Manual Machinist (Lathe Specialist)

Are you a master of manual metal turning? If you take pride in holding ±0.001” tolerances, reading a blueprint like second nature, and turning raw stock into precision components using traditional craftsmanship—we want you on our team.

At Randstad we build custom, high-precision parts for [Industry - e.g., Aerospace, Defense, Custom Machinery]. We’re looking for a skilled Manual Lathe Machinist who thrives on variety, low-volume/prototype work, and true hands-on precision machining.

What You’ll Do

• Command the Shop: Set up and operate conventional manual engine lathes to perform turning, boring, threading, knurling, and tapering.

• Master the Setup: Mount raw materials, dial in chucks/faceplates, calculate optimal speeds and feeds, and grind or select the right tooling.

• Deliver Perfection: Inspect your work using micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and pitch gauges to guarantee zero-defect parts.

• Keep Quality High: Work directly off engineering drawings and shop sketches to craft prototype or repair components.

✅ What You Bring

• 3+ years of hands-on manual lathe experience in a job shop or production environment.

• Deep proficiency in reading blueprints & GD&T symbols.

• Practical mastery of shop math (trigonometry, feed/speed calculations).

• A quality-first mindset—you check your own work and hold tight tolerances.

• Rigorous safety standards and a  team attitude.

What’s in It for You?

• Top Pay: Competitive hourly rates based on experience.

• Solid Benefits: Comprehensive Health, Dental, & Vision coverage starting [Day 1 / 30 Days].

• 401(k) Match: Plan for your future with company matching.

• Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) + 8 paid holidays.

• Tool & Safety Allowance: Annual stipend for safety boots, custom tools, and gear.

salary: $68,000 - $75,000 per year
shift: First
work hours: 7 AM - 4 PM
education: High School

Responsibilities

Machine Setup & Operation

• Set up and safely operate conventional manual lathes (engine lathes, turret lathes) to perform turning, facing, boring, threading (internal and external), knurling, and tapering.

• Select, align, and secure raw materials (bars, castings, forgings) using chucks, collets, faceplates, and steady rests.

• Mount, sharpen, and set cutting tools, carbide inserts, and toolholders to maintain optimal cutting geometry.

• Calculate speed, feed rates, and depth of cut based on material properties (e.g., steel, aluminum, brass, exotic alloys).

Quality Control & Inspection

• Interpret technical drawings, blueprints, shop sketches, and process specs to determine machining sequences.

• Inspect finished parts using precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, vernier calipers, dial indicators, bore gauges, and thread pitch gauges.

• Ensure all parts adhere to tight tolerances (typically ±0.001” or better) and surface finish requirements.

• Document inspection findings, quality logs, and non-conformances as required.

• Maintenance & Shop Safety

• Perform routine preventive maintenance on lathes and shop equipment (oiling, coolant checks, chip cleanup).

• Adhere strictly to shop safety guidelines, OSHA regulations, and PPE requirements (eye protection, steel-toe boots, hair/clothing containment).

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area (5S practices)

The essential functions of this role include:

• wearing steel toe shoes
• manual lifting up to 40lbs
• standing for 8 hours at one time

Skills

• manual machinist (3 years of experience is required)
• lathe (3 years of experience is preferred)
• Blueprints (3 years of experience is preferred)
• geometric dimensioning (2 years of experience is preferred)
• micrometers (2 years of experience is preferred)

Qualifications

• Years of experience: 0 years
• Experience level: Experienced

Randstad is a world leader in matching great people with great companies. Our experienced agents will listen carefully to your employment needs and then work diligently to match your skills and qualifications to the right job and company. Whether you're looking for temporary, temporary-to-permanent or permanent opportunities, no one works harder for you than Randstad.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Randstad, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact View email address on randstadusa.com.

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

This posting is open for thirty (30) days.

Qualified applicants in San Francisco with criminal histories will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.


Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.


We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.