Machine Shop Assistant

Kenneth G Lilly Fasteners, LLC; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Lilly Fasteners in Newark, DE is seeking a dependable, hands-on Machine Shop Assistant to support our in-house fastener customization shop. This role focuses on practical operations—cutting, threading, grinding, stamping, finishing, and inspection on well‑maintained equipment.

We offer training with a clear path to becoming a Machinist. You’ll learn to read work orders, operate basic shop machinery, ensure quality, and perform simple tasks in Traverse ERP.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Mechanical aptitude and a genuine interest in learning machine work.
• Ability to read a tape measure and follow written instructions/work orders.
• Attention to detail to ensure correct lengths, threads and grades.
• Commitment to safe work practices and reliable attendance.

Responsibilities

• Cut threaded rod, bar stock and fasteners to length using saws.
• Operate threaders to produce studs and threaded parts to specifications.
• Mark and identify parts with stamping/etching.
• Deburr, chamfer and finish parts with belt sander.
• Perform basic lathe work as training progresses.
• Check parts for grade and quality with hardness tester and measurement tools.
• Read work orders, pull material, and stage orders for shipping.
• Maintain accurate counts and records of completed work.
• Perform simple data entry in Traverse ERP.
• Assist with routine machine upkeep and safe shop practices.
• Potential to help with general warehouse tasks as needed.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Reading tape measures

Safety mindset

Hand tool proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Nishijimax saws

chop saws

horizontal band saw

Studmaster

Landis threaders

stamping/etching machine

Traverse ERP

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

About the Role

We're looking for a dependable, hands-on Machine Shop Assistant to support our in-house fastener customization shop. The shop does practical, straightforward customization of fasteners and threaded products (cutting, threading, grinding, stamping, finishing and inspection) on well-maintained, older equipment.

This isn't a CNC or complex-machining role. It suits someone mechanically minded who likes working with their hands and wants to learn a trade. We'll train the right person, and there is a clear path to grow into a Machinist role.

What You'll Do

1. Cut threaded rod, bar stock and fasteners to length using Nishijimax saws, chop saws and a horizontal band saw
2. Operate the Studmaster and Landis threaders to produce studs and threaded parts to order specifications
3. Mark and identify parts using the stamping/etching machine
4. Deburr, chamfer and finish parts using the belt sander
5. Perform basic lathe work as training progresses
6. Check parts for grade and quality with the hardness tester, and verify lengths and threads with calipers, tape measures and thread gauges
7. Read work orders and pick tickets, pull material from stock, and stage finished orders for shipping
8. Keep accurate counts and record completed work
9. Perform simple work‑completion tasks on a computer within Traverse ERP software
10. Perform routine machine upkeep (cleaning, oiling, blade and die changes) and report equipment issues
11. Keep the shop area clean, organized and safe
12. Potential to help with general warehouse tasks (receiving, picking, packing), as needed

Growth Path

With experience and demonstrated skill, this role can advance to Machinist. That includes more independent lathe work, machine setup, handling non‑standard or rush custom orders, and eventually training newer shop staff. This growth is rewarded with wage increases.

What We're Looking For

Required

1. High school diploma or GED
2. Mechanical aptitude and a genuine interest in learning machine work
3. Ability to read a tape measure and follow written instructions and work orders
4. Attention to detail; our customers count on correct lengths, threads and grades
5. Observant, thoughtful, and caring
6. Commitment to safe work practices
7. Reliable attendance and a good work ethic
8. Ability to read fractions and decimals
9. Ability to write neatly and legibly
10. Ability to operate a computer and perform basic data entry tasks as needed
11. You hold yourself to high standards
12. You take pride in the work you perform

Preferred (not required)

1. Any shop, manufacturing or warehouse experience
2. Experience with saws, lathes or threading equipment
3. Familiarity with calipers, micrometers or thread gauges
4. Basic knowledge of fasteners, thread types or material grades
5. Forklift experience

Physical Requirements

1. Stand for most of the shift and work around operating machinery
2. Lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly
3. Wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection and steel‑toe boots
4. Tolerate a shop environment with noise, cutting oils and metal dust
5. On‑the‑job forklift training to operate sit‑down and stand‑up lifts.

Schedule and Benefits

1. Monday–Friday, 8:15 AM – 4:45 PM
2. Benefits: Health insurance
3. 19 days paid time off
4. 401(k) after 1 year
5. On‑the‑job training with experienced staff
6. Overtime occasionally available

Lilly Fasteners is an equal opportunity employer.