Welder Machinist

American Electric Power • Gentry, AR

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Welder Machinist ensures reliable operation of plant machinery and mechanical equipment by troubleshooting problems and performing preventive and corrective maintenance using drawings, sketches, operating manuals, manufacturer instructions, and engineering specifications. The role leads others in analyzing, detecting, and repairing defects; reports irregularities and abnormal conditions to appropriate supervision; maintains SWEPCO-approved welding certification; and participates in continuous improvement activities.

The position performs and trains apprentice industrial maintenance mechanics in boiler, piping, and pressure-vessel repairs; maintenance and troubleshooting of plant equipment and mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems; and machining, welding, cutting, heating, and brazing work. It also involves equipment-condition monitoring, scaffolding and rigging work, operating and inspecting mobile equipment, maintaining records, and building knowledge of facility processes and systems.

The successful candidate must reside within a one-hour drive of Flint Creek Powerplant. The job requires rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as well as responding to call-outs during outage and non-outage work. Remote equipment inspections are a daily requirement, although long-distance travel is minimal. Candidates must complete an online pre-employment assessment and achieve a recommended result, and must also complete a physical abilities assessment. The role requires working in confined spaces, elevated areas, and hot or cold temperatures, and wearing a respirator when required. The stated physical demand level is Medium Work.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, an associate degree in an industrial maintenance or mechanical discipline, a certificate in electronics/electrical engineering or instrumentation, or equivalent experience.
• At least 10 years of experience as a power plant machinist or in other industrial mechanical/machinist work.
• Proficient welding experience sufficient to take the AEP welding test.
• Possess the appropriate state driver's license.
• Maintain SWEPCO-approved welding certification.
• Reside within a one-hour drive of Flint Creek Powerplant.
• Be willing to work rotating shifts, including weekends, nights, and holidays, and respond to call-outs during outage and non-outage work.
• Complete the online pre-employment assessment with a recommended result and complete a physical abilities assessment.
• Learn and comply with applicable plant operating instructions and procedures, and workplace safety practices and procedures.
• Learn and maintain working knowledge of safety and environmental guidelines, and properly use tools and equipment applicable to the work.
• Read, interpret, and work from simple prints and specifications.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and interact professionally with employees, contractors, and others.
• Be willing and able to work in designated confined spaces, elevated areas, and hot and cold temperatures, and wear a respirator when required.
• Meet the physical demands described as Medium Work: exert 20 to 50 pounds occasionally, 10 to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

Responsibilities

• Perform boiler, piping, and pressure-vessel repairs.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on mechanical components of plant equipment.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, align, repair, and maintain mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems and components, including boilers, turbine generators, pumps, control valves, fans, rotating equipment, and associated piping.
• Operate machine-shop and portable machining equipment to produce components to accurate tolerances; develop jigs and fixtures as needed and precisely fit component parts.
• Use vibration, thermal, and other monitoring equipment to assess equipment condition.
• Perform electric-arc and oxyacetylene structural welding to repair equipment; perform oxyacetylene cutting, heating, and brazing of piping and structural components.
• Erect and remove scaffolding and perform rigging, lifting, and blocking.
• Operate and maintain mobile equipment, including manlifts, forklifts, and backhoes, and conduct pre-use inspections.
• Prepare, update, and maintain required records and documentation.
• Train apprentice industrial maintenance mechanics in the work performed by the role.
• Report irregularities, abnormal conditions, and unsafe conditions or practices to the appropriate personnel.
• Respond to call-outs during outage and non-outage work to support operational needs and schedules.
• Inspect remote equipment daily and comply with applicable plant operating instructions, procedures, safety practices, and environmental guidelines.
• Train for firefighting, first aid, AED, and other emergency response programs as required.

Benefits

• AEP describes its benefits package as comprehensive and intended to support and enhance employee well-being; specific benefits are not listed.
• Competitive compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED