Job Title: Manual Machinist

Job Description

The Manual Machinist sets up and operates manual machine tools to produce precision components to specification. This role requires strong blueprint interpretation skills, a solid understanding of GD&T, and the ability to perform accurate measurements to maintain tight tolerances. The position involves working with a variety of manual equipment in a small CNC shop where team members often take on multiple responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual mills, lathes, drill presses, and grinders to produce precision parts according to specifications.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T symbols, and work instructions to determine machining requirements.
• Select appropriate tooling, determine and adjust machine speeds and feeds, and ensure proper work holding for each job.
• Use micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, and other precision inspection tools to verify part dimensions and accuracy.
• Inspect parts throughout the production process to maintain tight tolerances and document inspection results as required.
• Perform machine setup, including establishing offsets, verifying tool changes, and preparing equipment for production runs.
• Troubleshoot machining issues, adjust setups, and refine processes to improve part quality and efficiency.
• Operate and support work on manual Bridgeport mills, surface grinders, manual lathes, and manual mills in a job-shop environment.
• Contribute to basic programming and operation of manual CNC equipment as needed.
• Support general shop tasks and wear multiple hats to assist with various machining and production needs in a small team setting.

Essential Skills

• Manual machining experience, with 2–5+ years preferred in a similar role.
• Strong understanding of GD&T and its application to machining and inspection.
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and bore gauges.
• Ability to accurately read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and work instructions.
• Hands-on experience operating manual mills, manual lathes, drill presses, and grinders.
• Capability to perform accurate machine setup, including tooling selection, speeds and feeds, and work holding.
• Physical ability to lift 40–50 lbs and stand for extended periods during the shift.
• Solid troubleshooting skills to resolve machining and dimensional issues on the shop floor.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating Bridgeport mills and surface grinders.
• Familiarity with manual CNC equipment, including basic programming, offsets, and tool changes.
• Comfort working with both manual and basic CNC machining processes.
• Ability to document inspection results and follow established quality control procedures.

Why Work Here?

You will join a small, close-knit shop that values hands-on craftsmanship and offers the chance to work on a variety of projects rather than repetitive, high-volume work. The company provides a competitive hourly wage based on experience, overtime opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance. You can build long-term financial security through a 401(k) with company match, and enjoy paid time off and holidays to support a healthy work-life balance. Ongoing training and advancement opportunities allow you to continuously develop your skills and grow your career in a supportive environment where employees are trusted to take ownership and wear multiple hats.

Work Environment

The role is based in a small CNC shop with approximately 12 employees, where the atmosphere is practical and production-focused. The facility is somewhat dirty as is typical for a machining environment, but it is reasonably maintained and not excessively dirty. Team members work closely together and often wear multiple hats, contributing to different tasks as needed. The environment includes manual mills, manual lathes, drill presses, grinders, Bridgeport mills, surface grinders, and manual CNC equipment. Work involves standing for extended periods and handling parts that may weigh up to 40–50 lbs, with standard shop attire appropriate for a hands-on machining setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of LAKEVILLE, MN.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $60.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are