Manual Machinist

Manual Machinist

The Manual Machinist is responsible for fabricating, modifying, repairing, and restoring precision metal components using conventional machining equipment, including manual lathes, milling machines, drill presses, grinders, saws, and other manually operated machine tools. This position requires a thorough understanding of machining principles, blueprint interpretation, precision measurement, and material characteristics to manufacture components that meet exact customer and engineering specifications. The Manual Machinist performs work without CNC automation and relies on technical expertise, craftsmanship, and sound judgment to determine appropriate machining methods, tooling, speeds, feeds, and setups. This position also supports equipment maintenance, quality control, and continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining compliance with all company safety policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of a vocational machining program, technical school, apprenticeship, or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience operating manual machine tools in an industrial, manufacturing, repair, or machine shop environment.
• Experience machining carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, bronze, alloy steels, and other industrial materials.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and mechanical blueprints.
• Demonstrated ability to hold close tolerances and produce precision components.
• Valid driver's license may be required depending on assignment.
• Ability to successfully complete all pre-employment requirements, including background screening, drug and alcohol testing, and any customer-specific requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of conventional machining practices and procedures.
• Strong understanding of machining theory including feeds, speeds, tooling geometry, cutting fluids, and material properties.
• Ability to independently set up and operate manual machining equipment.
• Proficiency in blueprint reading, geometric dimensioning, and interpreting machining tolerances.
• Strong mathematical skills including shop math, geometry, fractions, decimals, and trigonometry.
• Working knowledge of precision measuring instruments and inspection techniques.
• Ability to maintain tolerances within thousandths of an inch.
• Knowledge of cutting tool selection, sharpening, and maintenance.
• Understanding of machine alignment, setup accuracy, and preventive maintenance practices.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments while maintaining quality workmanship.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe work environment and following established procedures.

Essential Functions:

• Set up and operate manual lathes, vertical and horizontal milling machines, drill presses, grinders, band saws, keyway machines, and other conventional machine shop equipment.
• Manufacture new components and repair worn or damaged equipment parts to precise dimensions and tolerances.
• Read, interpret, and work from blueprints, engineering drawings, sketches, work orders, and specifications.
• Calculate dimensions, clearances, feeds, speeds, cutting depths, and machining sequences required to complete work.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, fixtures, workholding devices, and measuring instruments for each machining operation.
• Perform turning, boring, threading, facing, drilling, reaming, tapping, milling, keyway cutting, and surface finishing operations.
• Inspect completed work using precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, dial indicators, depth gauges, thread gauges, and other inspection tools.
• Verify finished parts meet dimensional, geometric, and surface finish requirements.
• Modify existing components to improve fit, function, or extend equipment service life.
• Repair shafts, bushings, sleeves, pump components, rotating equipment parts, and other industrial mechanical components.
• Deburr, polish, and finish machined components as required.
• Identify machining issues and determine corrective actions to ensure quality workmanship.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to work performed, dimensions, inspections, and completed jobs.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of machine tools and work areas.
• Replace worn tooling and maintain tooling inventory in good operating condition.
• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, lockout/tagout procedures, and machine guarding requirements.
• Utilize proper lifting techniques and material handling equipment when moving large or heavy components.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe work environment.
• Work collaboratively with supervisors, engineers, quality personnel, mechanics, welders, and other shop personnel to complete projects safely and efficiently.
• Support emergency repairs and scheduled maintenance activities as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Physical Demands:

• Frequently stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Frequently use hands for grasping, manipulating tools, operating machinery, and performing precision work.
• Regularly lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance and heavier items with mechanical lifting equipment or assistance.
• Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, and reach overhead.
• Ability to work in awkward positions while machining or repairing equipment.
• Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
• Ability to distinguish fine measurements and inspect precision work.
• Corrected vision sufficient to read blueprints, measuring devices, and precision markings.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toed footwear, and other equipment as required.

Work Environment:

• Work is primarily performed in an industrial machine shop or fabrication facility.
• Regular exposure to moving mechanical equipment, rotating machinery, metal chips, cutting oils, lubricants, and machining fluids.
• Exposure to moderate to high noise levels requiring hearing protection.
• May be exposed to varying temperatures depending on shop conditions.
• Frequent use of overhead cranes, forklifts, and material handling equipment.
• Work may require overtime, weekends, holidays, or emergency callouts to support customer needs and project schedules.