Shop Machinists

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

• 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 toler