Maintenance Manual Machinist

Join the Leader in Trading Card Manufacturing
At Millennium Print Group (MPG), a proud subsidiary of The Pokémon Company International, we're on a mission to be the world's leading manufacturer of trading card games and collectibles. Based in North Carolina's vibrant Research Triangle Park and Piedmont Triad regions, we're at the heart of innovation in this fast-growing industry.
Since our founding in 2014, our dedicated team has built a world-class operation known for exceptional quality, customer focus, and market agility. Specializing in trading and collectible cards, we offer a unique range of services that set us apart.
Maintenance Machinist (Independent Machining Specialist)
The Maintenance Machinist is responsible for independently planning, setting up, and executing all machining operations required to produce precision components from concept to completion. This role requires expert-level proficiency in blueprint interpretation, advanced shop mathematics, material selection, and manual machining techniques. The machinist must be capable of determining machining strategies, selecting materials and tooling, calculating machining parameters, and verifying dimensional accuracy to tight tolerances without reliance on others.
Machining Planning & Job Ownership

Identify appropriate materials based on mechanical properties, application requirements, and machinability (strength, hardness, corrosion resistance, brittleness, thermal behavior).
Cutting tool selection
Sequence of machining operations
Speeds, feeds, and depth-of-cut parameters
Inspection strategy and key checkpoints

Blueprint, Drawing, and GD&T Interpretation
o Identify drawing errors or manufacturability issues and propose solutions.
Advanced Shop Mathematics
Calculate material allowances, shrinkage, tool deflection considerations, and finish requirements.

~ Tolerance stack-up analysis
Manual Machining Operations
Set up and operate manual lathes, mills, surface grinders, drill presses, saws, and related equipment.
Perform precision turning, facing, boring, threading, drilling, milling, knurling, and grinding.
Select cutting tools appropriate for each material and operation.
Determine optimal speeds/feeds based on material machinability, tool type, and desired finish.
Precision Measurement & Quality Control
Improve machining efficiency through tooling upgrades, optimized cutting strategies, and better setups.
Suggest improvements to shop practices, fixtures, workflow, or machine maintenance.
7-10 years of experience as a manual machinist in a job-shop or industrial manufacturing environment.

• Expert-level knowledge of materials: aluminum, stainless steels, carbon steels, tool steels, brass, plastics, carbide, etc.
• Ability to independently select the correct material for each application when drawings lack specification.
• Expertise in calculating speeds/feeds, chip loads, and machining parameters for varied materials.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and advanced practical mathematics.
• Proven ability to take machining projects from planning to finished product with minimal supervision.

Department of Labor-Registered Apprenticeship Program with a Certificate of Completion as a Journeyman Machinist (or Journeyworker Machinist).
Experience performing root-cause analysis for machining defects or dimensional issues.
Familiarity with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement principles.
Ability to interpret 3D models (STEP, IGES, etc.) occasional lifting up to 75 lbs with assistance.
Ability to push/pull heavy vises, fixtures, and raw materials.
Ability to load/unload parts safely from manual lathes, mills, and grinders.
A highly competitive compensation "above the industry" commensurate with experience which includes an annual incentive bonus plan

• 100% Employer-paid medical, dental base plan, vision, life/AD&D, and short-term and long-term disability, while subsidizing premiums for medical, dental, and vision for employee dependents
• Health Savings/Flexible Spending Account options
• Paid time off, including 10 company-paid holidays, plus 1 floating holiday
• Employee Assistance Program
• Comprehensive relocation package available for qualified candidates
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.