Industrial Mechanic (Rigging/Millwright)

Structural Mechanical Systems; Portsmouth (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Structural Mechanical Systems in Portsmouth, VA, is seeking a skilled Millwright/Maintenance Technician to read blueprints and lay out, assemble, and align heavy machinery and structural steel assets. You will perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot hydraulic/pneumatic systems, and conduct precision alignment using laser and dial indicators, while welding foundations and piping as needed.

Experience in rigging, lifting multi-ton equipment, and strict OSHA safety practices is required;

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; journeyman card or red seal preferred.
• 3–5+ years in industrial maintenance or millwright work.
• Proficient in reading mechanical blueprints, hydraulic schematics, and isometric piping drawings.
• Hands-on experience with laser alignment systems and dial indicators; SMAW/MIG welding and oxy-fuel torch operation.

Responsibilities

• Read blueprints, schematics, and engineering specs to lay out and assemble heavy machinery and structural steel.
• Perform routine maintenance, lubrication, vibration monitoring, and precision alignment on rotating assets.
• Diagnose mechanical failures in hydraulic/pneumatic systems and repair components.
• Operate cranes, hoists, and rigging gear to move multi-ton equipment safely.
• Weld, torch cut, and fabricate to construct or repair guards, frames, and piping systems.
• Perform precision shaft alignment, leveling, and soft-foot corrections.
• Adhere to OSHA, LOTO, hot work permits, confined space procedures, and PPE requirements.
• Log work orders and parts usage in CMMS.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Hydraulic systems

Pneumatic systems

Power transmission

Laser alignment

Dial indicators

Welding SMAW/MIG

Oxy-fuel cutting

Safety compliance

Isometric drawings

Education

High school diploma or GED

Journeyman Millwright Card / Red Seal

Associate degree in Industrial Maintenance Mechanics (preferred)

Tools

Laser alignment system

Dial indicators

Job description

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Installation & Assembly:Read blueprints, schematic drawings, and engineering specifications to lay out, position, and assemble heavy machinery, structural steel, and precision equipment using hand/power tools, riggers, and hoists.

• Predictive & Preventive Maintenance:Perform routine inspections, equipment lubrication, vibration monitoring, and precision alignment (laser/dial indicator) on rotating assets (pumps, motors, compressors, blowers).

• Troubleshooting & Mechanical Repair:Diagnose mechanical failures in hydraulic/pneumatic systems, power transmission setups (belts, chains, gearboxes, bearings), valves, and mechanical seals. Rebuild or replace worn and defective parts.

• Rigging & Material Handling:Safely operate cranes, overhead hoists, forklifts, and rigging gear to lift, move, align, and set multi-ton industrial machinery.

• Fabrication & Welding:Perform basic welding (SMAW/MIG/TIG), torch cutting, plasma cutting, and structural metal fabrication to construct or repair guards, brackets, frames, and piping systems.

• Alignment & Precision Work:Perform precision shaft alignment, leveling, and soft-foot corrections to extend equipment life and ensure operational tolerances.

• Safety & Compliance:Adhere strictly to OSHA standards, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols, Hot Work permits, Confined Space Entry procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

• Documentation & CMMS:Log completed work orders, parts usage, machine history, and preventive maintenance checklists in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education & Certification:

  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Journeyworker Millwright Card / Red Seal Certification or an Associate Degree in Industrial Maintenance Mechanics preferred.

• Experience:3–5+ years of experience performing mechanical maintenance or millwright work in an industrial, manufacturing, or heavy production environment.

• Technical Skills:

  • Proficient in reading mechanical blueprints, hydraulic schematics, and isometric piping drawings.
  • Strong working knowledge of hydraulic power units, pneumatic systems, power transmission, and precision bearing installation.
  • Hands-on experience with laser alignment systems and dial indicators.
  • Proficient in stick (SMAW) and MIG welding, along with oxy-fuel torch operation.

• Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 lbs unassisted.
  • Comfortable working at heights (ladders, elevated platforms, scissor lifts) and in confined spaces.
  • Willingness to stand, kneel, bend, and crawl for extended periods in manufacturing environments.

Work Environment & Shift Expectations

• Work Conditions:Industrial manufacturing plant (may involve exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, and outdoor weather conditions).

• Schedule:Full-time. Must be flexible to work rotating shifts, night shifts, weekends, overtime, and on-call emergency repairs as needed.