Manual Machinist

Manual Machinist

The Manual Machinist sets up and operates conventional machining equipment, including manual lathes, mills, grinders, drill presses, and other shop tools, to manufacture, modify, repair, and maintain precision components. This role works from engineering drawings and specifications to produce high-quality parts within tight tolerances, using strong blueprint-reading skills, solid mechanical aptitude, and a consistent focus on safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual machine tools such as engine lathes, vertical mills, Bridgeports, surface grinders, drill presses, saws, and other conventional machining equipment.
• Interpret blueprints, sketches, engineering drawings, and written work instructions to plan machining operations.
• Perform precision machining operations including turning, boring, drilling, tapping, threading, reaming, milling, and grinding.
• Select appropriate tooling, cutting speeds, feeds, and machining methods for each job to achieve required tolerances and surface finishes.
• Inspect in-process and finished parts using precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, height gauges, and bore gauges.
• Hold tight tolerances and verify dimensional accuracy to ensure all parts meet specifications and quality standards.
• Repair, modify, and fabricate tooling, fixtures, machine components, and production parts as required.
• Troubleshoot machining issues, identify root causes, and recommend or implement process improvements.
• Perform routine maintenance on machines and equipment to keep them in safe and reliable operating condition.
• Accurately complete production, quality, and inspection documentation in a timely manner.
• Follow all safety policies, procedures, and housekeeping standards to maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to meet manufacturing schedules and requirements.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3 years of manual machining experience in a manufacturing or toolroom environment.
• Proficiency in setting up and operating manual lathes, mills, Bridgeports, surface grinders, drill presses, saws, and other conventional machine shop equipment.
• Strong ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, blueprints, and work instructions.
• Solid understanding of machining practices, materials, tolerances, and proper cutting speeds and feeds.
• Hands-on experience using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, height gauges, and bore gauges.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations, including working with fractions, decimals, and basic trigonometry.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills related to machining processes and part quality.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high quality and productivity.
• Ownership and use of personal hand tools appropriate for manual machining work.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Technical degree, certification, or formal apprenticeship in Machining Technology or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Demonstrated experience in blueprint reading and interpreting complex part drawings.
• Background working in a standard machine shop environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.

You will join a stable, family-owned organization that values long-term relationships and steady work. The company takes care of its employees by fostering a supportive environment where your skills are respected and your contributions matter. You can expect consistent hours, a reliable workload, and the opportunity to grow your craft in a well-organized shop.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bloomingdale, IL.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $32.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Bloomingdale,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.