Job Title: Outside Machinist - Career Opportunity - San Diego, CA

Job Description

This role focuses on the installation, maintenance, testing, and repair of ship propulsion and auxiliary systems, as well as a wide range of marine and fluid systems. You will work with minimal supervision on complex mechanical equipment, ensuring systems operate safely, efficiently, and in accordance with technical specifications and drawings. The position is ideal for a seasoned Outside Machinist or Machinist Mate with extensive shipyard or naval experience who enjoys hands-on work in a dynamic ship repair environment.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and repair ship propulsion and auxiliary systems, including Steam, Gas Turbine, and Diesel propulsion systems, rudders and steering gear, elevators, and deck equipment without supervision.

• Install, repair, and maintain ship fluid systems such as pumps, compressors, purifiers, heat exchangers, actuators, and valves without supervision.

• Test equipment and systems to ensure they meet 4E specifications, technical references, and engineering drawings.

• Install and test various shop equipment to ensure proper operation and compliance with technical standards.

• Repair, troubleshoot, and perform preventive and corrective maintenance on boilers, pumps, and valves.

• Work on board ships on auxiliary equipment, including pumps, valves, and boiler systems, ensuring safe and reliable operation.

• Perform major and specialized mechanical overhaul and repair work on gasoline and marine engines, outboard motors, and related marine equipment and systems using schematic charts and technical manuals.

• Establish and maintain a preventive maintenance program for marine engines and related marine research equipment.

• Test marine engines and equipment to determine the need for repairs, adjustments, or component replacement.

• Repair and maintain hydraulic equipment and valves to ensure proper function and system integrity.

• Operate hand and power tools associated with marine engine, propulsion, and equipment repair safely and effectively.

• Assist in the fabrication of equipment and components as needed to support ship repair and maintenance projects.

• Perform other related tasks as assigned, which may become essential to the position as operational needs evolve.

Essential Skills

• Previous shipyard or Navy experience working as an Outside Machinist or Machinist Mate.

• Over 5 years of experience as an Outside Machinist at a journeyman level is ideal; candidates with at least 3 years of experience will be considered.

• Demonstrated ability to install, maintain, and repair ship propulsion systems, including Steam, Gas Turbine, and Diesel systems.

• Proven experience working with auxiliary systems such as rudders, steering gear, elevators, and deck equipment.

• Strong proficiency in maintaining and repairing shipboard fluid systems, including pumps, compressors, purifiers, heat exchangers, actuators, and valves.

• Ability to read, interpret, and work from blueprints, schematic charts, technical manuals, and engineering drawings.

• Experience performing major mechanical overhauls and repairs on marine engines, gasoline engines, outboard motors, and related marine equipment.

• Hands-on experience with boiler systems, including troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance.

• Proficiency in working with hydraulic systems and valves, including repair and maintenance.

Why Work Here?

• You will join a long-established organization that offers stable, consistent work and strong prospects for long-term employment, including contract-to-hire opportunities. The company provides a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with employer match, medical and dental coverage, life insurance, and stock options. Employees receive two weeks of paid time off, including sick time, after 90 days of employment, along with practical support such as a boot voucher, assistance with prescription safety glasses, and partial reimbursement for bus passes. The organization emphasizes employee appreciation through recognition programs, drawings, and new uniforms, and promotes a culture of prompt, high-quality service delivered by experienced technicians and skilled tradespeople. With multiple locations and a large, established workforce under consistent ownership and management, you will have opportunities for professional growth in a supportive and reliable environment.

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily at major shipyards, including NASSCO, BAE, CMSD, and NBSD, in an active ship repair and maintenance environment. You will work on board ships and within industrial facilities, frequently around marine engines, propulsion systems, boilers, pumps, valves, and hydraulic equipment. The standard shift is first shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the expectation of flexibility for overtime from Monday through Saturday as needed, including potential 10-hour workdays to meet project demands. The role involves regular use of hand and power tools, exposure to shipboard and industrial conditions, and adherence to safety protocols and site access requirements such as DBIDS. Uniforms are provided, and appropriate footwear and safety equipment, including boots and prescription safety glasses, are supported through company programs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $36.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision

• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital

• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available

• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)

• Short and long-term disability

• Health Spending Account (HSA)

• Transportation benefits

• Employee Assistance Program

• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 30, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry - from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.