The Senior Alignment and Balancing Technician – Rotating Equipment is responsible for leading all precision alignment and dynamic balancing activities across critical rotating equipment in the facility. This includes diagnosing complex vibration and alignment issues, supervising field execution, ensuring adherence to international standards (e.g., ISO/API), and mentoring junior technicians. The role requires a high level of technical expertise in rotating machinery dynamics and plays a key role in improving mechanical reliability, reducing downtime, and supporting predictive maintenance programs.
Advanced Shaft Alignment:
Execute and oversee precision shaft alignment using laser and dial-based methods on complex rotating systems, including high-speed pumps, compressors, turbines, and gearboxes.
Verify and correct soft foot, thermal growth, and angular/offset misalignment.
High-Level Dynamic Balancing:
Conduct single- and multi-plane dynamic field balancing on fans, blowers, rotors, and impellers.
Analyze and interpret vibration spectra to determine balance corrections and validate improvement.
Root Cause Analysis & Troubleshooting:
Lead troubleshooting of chronic or high-impact vibration problems related to imbalance, misalignment, resonance, or looseness.
Collaborate with reliability engineers to perform root cause failure analysis (RCFA) and implement corrective actions.
Maintenance Strategy & Planning:
Support planning of alignment and balancing activities during shutdowns, turnarounds, or new equipment installations.
Review OEM specifications, ensure compliance, and develop site alignment standards and procedures.
Documentation & Reporting:
Prepare detailed technical reports with before/after readings, recommendations, and analysis of alignment/balancing jobs.
Maintain and update alignment and vibration history in the CMMS system.
Training & Supervision:
Provide technical training, on-the-job guidance, and mentoring for junior technicians and apprentices.
Supervise and ensure quality control on alignment/balancing work performed by others.
Interface with Condition Monitoring:
Collaborate with vibration analysts and predictive maintenance teams to interpret data and schedule required interventions.
Validate balance and alignment corrections through vibration trend improvements.
Safety & Compliance:
Ensure all work is performed in accordance with safety protocols, including LOTO, confined space, and rotating machinery hazards.
Adhere to relevant standards such as ISO 10816, ISO 1940, and API 610/671.
Advanced Precision Maintenance:
Ensure best-in-class alignment and balancing practices for critical rotating equipment to improve operational reliability.
Technical Leadership:
Lead technical execution of alignment/balancing jobs and mentor junior staff for skill development.
Vibration-Based Diagnostics:
Utilize vibration analysis insights to identify and resolve complex mechanical issues related to alignment and balance.
Shutdowns, Commissioning & Overhauls:
Manage alignment and balancing during major shutdowns, installations, and overhauls to ensure optimal equipment setup.
Compliance & Standards Adherence:
Apply and enforce international mechanical standards and OEM specifications in maintenance practices.
Documentation & Knowledge Transfer:
Develop reports, SOPs, and training material to institutionalize knowledge and ensure consistent practices.
Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, or equivalent.
7–10+ years of hands-on experience in rotating equipment alignment and balancing.
Expert knowledge of laser alignment tools (e.g., PRÜFTECHNIK, Fixturlaser, ROTALIGN) and portable balancing systems.
Strong understanding of vibration analysis, resonance, unbalance forces, and machine dynamics.
Familiarity with CMMS systems (e.g., SAP PM, Maximo), reliability tools, and root cause analysis techniques.
Certified in vibration analysis and alignment/balancing (e.g., Mobius, Vibration Institute) is highly desirable.
Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.