Journeyman Machinist

Aerotek; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 76,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct placement

Union benefits

Job summary

Aerotek in Valparaiso, IN seeks a Journeyman Machinist to perform precision machining on manual lathes, mills, grinders and drill presses in a clean shop. You will read drawings, plan operations, set up tooling, fabricate fixtures and ensure parts meet tight tolerances.

Responsibilities include interpreting prints, calculating dimensions, selecting tools, and inspecting work with calipers and micrometers. This is a first-shift, fully onsite role with a direct placement in a union environment,

Qualifications

• Journeyman certification or equivalent.
• Experience operating manual lathes and mills in a shop.
• Strong tooling setup, adjustment and maintenance skills.
• Ability to read blueprints and technical drawings accurately.
• Knowledge of hydraulics as it relates to machinery.
• Proficiency with micrometers, calipers and dial indicators.
• Ability to calculate dimensions, tapers and indices.
• Experience setting up and operating machine tools with proper speeds/feeds.
• Skilled at fabricating or modifying jigs/fixtures.
• Ability to work safely around cranes and direct crane movements.

Responsibilities

• Read prints and work orders; clarify requirements before starting.
• Interpret drawings to plan machining procedures.
• Perform layout work and create supporting sketches.
• Calculate dimensions using shop formulas and reference manuals.
• Select and grind tools and gauges based on material properties.
• Fabricate or source jigs and fixtures as needed.
• Set up and operate manual lathes and mills with proper feeds/speeds.
• Machining parts to specified tolerances and finishes.
• Inspect workpieces with precision instruments to ensure specs.
• Dismantle, assemble, align, and adjust machinery for maintenance.
• Assist with fabrication, welding, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
• Follow all safety procedures; maintain clean, organized work area.

Skills

Journeyman certification

Manual lathe experience

Manual mill experience

Tooling setup

Blueprint reading

Precision measurement

Gaging tools

Dismantling/assembling machinery

Crane operation safety

Fabrication of jigs/fixtures

Job description

Job Title: Journeyman Machinist

Job Description

This role focuses on precision machining using manual lathes, mills, surface grinders, and drill presses in a clean, well-organized industrial environment. You will interpret technical drawings, plan and execute machining operations, and ensure parts meet exacting tolerances and finishes. The position also involves tool selection and setup, fabrication of jigs and fixtures, and participation in equipment assembly, alignment, and maintenance activities.

Responsibilities

• Receive instructions, review prints and work orders, and clarify job requirements before starting work.

• Interpret engineering drawings and sketches to plan and determine the appropriate machining procedures.

• Perform layout work and create sketches as needed to support machining and fabrication tasks.

• Calculate and determine dimensions, tapers, indices, and other critical data using shop formulas and reference handbooks.

• Select and grind tools, cutters, boring heads, gauges, and related tooling based on material hardness, machinability, and other part properties.

• Procure or fabricate jigs, fixtures, and machine attachments required to complete assigned jobs safely and efficiently.

• Set up and operate manual machine tools, including lathes and mills, adjusting stops, feeds, and speeds for optimal performance and quality.

• Machine rolls and other parts to precise tolerances and specified surface finishes.

• Use precision measuring instruments to inspect workpieces and verify compliance with specifications.

• Dismantle machinery and equipment as needed for repair, maintenance, or modification.

• Assemble, fit, align, and adjust machinery and equipment to very close tolerances to ensure proper function.

• Hook and signal for crane movement of products, materials, or equipment in a safe and controlled manner.

• Support fabrication, welding, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance activities as required to maintain reliable operations.

• Follow all safety procedures, maintain a clean and organized work area, and contribute to a safe shop environment.

Essential Skills

• Valid journeyman machinist card or equivalent journeyman-level certification.

• Proven experience operating manual lathes and manual mills in an industrial or machine shop environment.

• Strong tool and die experience, including setup, adjustment, and maintenance of tooling.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings accurately.

• Working knowledge of hydraulics as it relates to machinery and equipment operation.

• Proficiency in using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators.

• Demonstrated ability to calculate dimensions, tapers, indices, and related machining data using shop math and formulas.

• Experience setting up and operating machine tools, including adjusting feeds, speeds, and stops for efficient machining.

• Skill in fabricating or modifying jigs, fixtures, and machine attachments to support production needs.

• Capability to dismantle, assemble, fit, align, and adjust machinery and equipment to very close tolerances.

• Ability to work safely around cranes and to direct crane movement of materials and equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in fabrication and welding environments.

• Experience in troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on industrial equipment.

• Comfort working in an industrial machine shop setting with multiple milling and lathe machines.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, precision components.

• Effective communication skills to follow instructions and coordinate with team members.

• Ability to adapt to changing work orders and priorities while maintaining accuracy and safety.

Why Work Here?

You will work in a union environment that offers stability, structure, and clear guidelines. The role provides a straight day shift schedule and a direct placement opportunity, supporting long-term employment and predictable hours. You will join a well-regarded machine shop known for its cleanliness, organization, and professional atmosphere, with opportunities to apply and grow your technical skills in a supportive setting.

Work Environment

The facility is an enclosed industrial building with regulated temperature, providing a comfortable and controlled work setting. It is a well-lit, relatively clean machine shop environment with extensive milling and lathe operations, recognized as one of the cleanest machine shops in its region. Some areas can be loud due to machinery, and appropriate hearing protection is required. The standard dress code includes a uniform, metatarsal footwear, ear plugs, hard hat, and safety glasses to ensure safety on the shop floor. The position follows a first-shift schedule, typically 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, for 40 hours per week with some additional work on Saturdays as needed.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Valparaiso, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $83928.00 - $83928.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

direct placement, union benefits

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Valparaiso, IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Valparaiso,IN.

About Aerotek

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.