Coil Operator Jobs Near Me

Are you looking for AI-proof work — hands-on, critical, and too skilled to be replaced by automation? If so, National Electric Coil (NEC) may have your next career opportunity.

We’re hiring Job Shop Machinists to support the repair and manufacturing of large-scale utility-class power generation equipment.

National Electric Coil (NEC) has an immediate opening for a Job Shop Machinist at our Columbus, Ohio Service Center, located near the OSU campus at 800 King Avenue. This is not a machine operator position — it’s a skilled craft role responsible for providing expert machining, fitting, and assembly support in the repair and manufacturing of large utility-class power generation equipment.

Learn more about NEC at www.national-electric-coil.com

Position Overview

The Job Shop Machinist is a skilled craft position responsible for the layout, setup, and operation of a wide variety of manual machine tools to manufacture, repair, or modify large Utility-Class Power Generation components. This role directly supports NEC’s rotor and generator servicing operations and contributes to national infrastructure reliability. This is a Safety-Sensitive Position.

Primary Function

The primary function of the Job Shop Machinist is to perform layout work, setup, and operation of a wide range of manual machine tools — including lathes, boring mills, vertical milling machines, and drill presses — to support the manufacturing, repair, and maintenance of utility-class power generation equipment.

This role also includes dismantling, fitting, and assembling precision components as part of full-service repair and upgrade operations. The parts and assemblies worked on vary in size from small tooling components under 50 lbs to complete subassemblies weighing up to 80 tons.

Support Functions & Role Scope

As a Job Shop Machinist at NEC, you will play a vital role in the disassembly, modification, upgrade, and reassembly of large generator components, including high-speed balancing of rotating equipment. This position is central to NEC’s mission of delivering high-quality repairs and precision manufacturing for utility-class power generation systems.

This role provides a clear path for craft skill development and advancement into highly specialized machining and assembly positions with increased responsibility and compensation. The work you perform directly impacts the integrity and performance of national power infrastructure.

Tools, Equipment & Materials

Success in this role requires highly-developed setup and machining skills, including the operation of:

• Lathes, milling machines, boring mills, vertical mills, grinders, drill presses
• Broaching machines, saws, presses, and other manual shop equipment
• Hand tools, cutting tools, precision instruments, torches, and heating equipment

You will machine components using a variety of materials, including:

• Ferrous and non-ferrous metals
• Non-metallic materials, including molded or cast synthetic epoxy composites

Working Procedures & Responsibilities

Under the direction of a Supervisor, Foreman, or Lead, you will:

• Work independently or with a team as needed
• Receive work orders, drawings, or instructions; perform layout work and planning
• Set up and operate machine tools to manufacture or modify complex parts
• Dismantle and reassemble machinery and equipment with precise alignment
• Perform field work when components are too large to be serviced in-shop
• Ensure accuracy using precision measuring tools and work within close tolerances
• Interpret complex blueprints, generate shop/field sketches, and perform advanced assembly
• Apply basic algebra and geometry to calculate dimensions, fits, and setups
• Follow both written and oral instructions, including safety protocols and diagrams
• Exercise attention to detail and care to avoid damage and maintain a safe workspace
• Engage in physically demanding tasks, including grinding, lifting, and manual cleanup
• Operate machinery in accordance with NEC's quality, safety, and efficiency standards

Essential Functions:

• Set up and operate manual machine tools including vertical mills, lathes, drill presses, boring mills, grinders, and saws.
• Read, interpret, and execute complex blueprints, drawings, and job orders with minimal supervision.
• Dismantle, assemble, align, and fit parts for rotating equipment and power generation components.
• Perform precise machining and layout work to tight tolerances using precision measurement tools.
• Plan and execute machining processes to support repairs, upgrades, or modifications of utility-class generator components.
• Perform work with a variety of materials including steel, aluminum, brass, and composite epoxy materials.
• Participate in disassembly and high-speed balancing of generator rotors and other heavy equipment.
• Use proper handling techniques for heavy and sensitive equipment.
• Ensure safe machine operation, perform pre-use inspections, and support preventive maintenance routines.
• Generate ideas for productivity improvements and operational efficiency.
• Complete required documentation and follow detailed work instructions.
• Support field work as needed, including occasional travel for projects too large to transport to NEC’s Columbus facility.
• Follow direction from supervisors, leads, and project coordinators; collaborate with other skilled trades.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Welding and metal fabrication (MIG, TIG, Stick)
• Equipment installation and machinery alignment
• Use of diagnostic tools: multimeters, clamp meters, dial indicators, vibration analyzers
• Reading and interpreting blueprints and electrical diagrams
• Pump, seal, valve maintenance and replacement
• Hydraulics/pneumatics troubleshooting
• Self-starter with strong time management and problem-solving skills
• Team-oriented; willing to support other departments when needed

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Minimum 5 years of relevant machining experience, OR
• 2 years of post-secondary vocational training in machining or maintenance PLUS 2 years of experience
• Experience must include manual machine setup, layout work, blueprint reading, and close-tolerance machining
• Ability to stand, climb, work at heights, bend, stoop, lift, and perform sustained physical labor
• Ability to travel for occasional field work — includes off-site premium pay, overtime, prevailing wage eligibility, and per diem when applicable
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., including access to state and federal facilities
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
• Employment eligibility will be verified upon hire
• Ability to work 2nd or 3rd shift as assigned, plus overtime/weekends
• Must be able to pass background check and drug/alcohol testing under Safety-Sensitive job standards

Safety and Compliance

• Adhere to safety procedures and PPE requirements in all manufacturing environments.

Position Type

This is a full-time, hourly (non-exempt) position.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

While performing essential job duties, the employee is regularly exposed to:

• Typical manufacturing environment requiring exposure to noise, machinery, and airborne particles.
• Must wear appropriate PPE including safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots.
• The noise level is usually moderate but may vary depending on the work area or activity.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; and use hands to handle, or touch objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion, the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders kneel, crouch, or crawl; and occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice, as business needs evolve. This position may require occasional travel to vendor or customer sites for repairs or support, as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

National Electric Coil (NEC) is a leader in the repair, refurbishment, and manufacturing of large utility-class power generation equipment. With facilities in Columbus, Ohio, and Brownsville, Texas, NEC supports the nation’s electrical grid by delivering high-quality solutions that keep critical power infrastructure running reliably. For over a century, our skilled teams have provided expert machining, engineering, logistics, and field services to major utilities and power producers. NEC values safety, innovation, and craftsmanship, offering employees the opportunity to grow their careers while contributing to work that truly powers America.