Quality & Shipping Technician

Quality & Shipping Technician

Air-Lake Machine & Manufacturing — Lakeville, MN Full-time
$23–$32/hr DOE 
First Shift

The schedule:

• Monday–Thursday, 6:00 am–3:30 pm. Friday, 6:00 am–10:00 am.
• A long weekend every week — that's our standard schedule, not a special perk.

What you'll be doing:

This is a key role in a precision custom job shop. You're the person who makes sure what comes in is right and what goes out is right — and you keep the shop moving in between. No two days are identical.

Inspection & quality:
Incoming material and parts inspection — verify dimensions, material certs, and conformance to drawings using precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges)

• In-process and final inspection of machined parts against customer blueprints and tolerances.
• Pack and document outgoing shipments to customer and quality standards.
• Strong on the shipping and shop side but haven't done formal inspection? We're willing to train the right person — bring the attention to detail and we'll teach the rest.

Shipping & receiving:

• Receive and unload inbound freight; operate forklift as needed.
• Prepare, pack, and ship finished parts — domestic and freight carriers.
• Maintain accurate receiving and shipping records.

Finishing & shop support:

• Deburring, cleaning, and polishing finished parts.
• Painting and surface prep as required.
• Sawing material to length in support of production.
• General shop support — keeping the floor clean, organized, and running efficiently.

What we're looking for:

• A sharp eye for detail and genuine care about getting things right — this matters more than a specific background.
• Some ability to read mechanical drawings is a strong plus; willingness to learn is required.
• Familiarity with precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers) preferred — we'll train if needed.
• Prior experience in a machine shop, manufacturing, warehouse, or shipping environment preferred.
• Forklift certified or willing to obtain certification (we'll support this).
• Reliable, organized, and comfortable managing multiple tasks independently.
• Team-first attitude — in a small shop, everyone's contribution is visible and valued.

What we offer:

• Pay: $23–$32/hr depending on experience; inspection skills and print reading move you toward the top of the range.
• Schedule: 4.5-day work week, every week.
• Quarterly bonus program.
• Health and dental insurance.
• 401(k).
• Air-conditioned shop.
• Variety — this role touches nearly every part of the operation.
• A company that values attention to detail and rewards people who take ownership.

About Air-Lake Machine & Manufacturing:

We're a precision custom job shop in Lakeville serving industrial customers across the Upper Midwest. We specialize in complex, close-tolerance machining — repairs, custom builds, and production runs in steel, stainless, and aluminum. Quality isn't a department here; it's everyone's job, and this role sits at the center of it.

We're a growing shop and we're looking for people who want to be part of that growth long-term.

Air-Lake Machine & Manufacturing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.