Mechanical Quality Assurance

Wayne Davis has got the eye for details.

Growing up, he loved learning how machines work and the creativity behind car parts. He loves to restore antique cars, carefully bringing each one back to tip-top condition.

Making things new again is part of his job at TVA’s Power Service Shops in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. This is TVA’s specialized repair facility, staffed by skilled tradesmen who are masters of their crafts.

Davis works in mechanical quality assurance. He oversees the repairs and reconditioning to make sure every part is ready to return to service.

"Our jobs are important," Davis explained. "We do our best to make sure everyone feels equal and valued. I never go around saying 'my crew' or 'my jobs' — I like to say 'our.' We are all achieving the same goal."

A Day in the Life

TVA’s Power Service Shops repair specialized equipment used in TVA facilities across the region. The shop helps TVA keep power plants running and dams operating.

Davis is there when parts arrive for repair. He takes meticulous notes and a lot of photos. He carefully checks for defects using a crack detection process and blacklights.

He uses all this information to create a detailed report that guides the repair and reconditioning process. Finally, he performs a last inspection before the part is sent back to its facility.

Careers in Mechanical Quality Assurance

Do you also have an eye for details? A love for machines and how they work then this career could be a future for you!

• Almost all jobs require a vocational school or trade school experience.
• A background in shop or machinery will also help.
• Several years of work experience and training.

A machinist earns $110,345 a year while a machinist foreman earns $130,205.