Last Updated on November 16, 2023
This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as a Machinery Repairman (MR) during the Fiscal Year 2024.
All things eventually break down. Machineries in U.S. naval vessels are no exceptions.
The Navy trains skilled Machinery Repairmen to fix machines and do much more.
These Sailors fabricate various parts and tools for repairs and maintenance.
This career is rewarding for those who enjoy hands-on work and are comfortable with math.
Job Description
Machinery Repairmen (MR) are Navy enlisted Sailors who are skilled operators of machine tools. These professionals manufacture replacement parts for engines, propulsion, and auxiliary systems on ships, aircraft, submarines, and various equipment.
They also perform maintenance on assigned equipment and are knowledgeable in using Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and a variety of machine tools necessary for fabricating and manufacturing parts and equipment.
They use portable machinery, hand tools, and measuring instruments for work performed outside the shop.
The work environment for a Machinery Repairman typically comprises indoor settings, mainly in a machine shop.
Assignments to Navy ships and shore stations can take place domestically and internationally.
Approximately 770 individuals are employed in the MR rating.
Specific Responsibilities
Machinery Repairmen possess expertise in operating machine tools.
They manufacture replacement parts and provide repairs for systems throughout the ship.
Your job responsibilities as an MR may include:
- Conducting the operation and maintenance of auxiliary machinery.
- Estimating the required time and materials for machine repairs.
- Creating sketches, generating specifications, and manufacturing replacement parts.
- Conducting the operation of machine shop equipment, including lathes, drill presses, bench grinders, and other machinery.
- Engaging with precision measuring instruments, like depth gauges, calipers, protractors, and similar tools.
- Carving or inscribing metal and other materials.
- Conducting electroplating and flame spraying procedures.
Different Roles
Machinery Repairman Apprentice
Machinery Repairman Apprentices manufacture replacement parts and repair engines, propulsion systems, and auxiliary systems on ships, aircraft, submarines, and equipment.
These professionals work on deck equipment and use machine shop equipment like lathes, drill presses, bench grinders, milling machines, and power saws for repair duties.
These Sailors calculate the time and material needed for machine shop work, interpret blueprints, draw sketches, prepare specifications, and select materials for replacement parts.
Apprentices use precision measuring instruments and engravers and work under a journeyman machinist’s supervision.
Machinery Repairman Journeyman
Machinery Repairmen Journeymen are skilled machinists.
Journeymen manufacture replacement parts and repairs or overhauls engines, propulsion, and auxiliary systems.
These professionals work on ships, aircraft, submarines, and various equipment.
They also work on deck equipment and perform machine shop and repair duties.
Journeymen use machine shop equipment like lathes, drill presses, bench grinders, milling machines, power saws, CAD software, CNC machinery, vertical turret lathes, boring mills, precision grinders, metal buildup equipment, and heat treating equipment.
These Sailors calculate the time and material needed for machine shop work.
These professionals produce replacement parts by interpreting blueprints, drawing sketches, preparing specifications, and selecting material using advanced metallurgy.
Journeymen work with precision measuring instruments like micrometers, depth gauges, dial calipers, gauge blocks, protractors, dial indicators, gear tooth veneers, and hardness testing equipment.
They also operate engravers and are expected to work independently and supervise apprentice machinists.
Training and Promotion Opportunities
After completing Boot Camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, you will undergo specialized training.
This includes 18 weeks of Engineering Common Core and “A” School in Great Lakes, IL.
The training covers basic mechanical theory, technical documentation, and familiarization with machines, tools, equipment, and methods.
After successfully completing your training, you could be assigned to a Navy machine shop on a ship, or shore.
There is also a possibility of receiving a recruiting duty assignment.
Promotion opportunities are determined by performance and are subject to competition.
Successful Navy MRs may pursue a college degree and subsequently apply to become a Naval Officer.
Advanced Training
As your career progresses, you might have the chance to undergo advanced training as a Machinery Repairman.
Advanced training for a Machinery Repairman in the Navy involves specialized courses and training on more complex machinery used in the Navy.
Many of these courses involve an intense focus on diagnostics, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of propulsion systems, electrical systems, auxiliary equipment, electronic systems, and other related components.
These specialties are important to ensure that all machinery is running at optimal performance levels.
Post-Service Opportunities
The training and experience gained during service as a Machinery Repairman in the Navy can open up opportunities in related fields in the civilian world, such as licensed machine operators, metal fabrication technicians, and equipment mechanics.
Veterans who have served as Machinery Repairman may be well-positioned to find a job in the civilian world. Potential employers may include machine shops, automotive repair facilities, and industrial plants.
Another career option for a former Machinery Repairman is to become a field service technician or consultant, helping companies troubleshoot and repair machinery onsite.
Many colleges and universities offer degree programs in mechanical engineering; with the right training and experience, veterans could pursue this type of career path upon leaving the Navy.
Qualifications to Join
To qualify as an Enlisted Sailor and embark on a career as a Machinery Repairman, you must have a high-school diploma or an equivalent qualification. You must also be a U.S. citizen eligible for security clearance.
As a Machinery Repairman, it is essential to have proficient arithmetic and communication skills, as well as a natural talent for working with tools, equipment, and machinery.
The job requires the ability to perform detailed work, maintain accurate records, and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
The critical attributes sought in MR applicants include resourcefulness, inquisitiveness, physical stamina, dexterity, and normal hearing capability.
General qualifications may vary depending on your current or past military service.
ASVAB Requirement
Applicants must score the minimum ASVAB score below to qualify to join the Navy as a Machinery Repairman (MR).
ASVAB for MR:
VE+AR+MK+AS=200; or
MK+AS+AO=150
The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2024, per the Navy Personnel Command. This information is not readily available to the public.
So, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter for the most current requirements to join the Navy as an enlisted Sailor.
More Information
If you wish to learn more about becoming a Machinery Repairman (MR), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.
You may also be interested in the following related Navy Enlisted Surface Engineering jobs:
