Outside Machinist

This role focuses on the installation, repair, overhaul, and operational testing of shipboard electrical systems in support of a major Refueling Complex Overhaul program. The technician also works with naval mechanical and ventilation systems, performing hands-on maintenance, troubleshooting, and mentoring of shipboard personnel to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of critical systems.

• Install, repair, overhaul, and perform operational testing of electrical systems aboard naval vessels in support of the Refueling Complex Overhaul program.
• Read and interpret mechanical and piping drawings, including chilled water and ventilation system schematics, to plan and execute work accurately.
• Perform mechanical overhaul, repair, removal, and installation of shipboard components associated with ventilation and chilled water systems.
• Conduct flange and fitting inspections to verify integrity, alignment, and compliance with technical requirements.
• Carry out hydrostatic testing of applicable systems to confirm system integrity and identify leaks or defects.
• Assess corrosion on mechanical and ventilation system components and execute appropriate repair or replacement actions.
• Repair and replace constant flow regulators, solenoids, temperature regulating valves, and isolation valves in accordance with technical work documents.
• Troubleshoot and repair shipboard ventilation systems, including cooling coils, preheaters, and ventilation ducting, to restore proper system performance.
• Apply and follow US Navy 3-M (Material, Maintenance, and Management) processes and documentation, including the use of NSTM 300, the Navy Tag-out User Manual, and 3-M manuals.
• Use structural welding skills on steel and carbon steel components as required, following applicable procedures and quality standards.
• Interpret technical prints, drawings, and work documents to plan work, identify materials, and verify completed tasks.
• Perform troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on pumps, motors, and related shipboard equipment.
• Document maintenance, repairs, and inspections accurately and in alignment with trade-level expectations and program standards.
• Mentor, train, and teach coworkers and shipboard personnel on proper operation, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance procedures.
• Support the long-term goal of enabling sailors to perform their own preventative maintenance through effective on-the-job training and knowledge transfer.
• Follow all safety, tag-out, and quality assurance procedures while working in shipyard and drydock environments.
• Collaborate with other trades and team members to coordinate work, minimize downtime, and meet project milestones.

• Hands-on experience with installation, repair, overhaul, and operational testing of shipboard electrical systems.
• Experience with naval ventilation systems and related mechanical components.
• Ability to read and interpret chilled water, ventilation, and mechanical system drawings and schematics.
• Knowledge of Mechanical Technical Work Documents and their use in planning and executing repairs and installations.
• Experience performing overhaul, repair, removal, and installation of mechanical components, including valves and fittings.
• Demonstrated ability to perform flange and fitting inspections and identify defects or nonconformances.
• Experience conducting hydrostatic testing of mechanical systems to verify integrity and performance.
• Hands-on experience with corrosion assessment and implementation of appropriate repair or replacement actions.
• Proficiency in the repair and replacement of constant flow regulators, solenoids, temperature regulating valves, and isolation valves.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting and repairing shipboard ventilation systems, including cooling coils, preheaters, and ventilation ducting.
• Practical experience with US Navy 3-M (Material, Maintenance, and Management) processes and documentation, or equivalent systems.
• Working knowledge of NSTM 300, the Navy Tag-out User Manual, and 3-M manuals, and ability to apply them in daily work.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring, training, or teaching coworkers and customers in technical topics.
• Ability to troubleshoot and perform preventative maintenance on pumps, motors, and related shipboard equipment.
• Ability to interpret technical prints and drawings and translate them into effective work plans.
• Experience with structural welding on steel and carbon steel, including vertical and horizontal welding.
• Familiarity with welding quality standards, including work that may be subject to X-ray inspection.
• Shipyard or ship repair experience in a production, maintenance, or overhaul environment.
• Ability to align technical capabilities with trade-level expectations as validated through a technical interview.

• Experience working in a shipyard, drydock, or similar heavy industrial environment.
• Background in structural, steel, or carbon steel welding, including vertical and horizontal welds.
• Exposure to X-ray quality welding standards and associated inspection criteria.
• Experience with pumps, motors, and rotating equipment in a marine or industrial setting.
• Familiarity with preventative maintenance programs and documentation practices.
• Ability to adapt to evolving project requirements and support multiple systems (electrical, mechanical, and ventilation).
• Strong communication skills for effectively training and mentoring shipboard personnel.
• Capability to follow detailed technical procedures, manuals, and safety instructions.
• Readiness to have offer and level aligned with both years of experience and demonstrated trade proficiency during the technical interview.

You join a well-known and respected organization within the shipbuilding and ship repair industry, offering the opportunity to work on high-profile naval programs and complex technical systems. The role provides a clear long-term path to become a trusted technical mentor, with a focus on training sailors to perform their own preventative maintenance, allowing you to see the direct impact of your expertise on fleet readiness. You work in a culture that values hands-on skill, technical excellence, and continuous learning, with the chance to grow your trade level through challenging assignments and structured technical expectations.

This position is based in a large shipyard environment supporting work on naval vessels, including operations in and around drydocks. Work takes place aboard ship and on the deck plates, often in confined or industrial spaces typical of shipboard and shipyard settings. The schedule requires early arrival, with personnel expected to be in the parking area around 5:10 a.m. to catch the bus and be on the deck plates by approximately 6:00 a.m. Access to the worksite may involve riding a shuttle bus to locations such as drydock areas, with occasional coordination for specific drop-off points. The environment involves working around heavy equipment, pumps, motors, ventilation systems, and welding operations, with a strong emphasis on adherence to safety procedures, tag-out practices, and technical manuals. Appropriate industrial work attire and personal protective equipment are required, consistent with shipyard safety standards.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Virginia Beach, VA.

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $30.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Virginia Beach, VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Virginia Beach,VA.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.