Millwrights: Career & Application Guide

What do millwrights do?

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

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

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.

Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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