Outside Machinist

About the job Outside Machinist


Venture Dynamics is seeking skilled and experienced Outside Machinists to perform advanced mechanical installation, repair, alignment, and maintenance of shipboard machinery and equipment aboard Navy and commercial vessels. Outside Machinists will disassemble, troubleshoot, align, and reinstall pumps, valves, rotating equipment, propulsion components, and associated mechanical systems. This position requires strong mechanical aptitude, precision measurement skills, and the ability to work safely in confined spaces, elevated areas, and industrial shipyard environments. This position supports shipyard projects throughout the Virginia Hampton Roads region , including Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, and Yorktown.


Per diem may be available on select projects depending on contract requirements and travel distance.

Responsibilities

• Install, remove, repair, and align shipboard machinery and mechanical systems
• Disassemble and rebuild pumps, valves, gearboxes, motors, and rotating equipment
• Perform shaft, pump, and equipment alignments using dial indicators, feeler gauges, micrometers, calipers, and other precision tools
• Install bearings, seals, couplings, rotating components, and machinery foundations
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues and support corrective actions
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical manuals
• Use hand tools, power tools, and precision instruments for fit-up, measurement, and mechanical adjustments
• Assist with staging, rigging, lifting, and material movement as required
• Work in machinery spaces, tanks, voids, overheads, and other shipboard compartments
• Follow NAVSEA mechanical safety requirements, OSHA Maritime standards, and all shipyard regulations
• Maintain housekeeping standards, tool control, and safe work practices

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of shipyard or marine mechanical experience as an Outside Machinist
• Strong understanding of pumps, valves, rotating machinery, propulsion equipment, and mechanical systems
• Proficiency using precision measurement tools (dial indicators, calipers, micrometers, feeler gauges, etc.)
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, schematics, manuals, and technical instructions
• Must supply and maintain a personal tool set appropriate for mechanical repair (specialty tools provided when needed)
• Ability to climb ladders, work in confined spaces, work at heights, and stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift 40-60 lbs and perform physically demanding mechanical tasks
• Must pass background check and drug screening per customer requirements
• Reliable transportation and consistent attendance
• Ability to obtain DBIDS/base access when required
• Ability to work overtime, nights, weekends, and variable shifts as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing precision alignments on propulsion equipment, pumps, and rotating machinery
• Experience with pump and valve teardown, rebuilds, flushing, and reinstallation
• Experience working aboard Navy vessels or to NAVSEA mechanical standards
• Familiarity with WAF/Tagout procedures
• Experience with laser alignment systems
• OSHA-10 Maritime
• Ability to wear a respirator when required for confined-space support, hot-work environments, or mechanical operations involving dust or fumes
• Experience supporting marine repair, heavy industrial mechanical work, or shipyard operations

Additional Information

• Work occurs aboard ships, in dry docks, machinery spaces, tanks, and industrial environments
• PPE provided according to project and customer requirements

Venture Dynamics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.