Kent Ketner
Clinton,TN
Summary
Adaptable Industrial Machinery Technician experienced in high-pressure environments. Increased machinery efficiency and reduced downtime through effective installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Committed to safety and collaborative teamwork, consistently delivering high-quality results.
Experienced millwright/mechanic with a strong background in inspecting, servicing, and repairing various vehicle components, including brake systems and exhaust systems. Demonstrated ability to conduct routine maintenance on machinery, enhancing operational efficiency through effective troubleshooting of complex mechanical issues. Utilized diagnostic tools to assess equipment performance and ensure compliance with safety standards, while implementing safety protocols during repairs. Collaborated with team members to document work orders and maintenance activities, contributing to improved repair effectiveness and operational safety.
Reliable Millwright with background in industrial machinery installation, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting. Skilled in the use of hand and power tools, blueprints interpretation, precision measurement and machine alignment. Demonstrated strengths include problem-solving capabilities, teamwork skills and safety adherence. Proven track record of increasing machinery efficiency and reducing downtime in previous roles.
Overview
1
1
Certification
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Mill wright/Mechanic
CONSOLIDATED NUCLEAR SERVICES, LLC at UPF Project
Oak Ridge, TN
01.2025 - Current
- Inspected, serviced, and repaired brakes, exhaust systems, and other vehicle components.
- Conducted routine maintenance on machinery to maintain operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with colleagues to troubleshoot complex mechanical problems, increasing repair effectiveness.
- Utilized diagnostic tools to assess equipment performance and safety standards.
- Assisted team members during complex repairs.
- Applied diagnostic tools to evaluate equipment performance and safety standards, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Implemented safety protocols during repairs and maintenance operations.
- Inspected pumps, valves, motors, and rotating equipment for safe operation.
- Followed lockout/tagout and site safety procedures during maintenance work.
- Documented work orders and maintenance activities for UPF project records to ensure compliance and traceability.
- Inspected marine machinery for wear, leaks, and alignment issues.
- Adjusted shafts, couplings, and bearings during machinery assembly to ensure proper alignment.
- Used precision measuring instruments such as height gages, depth gages, calipers and various types of micrometers.
- Installed shafts, bearings, seals, gears and other parts to specifications.
- Performed repair work on hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical systems.
Millwright
Precision grinding
Clinton, TN
08.2024 - Current
- Installed and aligned grinding machinery for precision grinding operations.
- Inspected bearings, shafts, and belts on precision grinding equipment.
- Adjusted machine alignment using hand tools and measuring devices.
- Aligned motors, pumps, gearboxes, conveyors and other mechanical systems.
Millwright
Oak Ridge Hardwoods
Oliver Springs, Tennessee
01.2013 - Current
- Installed, aligned, and repaired mills, pumps, conveyors, and gear drives.
- Maintained precision grinding equipment and production machinery for Precision Grinding operations.
- Inspected mechanical systems for wear, vibration.
- Inspected mechanical systems for wear, vibration,
- Dismantled machines, categorized parts by carefully documenting components and moved equipment into storage.
- Calibrated instruments such as pressure gauges and thermometers for accuracy of readings.
- Aligned motors using different techniques of alignment such as laser alignment and micrometer alignment
- Installed and changed different layouts of machines and mechanical equipment such as conveyors, power driven equipment, pumps(electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic), exhaust fan ventilation,etc
- Works from floor layouts, drawings, sketches, or work orders. Operates laser alignment tools, vibration analysis equipment, and machine shop equipment.
Ironworker/Welder
American Bridge
Jamestown, KY
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Installed structural frameworks for bridges and buildings, ensuring stability and safety using various tools and equipment.
- Fabricated metal components with cutting torches and arc welders, contributing to timely project completion.
- Interpreted blueprints and drawings to execute precise construction tasks effectively.
- Cut material with precision using shears, torches, and saws. with shears, hand torches, plasma cutters, or power saws.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline workflow on job sites, enhancing overall project efficiency.
- Worked onsite in various weather conditions to complete tasks. outdoors in all weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
- Loaded and unloaded trucks with tools and supplies needed for job sites.
Ironworker/Welder
Ben Hur Construction
Nashville, TN
10.2023 - 06.2024
- Maintained tools and equipment to ensure proper functionality and safety standards.
- Lifted heavy steel beams and positioned them accurately at construction sites.
- Worked closely with structural ironworkers, ornamental Ironworkers, riggers and machinery movers, enabling clear and safe cross-functional operations.
- Aligned structural steel members using a level for accuracy. using levels or lasers.
- Signaled crane operators in safe and accurate lifting and placing of reinforcing iron members and moved rebar manually into specific positions.
- Utilized cranes and rigging equipment to safely lift and transport materials at job sites.
- Connected reinforcing bars in concrete forms according to blueprints to meet project specifications.
- Installed structural steel frames and columns for high-rise buildings.
- Fabricated steel frames, columns, beams and girders according to blueprints or instructions from supervisors.
- Interpreted blueprints to execute precise welding specifications.
- Fabricated metal structures using welding processes and techniques.
- Employed oxyacetylene torches to preheat metals, preparing them for welding and bending.
- Using laser alignment and layout on precast walls
Mechanic
Fitzgerald performace
Jamestown, TN
03.2023 - 10.2023
- Diagnosed mechanical problems and made necessary repairs.
- Repaired fuel injection systems, turbochargers, brakes, and exhaust systems.
- Repaired fuel injection systems, turbochargers, brakes, and exhaust systems to restore vehicle performance and safety.
- Installed new parts such as radiators, injectors, hoses, belts, alternators, starters.
- Welded broken metal parts using oxyacetylene torches and electric arc welders to ensure structural integrity and longevity.
- Cleaned and lubricated mechanical components prior to engine reassembly.
- Cleaned and lubricated parts before reassembly of the unit, engine, vehicle .
- Utilized hand tools to accurately position, align, and secure various product components.
- Measured and marked material for cutting or shaping using measuring tools.
- Installed fabricated items in accordance with drawings and specifications.
- Fitted and aligned parts to fit properly on products.
- Performed grinding operations using grinders or buffers to smooth surfaces after welding, enhancing finish quality and fit.
Heavy Equipment Field Mechanic
Sam C Franklin & Son, Inc.
Maryville, TN
09.2022 - 03.2023
- Diagnose and repair various issues including engine repairs and welding repairs on both semi and heavy equipment
- Diagnosed mechanical issues in field equipment, ensuring timely repairs and minimizing downtime.
- Diagnosed mechanical issues using specialized tools and equipment.
- Troubleshot mechanical problems using diagnostic tools such as multimeters and pressure gauges.
- Installed and repaired complex equipment at customer locations across various industries.
- Installed new parts and components, enhancing machinery functionality and operational efficiency.
- Assessed equipment to determine cause of issue or malfunction and identified appropriate repairs.
- Disassembled equipment using hand tools and hoists to begin repair work.
- Used hand tools and powered tools such as grinders, drills, saws, and welders to repair broken parts.
- Coordinated with suppliers to order replacement parts.
- Coordinated with suppliers for timely procurement of replacement parts, ensuring rapid repair turnaround. to order replacement parts as needed.
Lead Technician/field Technician
Meridian Waste
Knoxville, TN
09.2020 - 09.2022
- Supervised daily operations and maintenance of waste management equipment.
- Coordinated repair schedules for fleet and equipment, minimizing downtime and ensuring operational efficiency.
- Assisted in troubleshooting mechanical issues to ensure quick resolutions.
- Coordinated repair schedules for fleet and equipment to minimize downtime.
- Trained new technicians on safety protocols and operational procedures, enhancing team compliance and safety awareness.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline workflow and improve productivity standards across the team.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance workflow and productivity standards.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
- Cleaned and stocked the company vehicle for daily operations.
- Spliced cables with hand tools to create secure electrical connections.
- Spliced cables using hand tools to ensure proper connections.
- Used hand tools to accurately splice cables for optimal performance.
Diesel Mechanic/welder/fabricator
Claiborne Hauling
Knoxville, TN
04.2020 - 09.2020
- Performed mechanical repairs on semi-trucks, dump trucks, and heavy equipment, ensuring operational readiness and welding repairs on various items.
- Repaired and replaced faulty components, directly contributing to improved vehicle performance and reliability.
- Repaired and replaced faulty components to ensure optimal vehicle performance.
- Performed preventative maintenance on a fleet of heavy-duty trucks.
- Ran diagnostics on heating and cooling systems to trace faults and completed skilled repairs.
- Collaborated with team of mechanics to complete projects on time, improving workflow efficiency.
- Performed a checklist of fluid levels, air filter, tire pressure and more during service orders.
- Cleaned and lubricated parts before reassembly of the unit, engine, vehicle .
- Cleaned and lubricated mechanical parts prior to reassembling engines and vehicles for optimal function.
- Performed checklist of fluid levels, air filter, tire pressure and more during service orders.
- Ran diagnostics on heating and cooling systems to trace faults and complete skilled repairs.
- Fabricated metal components using MIG and TIG welding techniques.
- Assembled custom structures from raw materials and prefabricated parts.
- Operated welding machines and tools to complete projects efficiently.
- Prepared material surfaces for welding by removing scale, rust or other foreign matter.
- Prepared workpiece edges by grinding, cutting, buffing or bending to verify snug fit.
- Aligned and clamped workpieces using rules, squares or hand tools.
- Cleaned and organized all tools after each use to maintain workplace safety and efficiency.
Diesel Mechanic/Welder/fabriacator
Roeder Cartage Company
Lima, OH
10.2018 - 03.2020
- Rebuilt motors to build custom brackets for pumps as well as stainless and carbon frame repairs
- Performed routine maintenance on diesel vehicles, enhancing reliability and performance.
- Utilized diagnostic tools to troubleshoot electrical and hydraulic systems.
- Diagnosed mechanical problems and made necessary repairs.
- Repaired fuel systems, brakes, and exhaust components for various trucks.
- Repaired fuel injection systems, turbochargers, brakes, and exhaust systems.
- Installed new parts such as radiators, injectors, hoses, belts, alternators, starters.
- Maintained accurate records of all services performed on diesel engines.
- Inspected vehicles for safety issues and roadworthiness.
- Followed safety guidelines while performing repair work on heavy-duty vehicles.
- Monitored and checked fluid levels regularly during maintenance procedures.
- Adhered to safety protocols while working in a fast-paced garage environment.
- Documented repairs and maintenance tasks for company records compliance.
- Assisted in the removal of engines from vehicles in order to replace them with new ones.
- Removed and disassembled defective diesel engines in automobiles, trucks, buses, and construction vehicles to complete repairs.
- Thoroughly cleaned tools after each use to promote safety in the workspace.
- Raised trucks, buses and heavy parts or equipment with hydraulic jacks or hoists.
- Operated specialty equipment, standard tools and gauges to complete assessments and repairs.
- Operated welding equipment to join metal components with precision.
- Rebuilt rebuilt motors to build custom brackets for pumps as well as stainless and carbon frame repairs.
- Operated welding equipment to accurately join metal components, ensuring structural integrity.
- I've rebuilt motors to build custom brackets for pumps as well as stainless and carbon frame repair.
- Operated welding equipment to join metal components with precision.
Welder/Fabricator
McElwain
Kalida, OH
10.2017 - 10.2018
- Fabricated metal components using welding techniques and tools.
- Operated various welding equipment including MIG and TIG machines.
- Executed production using welding techniques, metallurgy knowledge, and engineering requirements to ensure quality and compliance.
- Interpreted blueprints to ensure precise measurements and specifications.
- Welded metal components to create structural integrity in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.
- Coordinated with team members to enhance production workflows and minimize delays.
- Maintained a clean and organized work area to promote safety.
- Prepared workpiece edges by grinding, cutting, buffing or bending to verify snug fit.
- Prepared material surfaces for welding by removing scale, rust or other foreign matter.
- Cut, contoured and beveled metal and structural shapes to achieve accurate dimensions.
- Adjusted weld machines to correct settings for precision and waste reduction.
- Positioned and clamped workpieces together and properly assembled in jigs and fixtures.
- Inspected and cleaned parts and assemblies at each production stage, documenting defects to maintain quality standards.
- Measured workpieces with straightedges or templates to conform with specifications.
- Recognized, set up, and operated shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment.
- Positioned and secured workpieces using hoists, wire and banding machines or hand tools.
- Marked materials with job numbers and identifiers for tracking.
Welder
Hustler trailer
07.2016 - 06.2017
- Fabricated metal components using MIG and TIG welding techniques.
- Set up equipment and welded parts according to welding chart specifications and type.
- Interpreted blueprints and technical drawings for precise assembly.
- Collaborated with team members to deliver complex fabrication projects on time and to specifications.
- Set up welding machines based on the job at hand.
- Maintained welding equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety.
- Operated manual and semi-automatic welding equipment in vertical, horizontal and overhead positions.
- Executed minor torch-ups on metal components to enhance weld quality with MIG welders.
- Constructed templates and jigs for fabrication according to blueprints.
- Prepared workpiece edges through grinding, cutting, buffing or bending for precise fit.
Education
Associate - Automotive and Diesel
University of Northwestern Ohio
Lima, OHHigh school or equivalent -
Clinton High School
Clinton, TNSkills
- Air Brake
- Diesel diagnostics
- Hydraulic repair
- Brake systems
- Laser alignment
- Vibration analysis
- Preventive maintenance
- Equipment inspection
- Blueprint reading
- Safety compliance
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Technical communication
- Electrical systems
- Electronic technology
- Fluid level testing
- Grease and lubricant application
- Hydraulic systems
- Schematic assessment
- Pneumatic systems
- System upgrades
- Equipment inspection and testing
- Belt and hose replacements
Certification
- Welding certification
- Air Conditioning Certification
- Air Brake certification
- Driver's License
Timeline
Mill wright/Mechanic
CONSOLIDATED NUCLEAR SERVICES, LLC at UPF Project
01.2025 - Current
Millwright
Precision grinding
08.2024 - Current
Ironworker/Welder
American Bridge
06.2024 - 08.2024
Ironworker/Welder
Ben Hur Construction
10.2023 - 06.2024
Mechanic
Fitzgerald performace
03.2023 - 10.2023
Heavy Equipment Field Mechanic
Sam C Franklin & Son, Inc.
09.2022 - 03.2023
Lead Technician/field Technician
Meridian Waste
09.2020 - 09.2022
Diesel Mechanic/welder/fabricator
Claiborne Hauling
04.2020 - 09.2020
Diesel Mechanic/Welder/fabriacator
Roeder Cartage Company
10.2018 - 03.2020
Welder/Fabricator
McElwain
10.2017 - 10.2018
Welder
Hustler trailer
07.2016 - 06.2017
Millwright
Oak Ridge Hardwoods
01.2013 - Current
Associate - Automotive and Diesel
University of Northwestern Ohio
High school or equivalent -
Clinton High School