Machine Shop Assistant

Mary Dickson; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

On-the-job training with experienced •

Job summary

Lilly Fasteners in Newark, DE is seeking a dependable, hands-on Machine Shop Assistant to support our in-house fastener customization shop. You will cut, thread, stamp, finish, inspect and learn basic lathe work using well‑maintained equipment.

Training is provided with a clear path to a Machinist role. We offer on‑the-job training, a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM, and a supportive team environment where safety and quality matter.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Cut threaded rod, bar stock and fasteners to length using various saws.
• Operate threaders to produce studs and threaded parts to order specs.
• Mark and identify parts using stamping/etching machines.
• Deburr, chamfer and finish parts with a belt sander.
• Perform basic lathe work as training progresses.
• Check parts for grade and quality with a hardness tester and calipers.
• Read work orders and pull material from stock; stage finished orders for shipping.
• Keep accurate counts and record completed work.
• Perform simple data entry tasks in Traverse ERP.
• Maintain shop cleanliness and safety; report equipment issues.
• Support general warehouse tasks as needed.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Tape measure reading

Attention to detail

Safety conscious

Data entry

Computer use

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Saw operation

Lathe work

Threading equipment

Calipers

Micrometers

Traverse ERP

Job description

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

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

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

Preferred (not required)

• Any shop, manufacturing or warehouse experience
• Experience with saws, lathes or threading equipment
• Familiarity with calipers, micrometers or thread gauges
• Basic knowledge of fasteners, thread types or material grades
• Forklift experience

Physical Requirements

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

Schedule and Benefits

Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM - 4:45 PM

• Health insurance
• 19 days paid time off
• 401(k) after 1 year
• On-the-job training with experienced staff
• Overtime occasionally available

Lilly Fasteners is an equal opportunity employer.