Manual Machinist Apprentice – Learn the Craft. Grow Your Skills. Shape Our Future.
Do you enjoy working with your hands, understanding how machines think, and taking raw material from rough stock to precision parts? Are you excited about mastering old‑school manual machining while also growing your CNC skill set for the future? If that sounds like you, we want you on our team!
We’re searching for a Manual Machinist Apprentice who is eager to learn from our highly skilled veteran machinists. You’ll gain hands‑on experience with manual mills, lathes, grinders, and more—while also preparing to help bridge our shop toward future CNC machining capabilities.
This role is ideal for someone early in their machining career who wants to become truly versatile.
Why This Role Matters
You’ll be working side‑by‑side with experienced machinists who have decades of knowledge to pass down. This is a rare opportunity to learn craftsmanship that many shops no longer teach—and help shape the future direction of our machining department.
What You’ll Learn and Do
Manual Machining Training & Responsibilities
- Learn to set up and operate manual machinery including:
- Engine lathes
- Blanchard grinder
- Vertical mills
- Various manual shop equipment
- Interpret drawings, tolerances, and machining instructions
- Perform layout, measurement, and inspection using standard metrology tools
- Assist in machining parts to tight tolerances
- Learn tooling selection, speeds & feeds, and workholding fundamentals
- Maintain clean, organized machine areas and follow safety procedures
Future CNC Support (As Our Shop Evolves)
We are not expecting a CNC programmer or full setup machinist. Instead, you’ll contribute by:
- Being familiar with CNC workflow and terminology
- Understanding the basics of program selection, tooling offsets, and simple edits
- Assisting with tool changes, fixture changes, and program calls
- Helping transition certain manual jobs to CNC processes over time
If you’ve operated CNC machines—even at an entry‑level operator level—that’s great! If not, we’ll train you.
What You Bring
- Mechanical aptitude and a desire to become highly skilled in manual machining
- Willingness to learn from experienced machinists and follow established processes
- Ability to read basic blueprints (or willingness to learn)
- Dependability, attention to detail, and a strong safety mindset
Physical Requirements
- Standing, bending, reaching, and machine operation throughout the day
- Ability to lift up to 60 lbs with or without assist
- Comfortable working in a machining environment (oil, coolant, metal chips, etc.)
Compensation
Starting wage is based on experience, education, attitude, and machining aptitude, including skill assessment during the interview.
We’re investing in someone who wants to grow into a long‑term role—your skill development matters to us.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Hands‑on training from seasoned machinists—an opportunity that’s becoming rare
- Exposure to both traditional and modern machining technology
- A stable work environment where craftsmanship still matters
- Opportunities to advance as our operation expands into CNC machining
- A culture that encourages learning and continuous improvement
Ready to Start Your Machining Career?
We’d love to meet you!
Apply on Indeed or stop in to apply in person.
If you’re ready to build real machining skill—from manual craftsmanship to CNC-assisted production—this role is your path forward.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Machining: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
