Field Service Blader

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a Field Service Blader to join our team. The Steam Turbine Blader is a highly skilled tradesperson responsible for the inspection, removal, repair, fabrication, and installation of turbine blades and associated components within steam turbines and other rotating equipment. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the structural integrity, balance, and aerodynamic performance of steam turbines during maintenance, overhaul, and manufacturing operations. Working in both shop and field environments, the Blader conducts pre- and post-de-blade inspections, performs precise measurements, matches and weighs blades, and carries out the re-blading process according to OEM specifications and industry standards. The position also involves the fabrication and peening of shrouds, troubleshooting of fit-up issues, and quality control documentation. The Blader must possess a deep understanding of turbine geometry, metallurgy, and mechanical systems, along with excellent attention to detail and manual dexterity. This role frequently collaborates with machinists, welders, engineers, and quality personnel to complete complex turbine projects safely and on schedule. The ideal candidate is highly experienced in working with steam turbines, stators, reversing rings, and compressors, and is committed to excellence in workmanship and safety.

SKILLS REQUIRED

ORGANIZATIONAL - EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Excellent attention to details
• Exceptional ability to manage competing priorities

INTERPERSONAL - EXPERIENCE REQUIRED 

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work within a team or independently
• Ability to work and interact professionally and respectfully with coworkers

EFFICIENCY - EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Ability to operate manual lathes, mills, and surface grinders.
• Ability to dissemble and assemble steam turbines
• Ability to interpret and understand specifications, work instructions, and engineering drawings (blueprints)
• Exceptional ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time and resources effectively.  
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

PRIMARY ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Inspection: Conduct thorough pre- and post-de-blade visual and dimensional inspections to assess condition, wear, and potential damage. Document findings accurately.
• De-blading: Carefully remove existing blades from rotor/stator assemblies, ensuring no damage to parent material. Follow established removal procedures using proper tooling.
• Blade QC & Weighing: Weigh and sort individual blades to create weight-matched sets. Perform quality checks and verify compliance with dimensional tolerances and customer specs.
• Shroud Fabrication: Manufacture shrouds using appropriate forming and welding techniques. Shape and contour shrouds to ensure a proper mechanical and thermal fit.
• Peening: Peen shrouds to required specifications to enhance fatigue strength and durability.
• Re-blading: Perform precise re-blading of rotors, stators, or reversing rings using OEM drawings, blading charts, and work instructions. Ensure correct blade orientation, fit-up, spacing, and fastening techniques.
• Fit & Finish: Deburr, blend, and polish blade tips and shroud areas as needed. Verify mechanical clearances and ensure optimal aerodynamic alignment.
• Documentation & Reporting: Accurately complete all associated documentation, including travelers, inspection reports, and quality control records.
• Safety & Compliance: Follow all shop safety procedures, wear proper PPE, and ensure compliance with RMS and industry quality standards (ASME, ISO, etc.).
• Team Representation: Represent the company professionally in all situations, maintaining a positive attitude, following direction from supervisors, and protect confidential or internal information.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Be prepared to take on additional duties as required and assist in other areas of the production process when needed. Assist in the rotor department when needed during phase 1 & 2 inspections, along with PSB.

General:

The above list of activities is not all-inclusive but a general representation of the requirements of the RMS Blader. This above list is subject to change based on the needs of the company.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 Years of Blading experience required. 
• Solid foundation and understanding in blade repair on both assembly and installation of blade. 
• Manufacturing shroud and peening. 
• Machine capabilities: Needs to be proficient in using Bridgeport mills (3 axis CNC preferred), surface grinders (CNC preferred), arbor press, and rolling machines.
• Precision Measurement Instruments: Knowledge and ability to use precision measuring instruments associated with turbine repair. Be able to take precision measurements with OD micrometers, ID micrometers, depth gauges, and calipers. 
• Hand and Power Tools: Proficiency in using a variety of hand and power tools for successful blade repairs and installation.

Required Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• The position may be based in RMS’s Perris, CA facility.
• This position requires up to 50% travel, including domestic and international travel.
• This is a full-time position, with a minimum expectation of 40 hours per week, averaging 45 hours per week. Additional hours, including evenings or weekends, may be required based on project needs.
• This position can be required to participate in the company random or customer specific drug and alcohol screening and background check.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug, alcohol test, and background check.
• Ability to act professionally under stressful situations. 
• Able to understand, read, write and speak English.
• Ability and willingness to lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs. (with assistance), walk, climb, reach, kneel, crawl, and balance.
• Must be able to use hands for assembling and tool usage
• While performing the duties of this position the employee will be required to stand, sit, bend, and walk for significant portions of the shift
• Must not have allergies or issues related to handling metals, including aluminum, copper, bronze, and steel.
• Authorized to work in the United States
• RMS Inc. may have government contracts that impose specific requirements on employees working on those projects. If an employee does not meet these requirements, they may be reassigned to a different location or be ineligible to work on certain assignments.

Work Environment: