NSXNational Skills ExchangeSign in
Back to Framework

Millwrights

SOC 49-9044.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers industrial millwright practice across manufacturing, processing, and heavy-industry plant environments — from entry-level equipment assembly and basic rigging through autonomous precision alignment, complex troubleshooting, and organizational leadership of maintenance programs.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Hand tools and basic power tools — identify and use correctly under direct supervision on an industrial installation site.
  2. Defective machine parts — recognize and flag for replacement under the guidance of a journeyman millwright.
  3. Hoists, dollies, rollers, and trucks — assist in moving machinery and equipment under close supervision in a shop or plant environment.
  4. Nuts, bolts, and fasteners — tighten to specified torque values using hand tools while following written instructions on the job site.
  5. Lubrication schedules and preventive maintenance checklists — follow step-by-step under supervision to service basic industrial machinery.
  6. Safety protocols and PPE requirements — apply consistently when working around moving machinery and heavy equipment in a manufacturing facility.
  7. Crane hand signals — learn and practice basic signals to assist in lowering assembly units under direct direction from a senior millwright.
  8. Measuring instruments such as rules, squares, and micrometers — use to take basic dimensional readings under guidance during equipment installation.
  9. Assembly diagrams and equipment manuals — read and interpret with assistance to support machine assembly tasks on the shop floor.
  10. Shims and adjustment hardware — retrieve and stage correctly in preparation for clearance-setting tasks under the supervision of an experienced millwright.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Misaligned machine components — diagnose and correct using jacks, shims, and hand tools with limited oversight in a production plant setting.
  2. Preventive maintenance routines — perform independently on assigned machinery, including lubrication and minor part replacement, according to established schedules.
  3. Hoists and rigging equipment — operate to move and position machinery and equipment safely with reduced supervision on an industrial floor.
  4. Clearances between moving and stationary parts — set to specification by adjusting shims and bolt tension using micrometers and measuring instruments.
  5. Machine assembly sequences — execute routinely using hand tools and power tools, following blueprints and technical manuals in a manufacturing environment.
  6. Defective machine parts — replace or adjust after identifying wear or failure during scheduled maintenance inspections at a production facility.
  7. Alignment tasks — complete using squares, rules, lasers, or plumb bobs with growing proficiency and minimal direction from lead personnel.
  8. Crane operator communications — coordinate effectively using standard hand signals to guide lowering and positioning of assembly units to bedplate.
  9. Bolting, welding, and riveting operations — perform to fasten assembled machines to foundations or structural supports per engineered specifications.
  10. Maintenance logs and work orders — complete accurately using office suite or ERP software to document repairs and parts usage on the job.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex machinery alignment — perform autonomously across multiple machine types using lasers, micrometers, and precision instruments in high-tolerance industrial environments.
  2. Non-routine equipment failures — troubleshoot independently, applying critical thinking and mechanical knowledge to diagnose root causes and implement lasting repairs.
  3. Full preventive and corrective maintenance programs — execute across an entire production line, prioritizing tasks based on operational impact and scheduling constraints.
  4. Heavy equipment installation projects — manage from foundation preparation through final alignment and commissioning using the full range of rigging and precision tools.
  5. Clearance and tolerance specifications — verify and adjust across diverse machine assemblies, interpreting engineering drawings and OEM documentation without assistance.
  6. Machinery relocation operations — plan and execute safely using hoists, dollies, and trucks while coordinating with crane operators and other trades on a live plant floor.
  7. Weld, bolt, and rivet fastenings — select appropriate methods and execute to code when securing machines to foundations or structural members in varied industrial settings.
  8. Maintenance quality outcomes — evaluate through systematic inspection and measurement, applying quality control analysis to ensure machines meet operational standards.
  9. CAD drawings and technical schematics — interpret and cross-reference to resolve installation ambiguities and guide junior millwrights on complex assembly tasks.
  10. Cross-functional maintenance coordination — collaborate with operations, engineering, and safety teams to schedule and execute major equipment overhauls with minimal production downtime.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Millwright competency standards — establish and communicate for a facility or department, defining performance expectations and career progression for apprentices and journeymen.
  2. Precision alignment methodology — lead adoption of laser alignment systems and advanced measurement practices across a multi-site industrial organization.
  3. Preventive maintenance strategy — design and implement at the organizational level, integrating ERP software to optimize equipment uptime and reduce lifecycle costs.
  4. High-risk machinery installation projects — oversee from scope definition through final acceptance, directing crews, managing rigging plans, and enforcing safety protocols.
  5. Equipment reliability programs — develop and champion organization-wide, applying engineering and mechanical knowledge to reduce unplanned downtime across production assets.
  6. Technical training curriculum — create and deliver for apprentice and developing millwrights, covering alignment, rigging, maintenance, and safety in structured on-the-job modules.
  7. Cross-trade coordination on major capital projects — lead as principal millwright authority, interfacing with contractors, engineers, and plant management to ensure installation integrity.
  8. Organizational safety culture — advance by authoring procedures, conducting hazard assessments, and mentoring crews on cautious, standards-compliant work practices around heavy machinery.
  9. Budgets and resource plans for maintenance operations — develop and manage at the department level, balancing labor, parts, and equipment costs against production targets.
  10. Continuous improvement initiatives — drive by analyzing maintenance data from ERP and monitoring systems to identify recurring failure patterns and implement systemic mechanical solutions.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

A 4-level framework describing how a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline. Subscribe for $19.99/mo to read the full framework — or sign in if you have a subscription.

  1. Emerging
  2. Developing
  3. Proficient
  4. Advanced
Monthly subscription · Stripe-hosted · unlocks AI-at-Work and Pathsmith™ Durable Skills across the full library

Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency levels for this occupation. Subscribe to unlock the full Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework across all 1,016 occupations.

Monthly subscription · Stripe-hosted · unlocks AI-at-Work and Pathsmith™ Durable Skills across the full library
Show O*NET source anchors59 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

Suggest an O*NET correction

Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Millwright · Automated Equipment Engineer · Automated Equipment Engineering Technician (Automated Equipment Engineering Tech) · Automated Equipment Technician (Automated Equipment Tech) · Automobile Equipment Engineer Technician (Auto Equipment Engineer Tech) · Automobile Equipment Technician Engineer (Auto Equipment Tech Engineer) · Construction Millwright · Gear Repairer · Industrial Machine Assembler · Industrial Millwright · Installation Service Representative (Installation Service Rep) · Journeyman Millwright
RAPIDS apprenticeships
0046 · Millwright
O*NET skills
TroubleshootingInstallationEquipment MaintenanceRepairingCritical ThinkingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlQuality Control AnalysisTime ManagementActive ListeningMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationReading ComprehensionSpeakingCoordination
Knowledge domains
MechanicalMathematicsBuilding and ConstructionEducation and TrainingEngineering and TechnologyPublic Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageDesignProduction and ProcessingPhysicsAdministration and Management
Abilities
Manual DexterityNear VisionArm-Hand SteadinessVisualizationFinger DexterityControl PrecisionMultilimb CoordinationInformation OrderingStatic StrengthTrunk Strength
Work styles
DependabilityAttention to DetailCautiousnessPerseveranceStress ToleranceAchievement Orientation
Technology
Computer aided design CAD softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwareWord processing softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Replace defective parts of machine, or adjust clearances and alignment of moving parts.
  2. Align machines or equipment, using hoists, jacks, hand tools, squares, rules, micrometers, lasers, or plumb bobs.
  3. 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.
  4. Signal crane operator to lower basic assembly units to bedplate, and align unit to centerline.
  5. Conduct preventative maintenance and repair, and lubricate machines and equipment.
  6. Assemble and install equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
  7. Assemble machines, and bolt, weld, rivet, or otherwise fasten them to foundation or other structures, using hand tools and power tools.
  8. Move machinery and equipment, using hoists, dollies, rollers, and trucks.
CIP education codes
47.0303

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.