Hydro Machinist | Power Generation & Heavy Industrial Repair

🎯 Role Definition

The Hydro Machinist is a cornerstone of our operational team, a hands-on expert responsible for the diagnosis, repair, and precision machining of critical components within our hydroelectric facilities. This position demands a deep mechanical aptitude and the ability to work with massive, high-tolerance equipment, from turbine runners critérios to generator shafts. The ideal candidate thrives in a challenging industrial environment, combining the art of traditional machining with modern diagnostic techniques to ensure a safe, reliable, and continuous power supply. You will be the go-to specialist for complex mechanical problems, ensuring the long-term health and performance of our most vital assets.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Industrial Machinist or Millwright
Field Service Machinist
CNC Machinist with heavy fabrication experience

Advancement To:

Lead Machinist / Maintenance Supervisor
Maintenance Planner / Scheduler
Field Engineer or Technical Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control / Metrology Specialist
CNC Programmer for large-scale parts

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Skillfully set up, operate, and maintain a wide array of large-scale conventional machine tools, including horizontal and vertical boring mills, engine lathes, and milling machines, to fabricate and repair massive components.
Interpret and work from complex technical documents, including engineering blueprints, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) callouts, and OEM repair manuals.
Execute precision in-place (in-situ) machining on-site for components that are too large or impractical to move, utilizing portable boring bars, flange facers, and milling equipment.
Perform complete disassembly, detailed inspection, and subsequent reassembly of major hydroelectric equipment such as turbines, generators, bearings, and high-pressure valve systems.
Diagnose and troubleshoot complex mechanical failures in rotating equipment, hydraulic systems, and other ancillary machinery, identifying root causes and implementing effective, long-term repairs.
Utilize a full range of advanced precision measuring instruments, including laser trackers, micrometers (inside/outside), vernier calipers, and dial indicators, to ensure all work meets stringent specifications.
Conduct advanced alignment procedures, including laser and optical alignment, for turbine-generator shafts and other critical rotating assemblies to minimize vibration and wear.
Perform various welding and fabrication tasks, including stick, MIG, and TIG welding, to repair cracks, build up worn surfaces, or fabricate custom brackets and fixtures.
preparar y operar equipos de elevación y aparejo pesado para manipular de forma segura componentes de varias toneladas, como rodetes de turbinas, compuertas y ejes.
Maintain meticulous records of all maintenance activities, parts usage, and measurements in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Fabricate non-standard replacement parts from raw stock to exacting tolerances when OEM parts are unavailable, often requiring reverse-engineering of the original component.
Perform dynamic and static balancing of rotating components to ensure smooth, vibration-free operation at high speeds.
Conduct rigorous quality control inspections on all completed work, ensuring adherence to technical specifications, safety standards, and industry best practices.
Oversee and execute complex hydraulic and pneumatic system repairs, including pumps, actuators, and control valves.
Implement predictive maintenance techniques, such as vibration analysis and oil analysis, to proactively identify and address potential equipment failures before they occur.
Adhere to and champion all site-specific and company-wide safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, and fall protection procedures.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc engineering requests and provide hands-on expertise during root cause analysis investigations and failure analysis reports.
Contribute to the organization's continuous improvement initiatives by recommending new tools, technologies, and more efficient maintenance procedures.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, electricians, and operations staff, to coordinate large-scale outage and repair projects.
Participate in sprint planning and agile-style work management for maintenance projects, helping to estimate timelines and resource needs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Large-Scale Machining: Expertise in operating manual and CNC horizontal/vertical boring mills, large lathes, and planers.
In-Place Machining: Proven ability to use portable machining equipment for on-site repairs.
Blueprint & GD&T Reading: Advanced proficiency in reading and interpreting complex engineering drawings and schematics.
Precision Metrology: Mastery of precision measuring tools, including laser alignment systems, micrometers, and optical comparators.
Welding & Fabrication: Competency in MIG, TIG, and Stick welding processes for repair and fabrication.
Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems: Strong diagnostic and repair skills for high-pressure hydraulic and pneumatic equipment.
Heavy Rigging: Certified or highly experienced in safely rigging and lifting multi-ton components.
Equipment Troubleshooting: Exceptional ability to diagnose and resolve complex mechanical failures in heavy rotating machinery.
CMMS Proficiency: Experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (e.g., SAP, Maximo) for work order management.

Soft Skills

Safety-First Mindset: An unwavering commitment to personal and team safety in a high-risk environment.
Problem-Solving: A logical and methodical approach to tackling unforeseen and complex mechanical challenges.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous precision and an unwillingness to compromise on quality or tolerance.
Adaptability: Ability to work effectively under pressure, during outages, and in challenging physical conditions.
Team Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills to work seamlessly with engineers, operators, and other trades.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED, coupled with a state-certified Journeyman Machinist credential or a completed formal 4-year machinist apprenticeship.

Preferred Education:

Associate of Science (A.S.) in Machine Tool Technology, Industrial Maintenance Technology, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Machine Tool Technology
Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
7-15 years of hands-on experience as a heavy industrial machinist, with a demonstrable track record of working on large-scale equipment.

Preferred:
Direct experience within a power generation (hydro, fossil, nuclear), shipyard, large-scale paper mill, or heavy manufacturing environment is strongly preferred. Verifiable experience with in-place machining and turbine/generator overhauls will be given significant consideration.