Millwrights

What the job really is

Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.

At a glance

• Sector: Installation, Maintenance & Repair
• O*NET-SOC code: 49-9044
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Replace defective parts of machine, or adjust clearances and alignment of moving parts.
• Align machines or equipment, using hoists, jacks, hand tools, squares, rules, micrometers, lasers, or plumb bobs.
• Insert shims, adjust tension on nuts and bolts, or position parts, using hand tools and measuring instruments, to set specified clearances between moving and stationary parts.
• Signal crane operator to lower basic assembly units to bedplate, and align unit to centerline.
• Conduct preventative maintenance and repair, and lubricate machines and equipment.
• Assemble and install equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
• Assemble machines, and bolt, weld, rivet, or otherwise fasten them to foundation or other structures, using hand tools and power tools.
• Move machinery and equipment, using hoists, dollies, rollers, and trucks.
• Level bedplate and establish centerline, using straightedge, levels, and transit.
• Dismantle machines, using hammers, wrenches, crowbars, and other hand tools.
• Bolt parts, such as side and deck plates, jaw plates, and journals, to basic assembly unit.
• Lay out mounting holes, using measuring instruments, and drill holes with power drill.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Adjustable wrenches, Air compressors, Alignment telescopes, Allen wrenches, Angled feeler gauges

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
• Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
• Boilermakers
• Machinists
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers
• Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Millwrights — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.