Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Retube Specialist

🎯 Role Definition

The Retube Specialist is a cornerstone of our large-scale component replacement and life extension projects, particularly within the nuclear and heavy industrial sectors. This role is not just about manual labor; it's about precision, safety, and expertise. You are the hands-on expert responsible for the meticulous removal and installation of critical tubing and components within systems like nuclear reactors (e.g., CANDU fuel channels), steam generators, and large industrial heat exchangers.

Success in this position means flawlessly executing complex, high-stakes procedures using specialized, often automated, tooling in challenging environments. You are a key player in ensuring the continued safe, reliable, and efficient operation of power generation and industrial facilities, directly contributing to the integrity and longevity of multi-billion dollar assets. This is a role for a detail-oriented, technically-minded individual who thrives on solving mechanical challenges and takes immense pride in their craftsmanship.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Mechanical Technician or Technologist
Certified Millwright or Boilermaker
Field Service Technician (Industrial or Energy)

Advancement To:

Lead Retube Specialist / Crew Lead
Tooling Supervisor or Coordinator
Field Project Manager or Superintendent

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control / Quality Assurance Inspector
Work Planner / Field Engineer
Radiation Protection Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate a wide range of highly specialized and often custom-built tooling for cutting, removing, and preparing tube ends within reactor components or steam generators.
Execute the precise removal of reactor fuel channels, calandria tubes, or steam generator U-tubes, adhering strictly to engineered procedures and work packages.
Install new, high-tolerance components, ensuring perfect alignment, fit-up, and integration using advanced installation equipment.
Perform critical quality control verifications throughout the process, including dimensional checks, surface inspections, and cleanliness verification to meet stringent nuclear standards.
Master the operation of complex, remotely-operated systems and robotic tooling designed to work in high-radiation or inaccessible areas, minimizing personnel exposure.
Conduct pre-operational checks and function testing of all specialized retube tooling to ensure it is calibrated, safe, and ready for use.
Execute tube end machining and preparation activities, such as facing, beveling, and rolling, to exacting specifications for subsequent welding or sealing.
Perform delicate tube expansion (rolling) and seal welding using automated orbital welding equipment, creating robust and leak-tight joints.
Conduct in-process inspections using video probes, borescopes, and other NDE (Non-Destructive Examination) techniques to validate the quality of work performed.
Strictly adhere to all radiation protection principles (ALARA - As Low As Reasonably Achievable) and contamination control procedures when working in radiologically controlled areas.
Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic issues with retube tooling in the field to minimize downtime and maintain project schedules.
Maintain meticulous and accurate records of all work performed, including completed steps, inspection results, and any deviations encountered.
Participate in the setup, commissioning, and teardown of complex tooling platforms and support equipment at the work face.
Provide clear and concise status updates to supervisors and shift managers regarding work progress, equipment performance, and any emerging issues.

Secondary Functions

Assist in the development and refinement of work instructions and procedures by providing practical, hands-on feedback from the field.
Mentor and provide on-the-job training to junior technicians and apprentices, transferring critical knowledge and skills.
Support tooling maintenance and refurbishment activities during off-seasons or between project phases to ensure fleet readiness.
Actively participate in pre-job briefings, safety meetings, and post-job debriefs to promote a culture of continuous improvement and safety.
Manage and maintain the inventory of tooling consumables, spare parts, and ancillary equipment required for assigned tasks.
Collaborate with engineering, quality control, and radiation protection departments to resolve technical queries and ensure procedural compliance.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Specialized Tooling Operation: Proven ability to set up, operate, and troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic tooling systems.
Precision Measurement: Proficiency with precision measuring instruments like micrometers, calipers, depth gauges, and laser alignment systems.
Blueprint & P&ID Reading: The ability to read and interpret complex mechanical drawings, schematics, and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
Nuclear Safety & Compliance: Deep understanding of nuclear safety culture, Foreign Material Exclusion (FME), and radiation protection (ALARA) principles.
Rigging & Hoisting: Experience and/or certification in the safe rigging, lifting, and maneuvering of heavy and delicate components.
Mechanical Systems Troubleshooting: Strong diagnostic skills to identify and resolve issues with complex mechanical equipment under pressure.
Automated Welding Systems: Familiarity with the setup and operation of automated welding systems, particularly orbital TIG welders, is a major asset.

Soft Skills

Meticulous Attention to Detail: An unwavering focus on precision and quality, as small errors can have significant consequences.
Problem-Solving: The ability to think critically and adapt to unforeseen challenges in a dynamic field environment.
Resilience & Composure: The capacity to work effectively and safely under pressure, in demanding physical conditions, and for extended shifts.
Teamwork & Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly and respectfully within a large, diverse team.
Procedural Adherence: A disciplined, by-the-book mindset with a deep respect for following procedures without deviation.
Strong Work Ethic: A reliable, self-motivated individual who is committed to seeing a complex task through to completion.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED combined with a completed trade apprenticeship (e.g., Millwright, Boilermaker) or equivalent military technical training.

Preferred Education:

Two-year Technical Diploma or Associate's Degree in a relevant discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Mechanical Engineering Technology
Welding Technology
Nuclear Engineering Technology
Electromechanical Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of hands-on experience in heavy industrial maintenance, power generation, or a naval/nuclear environment.

Preferred: Direct, hands-on experience on a large-scale nuclear reactor retube or steam generator replacement project is highly sought after. Experience with CANDU reactor technology and its associated tooling is a significant advantage.