Machinist

Howell Laboratories Inc; Gorham (ME); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Howell Laboratories, Inc. is seeking an entry-level Machinist to join our ODAT Machine, GDL Powder Coating, and Howell CleanTech divisions on the Gorham shop floor.

You’ll be mentored by experienced machinists who invest in your growth and in the mission to deliver precise parts for critical programs. Operate lathes and mills, read prints, measure with calipers and micrometers, deburr, and document quality checks.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Fresh graduates welcome and encouraged to apply.
• Early career machinist role with mentorship and growth opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Operate lathes and mills according to prints and specs.
• Inspect and measure finished parts to ensure they meet tolerances.
• Measure dimensions using calipers and micrometers and document results.
• Deburr and clean parts as needed.
• Maintain accurate quality documentation and a safe, orderly work area.
• Collaborate with team to share skills and ideas.

Skills

Mechanical mindset

Numerical precision

Self-driven

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Height gauges

Job description

Do You Want to Just Earn a Wage Or Build True Equity

Next Gen / Early Career Machinist

We are a 100% employee-owned engineering and manufacturing company providing precision manufacturing of SUBSAFE defense articles.

SUBSAFE is the Navy’s premier quality assurance program, born from a commitment to ensure that every submarine—and the crew within it—return safely from the depths.

Beyond The Paycheck

Build Real Wealth Early: Time is on your side. The earlier you start, the more your stock stacks up in the background—giving you real freedom to live on your own terms later in life.

Zero-Cost Ownership: You don't buy stock out of your paycheck; we allocate shares to you at zero cost as you help us grow.

Mentorship, Not Competition: We are all co-owners. Our experienced machinists are invested in coaching you, teaching you the trade, and helping you succeed from day one.

Built-In Progression: We have a transparent track to level up your craft—master defined skills, hit the benchmarks, and trigger direct wage increases without the guessing games.

One Company. One Shared Mission: Howell Laboratories, Inc and its divisions, ODAT Machine, GDL Powder Coating and Howell CleanTech run as one unified team—working together to push the business forward and build real, shared wealth for every employee-owner.

The Shop Floor

• Climate-Controlled Shop
• Smaller Shop with greater responsibility and impact.
• We are Clean Shop
• We Know Each Other. You'll know everyone’s name by the first week.
• No Shuttle Service: From your driver's seat to the shop floor takes about 12 seconds.
• Led by Machinists. Your supervisors are working machinists on the shop floor with you.
• Never the same day twice. Constantly changing setups means your skills grow faster every single week.
• Overtime Available. Our shift schedule is 4x10s, 6AM – 4PM, Monday-Thursday. Friday Half-Days are available for overtime.
• Make Things That Matter. When you make a part here, you know it’s heading somewhere, it actually matters—and that the sailors relying on it can trust your work completely.

Your Specs

• You are self-driven. You might be early in your career, but you have a genuine desire to build your skills.
• You have a mechanical mindset. You may spend your weekends turning wrenches, rebuilding engines, or fixing things with your hands.
• You are sharp with numbers. You’re comfortable working in decimals, fractions, and basic geometry without sweating it.
• You are a cool-headed problem solver and see a "roadblock" as just a puzzle to be solved.
• Freshly graduated or soon to be graduating? Whether you're holding your machining certificate or putting the finishing touches on your final semesters, we would love to meet you.

Sign On Bonus: $2000.

$1000. after 90 days of employment

$1000. after 6 months of employment

Job Location: Gorham, Maine

Education Level: High School Diploma or Equivalent Required

Job Type / Status: Fulltime, Non-exempt

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Operate production machines following prints and specifications. Assigned machines may include lathes, mills, and similar equipment.
• Inspect and measure your finished parts to ensure they meet the specifications, identifying any setup-related issues before they become problems.
• Apply knowledge of mathematics and use instruments to calculate dimensions and tolerances. Mechanical measuring tools include height gauges, and micrometers.
• Deburr and clean parts as needed
• Maintain precise quality documentation, taking pride in the paperwork that proves your station is running at peak performance.
• Maintain a safe and orderly production area.
• Engage in a collaborative environment, that values the exchange of skills and ideas.

Physical Requirements

• Physical ability to operate machines
• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, and stretching
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.