Machine Shop Operations Manager Jobs in Boston, MA

Job Summary

Performs skilled mechanical maintenance in an oleochemical refinery environment to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of process equipment and plant systems. Responsibilities include inspection, troubleshooting, repair, precision alignment, installation, and overhaul of rotating and stationary equipment including centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam systems, and ASME pressure vessels.

Executes maintenance activities in compliance with refinery safety programs including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, hot work, and working at heights. Performs precision mechanical work requiring alignment (laser and dial indication), flange assembly, steam tracing installation, rigging, and machine shop operations.

Work is performed with limited supervision and requires independent judgment, technical competence, and strict adherence to safety, environmental, and quality standards. The role is comparable to an industrial mechanic or millwright within a continuous process manufacturing facility.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Safety & Compliance

• Execute all work in strict compliance with plant safety programs including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, hot work permitting, fall protection, and energy isolation procedures.
• Identify and mitigate job hazards through Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and adherence to established procedures.
• Recommend termination of any activity that jeopardizes personnel safety, equipment integrity, or plant operations.

Rotating Equipment Maintenance

• Diagnose, disassemble, inspect, repair, and reassemble centrifugal and positive displacement pumps and associated mechanical seals and bearing systems.
• Perform precision shaft alignment using laser alignment tools and dial indicators.
• Install and torque couplings, bearings, and rotating assemblies to manufacturer and plant specifications.

Valve & Piping Systems

• Remove, inspect, repair, and reinstall process valves.
• Perform bolted flange assembly in accordance with best practices to ensure leak-free operation.
• Replace gaskets and ensure proper torque sequencing and bolt loading.
• Assist in piping system modifications and mechanical installations.

Steam Systems & Thermal Equipment

• Install, repair, and maintain steam tracing systems including bending tubing, flaring, installing steam traps, and troubleshooting condensate systems.
• Maintain and repair shell and tube heat exchangers including bundle removal, inspection, and reinstallation.
• Support maintenance activities on distillation columns, hydrolysis towers, and distillation systems.

Pressure Vessels & Process Equipment

• Assist with maintenance of ASME-coded pressure vessels and refinery process towers.
• Support inspections, internal entry preparation, and reassembly of large vertical vessels.

Rigging & Equipment Handling

• Perform basic rigging for the safe movement of equipment including pumps, motors, exchanger bundles, and piping components.
• Inspect and properly utilize slings, shackles, and lifting devices in accordance with safety standards.

Machine Shop & Fabrication

• Perform precision measurements using micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and other metrology tools.
• Operate manual machine shop equipment including lathe, Bridgeport-style milling machine, drill press, and broaching tools.
• Drill, tap, fabricate, and modify components as required to support maintenance activities.
• Machine and fit keyways and shafts as required for rotating equipment repairs.

Preventative & Predictive Maintenance

• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on hydrolysis, distillation, fractionation, separations, utilities, and logistics systems.
• Accurately document work performed in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Recommend improvements to maintenance procedures and reliability practices.
• Maintain tools, rigging equipment, and shop areas in safe working condition.

Outage & Operational Support

• Participate in major plant outages, shutdowns, and turnaround events.
• Work extended hours or shift assignments as required during outages.
• Provide support services including lubrication activities, equipment inspections, and general mechanical troubleshooting.

Formal Education/Certification Requirements

Required

Preferred

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Tasks may take place in both extreme cold and extremely hot work environments. Periodic potential exposures to hazardous chemicals/conditions exist in this position, and training is mandatory. The work schedule may periodically rotate and may include duties on holidays and weekends. Uniforms are provided and as well as footwear allowance.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. This document is subject to change at any time and is not intended to be exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by employees with this position title. TRT complies with all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.