Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Machining • CMMS • Preventive Maintenance

Shaft Alignment

Term from Mechanical Maintenance industry explained for recruiters

Shaft alignment is an important maintenance process where rotating equipment parts (like motors, pumps, and other machines) are precisely lined up to work together smoothly. Think of it like making sure two pieces of a toy train track line up perfectly so the train can run without wobbling. When machines aren't aligned properly, they can wear out quickly, use more energy, and break down. Maintenance technicians use special tools and methods to ensure these parts line up correctly. This skill is especially important in manufacturing plants, power stations, and any facility with large rotating machinery.

Examples in Resumes

Performed Shaft Alignment on over 200 pump-motor combinations using laser alignment tools

Reduced equipment downtime by 40% through precise Shaft Alignment and preventive maintenance

Led team training sessions on Shaft Alignment techniques and Precision Alignment procedures

Implemented new Laser Alignment protocols for critical rotating equipment

Typical job title: "Maintenance Technicians"

Also try searching for:

Mechanical Maintenance Technician Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Reliability Technician Rotating Equipment Specialist Plant Maintenance Technician Millwright Equipment Reliability Engineer

Where to Find Maintenance Technicians

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Boards

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you implement a shaft alignment program for a large manufacturing facility?

Expected Answer: A senior technician should explain setting up regular alignment schedules, training junior staff, choosing appropriate alignment tools, establishing acceptable tolerance levels, and creating documentation procedures for different types of equipment.

Q: How do you troubleshoot complex alignment issues where standard procedures aren't working?

Expected Answer: Should discuss systematic problem-solving approaches, checking for underlying issues like soft foot or pipe strain, foundation problems, and thermal growth considerations.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What methods do you use to check if alignment is needed?

Expected Answer: Should mention checking for signs like unusual vibration, excessive heat, unusual noises, increased power consumption, and checking coupling wear patterns.

Q: Explain the difference between rim and face alignment methods?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain these basic alignment methods in simple terms and when each might be more appropriate to use.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What safety procedures do you follow when performing shaft alignment?

Expected Answer: Should mention lockout/tagout procedures, ensuring equipment is completely stopped, proper PPE, and basic safety protocols.

Q: What basic tools are used in shaft alignment?

Expected Answer: Should be able to list and describe basic alignment tools like straight edges, dial indicators, laser alignment tools, and feeler gauges.