Manual Machinist

Manual Machinist

This role supports a rotating equipment repair shop that refurbishes pumps, compressors, turbines, gearboxes, and other rotating equipment. You will machine medium to large parts to very tight tolerances using a variety of manual machines while working from detailed blueprints and drawings. The position offers exposure to diverse projects and equipment in a collaborative, job-shop environment.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret blueprints and drawings to recondition and refurbish rotating equipment components from the field.
• Set up and operate manual vertical mills and horizontal lathes to machine medium to large parts to extremely tight tolerances.
• Operate either a Vertical Turret Lathe (VTL) or a Horizontal Boring Mill (HBM) to machine parts for pumps, compressors, turbines, gearboxes, and other rotating equipment.
• Select appropriate tooling, speeds, and feeds for a variety of metals and ensure precision machining throughout the process.
• Use micrometers, calipers, and other precision measuring tools to inspect parts and verify dimensions against specifications.
• Work closely with machinists, mechanics, and inspectors to troubleshoot issues, ensure quality, and complete projects efficiently.
• Handle and position large parts safely, coordinating with team members and using shop equipment as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow all safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Adapt to a job-shop environment with frequently changing projects and requirements, ensuring consistent quality and on-time delivery.

Essential Skills

• At least 5+ years of experience as a Manual Machinist.
• Proficiency operating manual vertical mills and horizontal lathes.
• Experience operating either a Vertical Turret Lathe (VTL) or a Horizontal Boring Mill (HBM).
• Demonstrated experience machining parts for rotating equipment such as pumps, compressors, turbines, and gearboxes.
• Strong blueprint reading skills with the ability to interpret complex drawings and specifications.
• Hands-on experience in manual machining using mills, lathes, and boring mills in a machine shop environment.
• Proficiency using precision measuring instruments including micrometers and calipers.
• Proven ability to hold extremely tight tolerances on medium to large parts.
• Comfort working with a variety of metals and adjusting machining parameters accordingly.

Why Work Here?

You will join a small, down-to-earth shop where people know each other and work together closely. The job-shop setting provides constant variety, with new and interesting projects that keep the work engaging and help you grow your skills. You will have the opportunity to learn and train on many different machines, broadening your experience with rotating equipment and manual machining. The culture emphasizes teamwork, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning, offering a stable environment where skilled tradespeople can build a long-term career.

Work Environment

The role is based across three machine shops located within a few blocks of each other. Each shop is clean and organized, though not climate controlled, and large bay doors may remain open when moving large parts or operating unique machines. You will work around a mix of CNC machinists, manual machinists, mechanics, and inspectors, with frequent interaction and collaboration to complete projects. The standard schedule is a first shift from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Overtime is very likely, and when workload increases, the shop may operate extended hours from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Short-term night shifts may also be scheduled, typically 5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. for a few weeks at a time, to support stacked projects. The dress code includes steel-toe footwear, jeans, work shirt, safety glasses, and other required personal protective equipment appropriate for a heavy industrial machine shop environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of South Houston, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/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 South Houston, TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.