Journeyman Manual Machinist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Employee discounts

Life insurance

Health advocacy

Job summary

Aerotek in Valparaiso, IN is seeking a Journeyman Manual Machinist to operate manual lathes, mills, grinders, and drill presses, reading blueprints and ensuring tight tolerances. You will set up tooling, fabricate fixtures, and inspect parts with precision measuring tools, working a first-shift schedule in a clean, well-organized shop with a union environment.

The role offers direct placement with union benefits and a stable daytime schedule, with opportunities to contribute to quality and

Qualifications

• Valid journeyman card or equivalent certification.
• Experience operating manual lathes and mills in a shop.
• Proficiency reading blueprints and technical drawings.
• Skilled with micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators.
• Ability to set up tooling and fixtures for production.
• Knowledge of shop math for dimensions and tolerances.

Responsibilities

• Receive instructions and review prints; clarify requirements before starting work.
• Interpret drawings to plan machining procedures and layouts.
• Perform layout and sketches to support machining tasks.
• Select and grind tools based on material and part characteristics.
• Set up and operate manual lathes and mills for precise finishes.
• Inspect parts using precision measuring instruments for conformance.
• Dismantle and reassemble machinery as needed for maintenance or modifications.
• Coordinate crane movements safely for loading/unloading of parts.

Skills

Journeyman certification

Manual lathe operation

Manual milling

Blueprint reading

Precision measurement

Tool setup

Fixture fabrication

Machinery alignment

Safety in crane operations

Dismantling/assembling machinery

Job description

Job Title: Journeyman Manual 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 24, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Valparaiso,IN.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

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.