Manual Machinist – Mills & Lathes

Manual Machinist – Mills & Lathes

Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Contract-to-Hire
Shifts: 1st and 2nd Shift
Starting Pay: $28.00/hour; higher pay may be available depending on experience

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Manual Machinist to set up and operate manual mills and lathes to produce precision components. This is a hands-on machining role, not a machine operator position. The ideal candidate can independently interpret technical drawings, select tooling, make machine adjustments, and ensure finished parts meet required specifications and tolerances.

Responsibilities

• Review work orders, blueprints, engineering drawings, and material specifications to determine machining requirements.

• Interpret geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), orthographic drawings, reference points, and machining parameters.

• Set up and adjust mills and lathes, including three- and four-jaw chucks, collets, vises, cutting tools, attachments, bushings, cams, gears, stops, and stock pushers.

• Program mills and lathes by entering instructions, setting zero and reference points, adjusting tool registers, offsets, and compensation.

• Apply basic math, geometry, and trigonometry when calculating machining requirements and verifying programs.

• Load and position raw materials into machine feed mechanisms.

• Perform drilling, grooving, cutting, turning, facing, knurling, and thread-chasing operations.

• Inspect finished and sample parts using measuring instruments to verify dimensions and tolerances.

• Monitor machining processes, identify equipment issues, troubleshoot problems, and adjust machine controls as needed.

• Sharpen or replace worn cutting tools and make necessary machine adjustments or reprogramming changes.

• Follow quality assurance procedures and maintain accurate production standards.

• Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, and coordinate repairs.

• Follow workplace safety procedures and communicate shift updates, equipment issues, and production needs.

• Maintain technical knowledge through training and review of machining publications

Qualifications & Skills

• CNC Certification required.

• Strong manufacturing and machining background.

• Manual milling and lathe setup and operating experience.

• CNC programming experience is a plus.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and GD&T.

• Knowledge of machining tools, controls, instrumentation, and tooling.

• Basic math, geometry, and trigonometry skills.

• Strong attention to detail, judgment, and problem-solving abilities.

• Good verbal communication and technical skills.

• Ability to identify process improvements and work independently.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing facility environment: approximately 95% indoors and 5% outdoors.

• Facility is heated during winter but does not have air conditioning during summer.

• Must be able to stand on concrete floors for at least eight hours per shift.

• Frequent standing, bending, kneeling, and squatting may be required.

• Work areas may be noisy, particularly around grinding and machine testing. Earplugs are provided when needed.

Required Tools & Safety Equipment

Employees must provide their own basic hand tools, including:

• Box, open-end, and socket wrench sets.

• Allen wrench set.

• Screwdriver set.

• Tap handles and pliers.

• Combination square.

• 9-inch level.

• Tape measure.

Both English and metric tool sets are recommended. A lockable toolbox is also recommended.

Required Safety Attire:

• Safety glasses.

• Steel-toed safety shoes.

• Long pants.

• Sleeved shirt (short sleeves are acceptable).