Manual Machinist

Manual Machinist Job Description This full-time Manual Machinist role focuses on producing precision machined components, including close-tolerance parts, assemblies, prototypes, and production runs. You will plan and lay out work, set up and operate a variety of manual mills and lathes, and ensure all parts meet strict tolerance requirements using precision measuring tools. The position requires strong problem-solving skills, the ability to work with limited supervision, and a commitment to quality and safety on a day-shift schedule, Monday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Responsibilities Plan and lay out work to manufacture parts according to drawing specifications and production requirements. Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and production process work instructions to fully understand part and assembly requirements. Develop a plan of action for each job, including selecting methods, sequences, and tooling to meet specifications and tolerances. Set up and operate manual machine tools, including mills and lathes, to perform machining operations on a variety of materials. Set up tools, fixtures, and workholding devices required to complete each step of the manufacturing process safely and efficiently. Monitor the production process closely, think critically, and adjust machining parameters or setups when issues arise. Measure parts throughout the manufacturing process using precision measuring tools such as height gauges, calipers, and micrometers, and adjust as needed to maintain compliance with process documentation and drawings. Hold close tolerances, including maintaining tolerances of +/- .001 inch, and verify dimensions and finishes at all required checkpoints. Inspect finished parts thoroughly against drawings and specifications to ensure they meet all dimensional and quality requirements. Apply extensive knowledge of machining processes, tooling, speeds, and feeds to optimize productivity and part quality. Use excellent machine shop math skills to calculate proper feeds, speeds, and offsets for various materials and operations. Identify potential risks or issues in the machining process and proactively mitigate them by thinking creatively and solving problems. Work with limited supervision, managing time and priorities to complete jobs accurately and on schedule. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, following all safety procedures and best practices. Collaborate and communicate effectively with team members and leadership to ensure smooth workflow and consistent quality. Strive to continuously build knowledge and skills in manual machining and share expertise with others in the shop. Essential Skills Advanced experience with manual machining, including set up and operation of manual mills and lathes. Extensive knowledge of manual machine tools and their capabilities. Extensive knowledge of machining processes, including turning, milling, drilling, and related operations. Extensive knowledge of machine shop tooling, speeds, and feeds for various materials and applications. Proven ability to hold close tolerances, including maintaining tolerances of +/- .001 inch. Ability to read and interpret blueprints and production drawings accurately. Ability to interpret Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) on drawings. Strong machine shop math skills, including the ability to calculate proper feeds and speeds. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills applied to machining and process improvement. Ability to perform job requirements with limited supervision and manage workload effectively. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail in all aspects of machining and documentation. Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and documentation. Strong safety mindset and adherence to shop safety procedures. Consistently positive attitude and professional work ethic. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience working on large, complex fabrication and machining projects. Familiarity with GD&T beyond basic interpretation, including practical application in inspection and setup. Demonstrated ability to think creatively and "outside the box" to mitigate risk and solve machining challenges. Experience measuring and inspecting parts using precision tools such as height gauges, calipers, micrometers, and other metrology equipment. Experience working in a precision machine shop environment focused on close-tolerance work. Strong desire to continuously build knowledge and skills in machining and manufacturing. Willingness to share expertise and support the development of teammates. Why Work Here? You will join a rapidly growing precision manufacturing operation that is investing in becoming one of the premier machine shops in the region, including work on high-impact government and federal programs. The facility features a newly expanded, large manufacturing complex equipped with advanced machinery that is rare on the West Coast, creating outstanding opportunities for technical growth and career development. Team members benefit from top-of-market opportunities for skill development and pay advancement, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; critical illness, accident, and hospital plans; a 401(k) retirement plan with both pre-tax and post-tax contribution options; voluntary life and AD&D insurance for employees and dependents; short- and long-term disability; a Health Spending Account (HSA); transportation benefits; an Employee Assistance Program; and paid time off, vacation, and sick leave. The culture emphasizes continuous learning, craftsmanship, and a clean, well-organized work environment that supports doing your best work on a stable day-shift schedule. Work Environment The role is based in a large-scale, modern manufacturing plant with multiple bays of temperature-controlled rooms and clean, organized equipment. The shop is outfitted with top-of-the-line CNC and manual machines capable of producing large, complex parts for government and federal programs, providing exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies and challenging projects. The environment prioritizes organization, safety, and precision, with clearly defined processes and well-maintained tooling and machinery. This is a full-time day shift position, working Monday through Thursday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering a consistent schedule and three-day weekends. Attire is typical for a professional machine shop setting, with appropriate work clothing and adherence to all safety and personal protective equipment requirements. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Clackamas, OR. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $44.00/hr. 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 Clackamas,OR. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 10, 2026. About Aerotek We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry - from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow. Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.