Manual Machinist

Manual Machinist This role is for a skilled Manual Machinist who manufactures, repairs, and maintains precision tooling, molds, dies, and machined components in a high-quality tool and die manufacturing environment. You will work independently on manual equipment, interpret blueprints and technical drawings, and use precision measurement tools to ensure tight tolerances and superior craftsmanship. The position offers the opportunity to own the machining process from start to finish while contributing to a variety of custom jobs in a job shop setting. Responsibilities Operate manual machine tools including manual lathes, manual mills, surface grinders, drill presses, and related equipment. Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical specifications to determine machining processes and setups. Machine precision tooling, molds, dies, and components to required tolerances and quality standards. Inspect finished parts using micrometers, calipers, gauges, and other precision measuring instruments to verify dimensional accuracy. Select appropriate tooling, fixtures, and machining methods for each job based on material, design, and tolerance requirements. Set machine speeds, feeds, and cutting depths to achieve optimal surface finish, accuracy, and efficiency. Troubleshoot machining issues, adjust processes as needed, and maintain consistent product quality. Perform routine machine maintenance to keep equipment in good working condition and minimize downtime. Maintain shop housekeeping standards by keeping work areas clean, organized, and safe. Follow all safety procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements at all times. Build, repair, and modify tooling, molds, and fixtures with minimal supervision, ensuring precision fit and function. Inspect your own work throughout the machining process and make necessary adjustments to hold tight tolerances. Participate in process improvements and continuous improvement activities to enhance efficiency and quality. Collaborate with machining, engineering, and quality personnel to solve technical problems and improve machining processes. Essential Skills Proven experience operating manual lathes, manual mills, and surface grinding machines in a precision machining environment. Strong manual machining skills, including setup, operation, and adjustment of manual machine tools. Hands-on experience with Bridgeport-style manual mills and manual lathe operations. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical specifications accurately. Advanced precision measurement skills using micrometers, calipers, gauges, and other precision measuring instruments. Demonstrated ability to hold tight tolerances and inspect own work throughout the machining process. Experience selecting tooling, fixtures, and machining methods appropriate to each job and material. Capability to set and adjust machine speeds, feeds, and cutting depths to meet quality and performance requirements. Skill in troubleshooting machining issues and correcting problems to maintain product quality. Understanding of and adherence to shop safety procedures and PPE requirements. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience in tool and die building, including manufacturing and fitting complex tooling assemblies. Background in mold repair for precision molds used in production environments. Proficiency in surface grinding for tight tolerance and high-finish applications. Experience with jig and fixture fabrication to support machining and production processes. Skill in precision fitting and assembly of tooling, molds, dies, and fixtures. Knowledge of CNC programming principles and workflows, even if the primary role focuses on manual machining. Experience machining heat-treated tool steel and other challenging materials. Job shop experience working on a variety of parts, materials, and customer requirements rather than repetitive production. Understanding of the differences between manual mills and CNC mills, including how manual mills are operated by hand and CNC mills by computer program. Why Work Here? You join a precision machining environment that values craftsmanship, autonomy, and problem-solving. The shop operates on first shift hours with flexibility between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., allowing you to choose your start and end times as long as weekly hour expectations are met. You work in a smaller team with direct access to decision-makers, giving you a high level of ownership and the ability to see the impact of your ideas. The variety of parts and projects keeps the work engaging, and you have the opportunity to make process improvements, collaborate closely with others, and see tangible results from your expertise. Work Environment The work environment is a first-shift, job shop atmosphere with operating hours from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and training typically occurring from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. After training, you can choose the hours that work best for you within the shops operating window, provided you meet the required weekly hours. The setting is a smaller, collaborative team where machinists, programmers, engineering, and quality personnel work closely together to solve problems and improve processes. The shop focuses on a variety of parts and projects rather than running the same production part every day, which means you will encounter different setups, materials, and customer requirements on a regular basis. The environment is fast-paced, with priorities that can shift based on customer demands, delivery schedules, and new jobs entering the shop, and it emphasizes precision machining, craftsmanship, and safe work practices. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Caledonia, Illinois. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $30.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Caledonia, Illinois. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 12, 2026.