First-Class Machinist

About the Role

Key duties include installing, aligning, and testing main propulsion plant machinery and support systems; overhauling and maintaining valves, pumps, turbines, and heat exchangers; performing boiler operations, hydrostatic testing, and lube‑oil flushing; and reading complex blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings. Additional responsibilities involve installing and testing anchor windlass, elevators, hydraulic systems, steam plant, AC and refrigeration units, and distilling plant systems, as well as operating machine tools such as lathes, boring bars, and portable milling/drilling machines. • Install, align, and test main propulsion plant machinery and support systems • Overhaul and maintain valves, pumps, turbines, and heat exchangers • Perform boiler operations, hydrostatic testing, and lube‑oil flushing • Read and interpret complex blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings • Install and test anchor windlass, elevators, hydraulic, steam plant, AC/refrigeration, and distilling systems • Operate lathes, boring bars, and portable milling/drilling machines • Use precision measuring tools for alignment and fit verification • Conduct system grooming to meet shipyard cleanliness standards • Ensure compliance with OSHA and shipyard safety regulations • Support installation of condenser tubes, winches, ballast tanks, arresting gear, and diesel systems • Utilize precision measuring tools and alignment procedures

Key Responsibilities

• ▸propulsion install
• ▸valve overhaul
• ▸boiler ops
• ▸blueprint reading
• ▸machine tools
• ▸precision alignment

What You Bring

The role requires a DoD security clearance and a minimum of four years of commercial or naval experience as a First‑Class Machinist. Candidates must possess strong technical knowledge of mechanical, steam, and hydraulic systems, be familiar with OSHA shipbuilding safety standards, and be proficient with precision measuring tools and alignment procedures. Preferred experience includes work with ALRE systems, steam and sea valves, pump/motor alignment, boiler tube replacement, steam turbine installation, optical alignment, and shipboard HVAC and refrigeration components. • Maintain DoD clearance and minimum four years of commercial/naval machinist experience • Apply strong knowledge of mechanical, steam, and hydraulic systems • Preferred: experience with ALRE systems, steam/sea valves, pump/motor alignment, boiler tube replacement, steam turbine installation, optical alignment, watertight compartments, and shipboard HVAC/refrigeration components • Work independently or collaboratively on high‑spec government projects

Requirements

• ▸dod clearance
• ▸4+ years
• ▸mechanical systems
• ▸steam systems
• ▸hydraulic systems
• ▸alre

Benefits

Tradesmen International is immediately hiring experienced First Class Machinists for projects in and around Newport News, VA. This full‑time position offers a pay range up to $27.31 per hour based on experience, plus $140 per diem for travelers more than 60 miles from the job site. The company emphasizes safety, productivity, and superior craftsmanship, providing an opportunity to advance your career. Tradesmen International offers consistent work, top pay, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes vacation pay, health insurance, a 401(k) profit‑sharing plan, incentive programs, tool purchase programs, and more. The company is an equal‑opportunity employer (M/F/Veteran/Disability). Recruiter Jessica Revello is based in Norfolk, VA.

Work Environment

Onsite