.
• Capability to work long hours during outage seasons, including overtime and shift work, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in outage environments, including 24/7 emergency repair operations and time-critical maintenance projects.
• Experience in heavy industrial settings involving steam turbines, valves, and other large rotating equipment.
• Familiarity with rigging practices and supporting crane operations for positioning large components.
• Demonstrated ability to design or adapt custom fixturing solutions for unique on-site machining applications.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions at field locations.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with site teams, supervisors, and engineering personnel.
• High level of personal organization and accountability for tools, equipment, and work documentation.

Why Work Here?

You will join a team that tackles complex, high-impact industrial projects where your craftsmanship directly supports critical operation