Powerhouse Mechanics
Background
Power generating stations (powerhouses) provide electric power for military bases, ships, and field camps. There are many types of powerhouses, from small gas generators to large nuclear reactors. Powerhouse mechanics install, maintain, and repair electrical and mechanical equipment in power generating stations.
What They Do
Powerhouse mechanics in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Diagnose (troubleshoot) engine and electrical system problems
- Inspect and service pumps, generators, batteries, and cables
- Install generating equipment, such as gasoline and diesel engines, turbines, and air compressors
- Repair and maintain nuclear power plants
- Replace damaged parts such as fuel injectors, valves, and pistons
- Tune engines using hand tools, timing lights, and combustion pressure gauges
Physical Demands
Powerhouse mechanics may have to lift and move heavy electrical generators or batteries. Normal color vision is required to work with color-coded wiring and cables.
Special Requirements
No information available.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful attributes include:
- Interest in nuclear power
- Interest in repairing machines and equipment
- Preference for doing physical work
Helpful School Subjects
Helpful school subjects include:
- Math
- Shop mechanics
Helpful Fields of Study
No information available.
Work Environment
Powerhouse mechanics work in equipment repair shops, power plant stations, or power generating rooms aboard ships. Sometimes they work outdoors while repairing substation generating equipment.
Services offering this career:
- Army
- Navy
Hiring Practices
To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
This position is for enlisted personnel.
Wages
The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.
Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay.
Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.
There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.
Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.
Training Provided
Job training for non-nuclear specialties consists of 12 to 24 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in repairing power generating equipment. Training length varies depending on the specialty.
Course content typically includes:
- Gas and diesel engine theories
- Hydraulic (fluid pressure) and pneumatic (air pressure) system maintenance
- Principles of electricity
Nuclear specialties have training programs that last one year or more, covering all aspects of nuclear power plant operations. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian powerhouse mechanics work for a wide variety of employers, such as utility and power companies, manufacturing companies, and others that operate their own power plants. They perform duties similar to military powerhouse mechanics.
Related Civilian Careers
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 12,000 powerhouse mechanics. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new mechanics due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, mechanics perform routine maintenance tasks under close supervision. With experience, they perform more complex repair work. In time, they may become powerhouse repair crew supervisors or power plant operations managers.