MANUAL LATHE/MACHINIST

Job Title: Manual Lathe Machinist

Department: Repair

Reports To: Plant Manager


FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Overview:

The Manual Lathe Machinist is responsible for machining precision parts used in the manufacturing and repair of hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders. This role involves setting up and operating manual lathes and related machine tools to produce components according to specifications, drawings, and work instructions. The machinist will calculate dimensions and tolerances, perform in-process inspections, and verify conformance of parts to quality standards. In addition to producing accurate parts, the Manual Lathe Machinist is responsible for maintaining equipment through preventive maintenance, monitoring tooling condition, and ensuring proper oil levels. Success in this position requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a commitment to producing high-quality components in a safe and efficient manner.

Essential Duties: (Additional may be assigned as required.)

• Set up and operate manual lathes to machine cylinder components according to blueprints, specifications, and work instructions.
• Calculate dimensions, tolerances, and machining parameters using mathematics, precision measuring instruments, and technical knowledge.
• Machine parts to exact specifications using a variety of machine tools, including lathes, milling machines, shapers, and grinders.
• Measure, examine, and test completed parts to ensure conformance to specifications, using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other precision tools.
• Perform in-process inspections during machining to verify accuracy, detect defects, and maintain consistent quality.
• Complete preventive maintenance on machines, including monitoring and maintaining proper oil levels and lubrication schedules.
• Inspect tooling regularly for wear and damage; replace or report issues to maintain safe and efficient machining.
• Maintain clean and organized work area to support safety, efficiency, and quality standards.
• Adhere to company safety policies and procedures, reporting any hazards or equipment malfunctions to supervisors.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet production schedules and achieve company goals.

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above, and below, are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Ability:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Math Ability:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, including whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Education/Experience:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to five years of experience in a job-shop environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Equipment:

• Manual engine lathe
• Bridgeport mill
• Radial arm drills

Knowledge, Skills, and Other Abilities:

• Ability to read blueprints.
• Ability to use all types of micrometers, close tolerances, and surface finishes.
• Ability to handle all types and sizes of tie rods, tubes, and rods.
• Familiarity with 3 and 4 jaw chucks
• Familiarity with OD and ID threading
• Familiarity with machining cold rolled steel, bronze, cast iron, aluminum, and some heat-treated materials.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25+ pounds.


Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to wear safety glasses and hard sole/close toed shoes with a low heel when walking through the manufacturing shop and/or repair shop whether as part of performing their job or just passing through. In addition, long hair must be tied back when around hazards of flame, machinery, or equipment.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration.


The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.