Lab Machinist – 2nd Shift

Connect Staffing; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect Staffing Solutions is seeking an experienced Lab Machinist for an established industrial manufacturing company in East Houston. The role involves machining and preparing precision metal specimens for metallurgical testing and quality verification, using manual lathes, mills, and grinders.

The ideal candidate has hands-on manual machining experience, 3–7 years in the field, and the ability to read complex specifications, set feeds and speeds, and verify dimensions with precision tools.

Qualifications

• Hands-on manual machining experience required.
• High school diploma or GED.
• 3–7 years of related machining experience.
• Experience reading and interpreting machining specifications and tolerances.
• Knowledge of feeds, speeds, and machining different types of metals.
• Ability to use precision measuring tools and fixtures.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and meet production deadlines.
• Dependable, safety-conscious, and able to work in a team environment.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Machine and prepare metal test specimens for metallurgical laboratory testing.
• Operate manual machining equipment to produce accurate samples according to specifications.
• Set up and operate lathes, milling machines, saws, and grinders.
• Read and interpret machining specifications, measurements, and tolerances.
• Select appropriate cutting speeds, feeds, and tooling for various metallic materials.
• Use precision measuring instruments to verify dimensions and accuracy.
• Perform hardness testing on tensile specimens.
• Assist with non-destructive testing (NDT) as needed.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and basic preventive maintenance.
• Troubleshoot machining issues to minimize downtime.
• Follow laboratory quality standards, safety procedures, and production schedules.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

Skills

Hands-on manual machining

3–7 years machining experience

Reading machining specifications

Feeds, speeds & metals knowledge

Precision measuring tools

Detail-oriented

Independent, production deadlines

Safety-conscious

Bilingual English/Spanish (optional)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Engine Lathes

Turret Lathes

Bridgeport Milling Machines

Vertical Turning Lathes

Broaching Machines

HEM Saws

Surface Grinders

Job description

Location: East Houston, TX 77015
Pay: $23.00–$26.00 per hour (based on experience)
Job Type: Full-Time
Shift: 2nd Shift – Monday through Friday
Hours: 5:00 PM–1:30 AM
Overtime: May be required based on production needs

About the Company

Connect Staffing Solutions is hiring an experienced Lab Machinist for an established industrial manufacturing company in East Houston. The facility specializes in manufacturing and testing metal components used in demanding industrial applications.

This position supports the Metallurgical Laboratory by machining and preparing precision metal test specimens used for material testing and quality verification.

We are seeking a skilled, dependable machinist with hands-on experience operating manual machining equipment, interpreting specifications, and working with tight tolerances.

Key Responsibilities

• Machine and prepare metal test specimens for metallurgical laboratory testing.

• Operate manual machining equipment to produce accurate samples according to specifications.

• Set up and operate lathes, milling machines, saws, and grinders.

• Read and interpret machining specifications, measurements, and tolerances.

• Select appropriate cutting speeds, feeds, and tooling for various metallic materials.

• Use precision measuring instruments to verify dimensions and accuracy.

• Perform hardness testing on tensile specimens.

• Assist with non-destructive testing (NDT) as needed.

• Perform daily equipment inspections and basic preventive maintenance.

• Troubleshoot machining issues to minimize downtime.

• Follow laboratory quality standards, safety procedures, and production schedules.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on manual machining experience required.

• High school diploma or GED.

• 3–7 years of related machining experience.

• Experience reading and interpreting machining specifications and tolerances.

• Knowledge of feeds, speeds, and machining different types of metals.

• Ability to use precision measuring tools and fixtures.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to work independently and meet production deadlines.

• Dependable, safety-conscious, and able to work in a team environment.

• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus, but not required.

Machining Equipment Experience

Candidates should have knowledge or hands-on experience with the following equipment:

• Engine Lathes and Turret Lathes

• Bridgeport Milling Machines

• Vertical Turning Lathes (VTL)

• Broaching Machines

• HEM Saws – Vertical and Horizontal

• Surface Grinders

Experience with metallurgical testing, hardness testing, or non-destructive testing is a plus.

Training Schedule – Important

Selected candidates must be available to train on 1st Shift before transitioning to 2nd Shift.

Initial Training Schedule:

• Monday–Friday

• 6:00 AM–2:30 PM

• Approximately 1 month

Training duration may be shortened or extended based on progress and performance.

Regular Schedule After Training:

• Monday–Friday

• 5:00 PM–1:30 AM

• Overtime may be required depending on production needs.

Candidates must be available for BOTH the training schedule and the regular 2nd-shift schedule.

Physical & Safety Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, and perform physical work throughout an 8–10-hour shift.

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

• Comfortable working in an industrial manufacturing and laboratory environment.

• Must follow all company safety and quality procedures.

• Metatarsal protection is required. Metatarsal guards will be provided on loan.

• Steel-toe footwear is strongly recommended.

• Must wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE).