Machinist / Machining Technician – Marine Parts

The Senior Machinist / Machining Technician – Marine Parts is responsible for independently executing and overseeing high-precision machining operations on critical marine components, including propulsion shafts, engine blocks, stern tubes, and rudder parts. This role combines technical expertise with leadership, mentoring junior machinists, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and marine classification requirements.

The senior machinist plays a key role in delivering complex parts with tight tolerances, supporting workshop planning, and ensuring efficiency and safety in machining operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• • Lead setup and operation of manual and advanced CNC machines for turning, milling, boring, and grinding marine components.

  • Interpret and apply complex engineering drawings, 3D models, and GD&T specifications with minimal supervision.

  • Machine large and high-value parts (e.g., propeller shafts, engine liners, gear housings) to precise tolerances using proper tooling, speeds, and feeds.

  • Perform first-article and final part inspections, using high-precision tools (CMM, micrometers, bore gauges, etc.).

  • Develop or modify machining process plans and suggest improvements to reduce time and waste.

  • Collaborate with engineering, quality, and planning teams to ensure conformance to design specs and marine standards (e.g., DNV, ABS).

  • Assist in programming CNC machines (where applicable) or making complex offset/toolpath adjustments.

  • Mentor and train junior/mid-level machinists on machining best practices, shop safety, and quality awareness.

  • Troubleshoot machine performance, suggest maintenance needs, and maintain machine readiness.

  • Ensure all operations follow safety standards, marine certification protocols, and company SOPs.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Advanced Machining Leadership

   • Lead machining of complex, high-value marine components to tight tolerances.

2. Quality Assurance & Precision Control

   • Own responsibility for part quality, surface finish, and dimensional integrity.

3. Process Improvement & CNC Expertise

   • Optimize machining sequences and assist with CNC programming or manual interventions.

4. Team Mentorship & Technical Oversight

   • Support training and upskilling of less experienced machinists in both manual and CNC operations.

Qualifications & Skills:

• • ITI, Diploma, or Degree in Mechanical/Production Engineering or Machining.

  • 7+ years of hands-on experience in precision machining, ideally in marine, defense, or heavy industrial sectors.

  • Proficient in both manual and CNC machine operations (turning, milling, boring, surface grinding).

  • Deep knowledge of marine-grade materials (stainless steel, bronze, duplex, Inconel) and their machining behavior.

  • Expert in interpreting complex blueprints, GD&T, and manufacturing drawings.

  • Experienced in working to marine classification tolerances (ABS, DNV, Lloyd’s Register).

  • Familiar with CAM systems, toolpath optimization, and fixture setup.

  • Strong leadership, documentation, problem-solving, and mentoring abilities.

  • Committed to shop safety, 5S principles, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• • Prior experience with drydock machining, marine shaft line alignment, or propeller reconditioning.

  • CNC programming knowledge using FANUC, Siemens, or Haas controls.

  • Certifications in advanced machining, marine systems, or ISO/ABS compliance training.

  • Familiarity with laser alignment tools, digital twin inspection, or CMM software is a plus.

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