Michael L. Elston, Jr
Sacramento,CA
Summary
Professional millwright with strong background in installing, maintaining, and repairing industrial machinery and mechanical equipment. Possesses solid track record of enhancing operational efficiency and safety. Known for excellent teamwork, adaptability, and results-driven approach. Key skills include hydraulics, pneumatics, blueprint reading, and troubleshooting complex mechanical systems. Dependable and capable of meeting demands of dynamic work environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Millwright
Collins Pine
Chester, CA
12.2025 - Current
- Led projects for equipment upgrades, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability.
- Mentored junior millwrights, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing within the team.
- Implemented process improvements that reduced downtime during scheduled maintenance activities.
- Developed training materials on safety protocols, ensuring compliance across all operations.
- Adeptly utilized a range of hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring instruments to ensure accurate workmanship in all tasks.
- Conducted comprehensive inspections of machinery to identify potential problems and ensure optimal performance.
- Reduced downtime for production lines by swiftly diagnosing and troubleshooting mechanical issues.
- Inspected and examined all machinery and equipment to detect malfunctions or irregularities.
- Optimized equipment lifespan through proactive monitoring of wear patterns and making adjustments as needed.
- Maintained mechanical, electrical and pneumatic systems to keep systems working together correctly.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement efficient systems and processes in the facility.
- Collaborated with engineering to design modifications for machinery, enhancing performance and reliability.
- Enhanced equipment reliability by performing regular preventative maintenance and inspections.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, conducting regular equipment safety checks.
- Diagnosed and repaired complex machinery, leading to reduced downtime and increased production efficiency.
- Reduced energy consumption with installation of more efficient motors and drives.
- Troubleshot machinery problems and suggested accurate repairs.
- Documented repairs and maintenance activities to create reports for management.
- Kept detailed and accurate maintenance reports and documentation of progress.
- Implemented standard safety procedures to prevent hazards related to industrial machinery and equipment.
- Conducted routine maintenance and inspections to prevent equipment failures.
- Collaborated with team members to resolve mechanical issues efficiently.
- Diagnosed mechanical problems using advanced troubleshooting techniques and tools.
Millwright
MSW
Denton, TX
05.2025 - 11.2025
- Installed and repaired machinery to ensure optimal performance and safety standards.
- Conducted routine maintenance and inspections to prevent equipment failures.
- Collaborated with team members to resolve mechanical issues efficiently.
- Diagnosed mechanical problems using advanced troubleshooting techniques and tools.
- Replaced defective parts of machines and adjusted clearances and alignment of moving parts.
- Enhanced equipment reliability by performing regular maintenance and repairs on industrial machinery.
- Consistently met or exceeded company performance metrics for maintenance efficiency, equipment uptime, and safety compliance.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of major shutdowns, ensuring timely completion of critical tasks within budget constraints.
- Achieved greater precision in machine alignment by utilizing laser technology during installation and repair projects.
- Reviewed technical documentation such as blueprints, schematics, and manuals to accurately assess equipment conditions or plan for maintenance activities.
- Created durable and long-lasting structures to withstand industrial environment demands.
- Developed strong working relationships with vendors, facilitating prompt service calls when specialized expertise was required.
- Reduced machinery wear and tear with introduction of predictive maintenance program.
- Coordinated with manufacturers to secure necessary parts for emergency repairs, minimizing operational impact.
- Increased machinery lifespan by implementing rigorous schedule for parts replacement and lubrication.
- Improved safety standards with implementation of updated lockout/tagout procedures.
- Analyzed schematics and blueprints to fix machinery and calculate materials needed for repair.
- Installed, repaired and maintained automated systems in accordance with safety regulations.
- Positioned steel beams to support bedplates of machines and equipment using blueprints and schematic drawings.
Precision Millwright
GrayWolf
Calvert, AL
12.2023 - 05.2025
- Installed and aligned machinery to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
- Conducted preventive maintenance on mechanical systems to minimize downtime and enhance efficiency.
- Diagnosed mechanical issues using precision tools and techniques, streamlining repair processes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement equipment upgrades, improving operational workflows.
- Mentored junior millwrights on safety protocols and best practices for machinery handling.
- Executed complex installations of heavy machinery, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Analyzed equipment performance data to identify trends and recommend improvements for system reliability.
- Completed complex millwright projects within tight deadlines, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
- Provided mentorship to junior millwrights, sharing technical knowledge and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
- Installed new equipment with accuracy and efficiency, adhering to industry safety standards.
- Operated machine tools to fabricate parts during overhaul, maintenance, or setup of machineries.
- Disassembled machinery parts and categorized properly before moving to storage.
- Positioned steel beams to support bedplates of machines and equipment using blueprints and schematic drawings.
- Used hoisting and rigging equipment to move heavy machinery and equipment.
- Adhered to all workplace safety policies, regulations and compliances.
- Aligned and leveled machines using precision measuring instruments to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
- Installed stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment according to layout plans.
- Read and interpreted blueprints and schematics to understand machinery design and layout.
- Inserted shims, adjusted tension on nuts and bolts and positioned parts, using hand tools and measuring instruments with 100% accuracy.
Millwright/Crane Operator
MSW
Burkburnett, TX
07.2023 - 10.2023
- Diagnosed and repaired mechanical issues on hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
- Conducted routine maintenance on machinery to enhance operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline production processes.
- Mentored junior millwrights in safe operation of tools and equipment.
- Used hoisting and rigging equipment to move heavy machinery and equipment.
- Adhered to all workplace safety policies, regulations and compliances.
- Aligned and leveled machines using precision measuring instruments to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
- Improved workplace safety with diligent adherence to protocols, lockout/tagout procedures, and hazard identification.
- Installed stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment according to layout plans.
- Read and interpreted blueprints and schematics to understand machinery design and layout.
- Inserted shims, adjusted tension on nuts and bolts and positioned parts, using hand tools and measuring instruments with [Number]% accuracy.
- Ensured proper lubrication of moving components by adhering to a strict preventive maintenance schedule based on manufacturer recommendations.
- Mentored junior millwrights as they acquired new skills and gained familiarity with complex industrial machinery operations.
Millwright
QEIS
Atlanta, GA
02.2022 - 04.2023
- Adhered to all workplace safety policies, regulations, and compliances.
- Replaced defective parts of machines and adjusted clearances and alignment of moving parts.
- Inspected and examined all machinery and equipment to detect malfunctions or irregularities.
- Operated machine tools to fabricate parts during overhaul, maintenance or setup of machineries.
- Laid out mounting holes, using measuring instruments, and drilled holes with power drill.
- Installed stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment according to layout plans.
- Increased longevity of machinery and tools by completed regular sharpening and maintenance.
- Performed preventive maintenance on equipment and machinery on regular basis to reduce downtime by 60%.
- Disassembled machinery parts and categorized properly before moving to storage.
- Inserted shims, adjusted tension on nuts and bolts, and positioned parts, using hand tools and measuring instruments.
- Kept detailed and accurate maintenance reports and documentation of progress.
- Read blueprints to safely and efficiently assemble equipment worth up to $300,000
- Positioned steel beams to support bedplates of machines and equipment weighing over 3-5 thousand pounds, using blueprints and schematic drawings.
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Signaled crane operator to lower basic assembly units to bedplate and aligned unit to centerline.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Logistics Manager
NutraCap Labs
Lawrenceville, GA
01.2020 - 02.2022
- Directed shipping and receiving of wide range of products daily.
- Prepared updated shipment reports for executives and clients.
- Kept corporate departments and customers updated on critical shipments.
- Team leader for logistics and systems personnel and property accountability and reconciliation team, ensuring compliance with U.S. Army regulations and DoD directives.
Machinist
Honda Manufacturing of Alabama
Lincoln, AL
08.2015 - 12.2019
- Operated CNC machines to produce precision components according to specifications.
- Trained junior machinists on equipment operation and safety protocols.
- Collaborated with team members to optimize workflow and reduce production downtime.
- Operated drill presses, lathes and milling machines to produce required parts.
- Inspected completed parts to verify compliance with specifications and quality standards.
- Monitored machining operations, adjusting settings as necessary for accuracy and consistency.
Motor Transport Operator
Alabama National Guard
09.2008 - 06.2012
- Operates a variety of military vehicles and equipment over varied terrain and roadways for support of combat operations
- Oversees and checks proper loading and unloading of cargo on vehicles and trailers
- Secure cargo against inclement weather and damage
- Operates vehicle component material handling equipment as required
- Perform vehicle self-recovery and field expedients to include towing vehicles
- Corrects or reports all vehicle deficiencies
- Prepares vehicle for movement/shipment by air, rail, or vessel.
Team Leader
WKW Automotive
04.2013 - 07.2015
- Set clear team goals
- Delegate tasks and set deadlines
- Oversee day-to-day operation
- Monitor team performance and create reports
- Motivate team members
- Discover training needs and provide coaching
- Listen to team members’ feedback and resolve any issues or conflicts
- Sand parts using sandblasting equipment
- Checks for corrosion, distortion and cracks on automotive parts
- Cleans and prepares surface for processing using air-powered sandblasting equipment
- Adheres to company protocol for quality, on-time delivery, and safety
- Manages time appropriately so that production schedules are met
- Maintains a neat and orderly work area.
Education
High School Diploma -
Munford High School
Munford, ALSkills
- Safety compliance
- Equipment installation
- Heavy lifting
- Hydraulic systems
- Safety procedures
- Mechanical troubleshooting
- Parts installation
- Machinery maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Machinery installation
- Blueprint reading
- Tool repair and maintenance
- Pneumatic systems
- Pneumatic controls
- Power tools operation
- Work planning
- Productivity and safety improvement
- Preventive Maintenance
- Pump maintenance
- Bearing installation
- Conveyor systems
- Maintenance recordkeeping
- Equipment Repair
- Equipment inspections
- Repair work
- Coupling installation
- Equipment assembly
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Shaft alignment
- Power tool operation
- Rigging techniques
- Blueprint interpretation
- Mechanical tools
- Equipment inspection
- Equipment preparation
- Malfunction diagnosis
- Industrial mechanics
- Torque specifications
- Equipment set up
- Lubrication procedures
- Precision alignment
- Equipment rebuilding
- Conveyor assembly
- Flexibility
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Industrial safety
- Decision-making
- Adaptability and flexibility
Accomplishments
Alabama National Guard-Motor Transport Operator
Sept 2008-June 2012
Timeline
Millwright
Collins Pine
12.2025 - Current
Millwright
MSW
05.2025 - 11.2025
Precision Millwright
GrayWolf
12.2023 - 05.2025
Millwright/Crane Operator
MSW
07.2023 - 10.2023
Millwright
QEIS
02.2022 - 04.2023
Logistics Manager
NutraCap Labs
01.2020 - 02.2022
Machinist
Honda Manufacturing of Alabama
08.2015 - 12.2019
Team Leader
WKW Automotive
04.2013 - 07.2015
Motor Transport Operator
Alabama National Guard
09.2008 - 06.2012
High School Diploma -
Munford High School