MACHINIST 2-MANUAL

LEADING EDGE MANUFACTURING, LLC; Arizona; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid holidays and PTO

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Leading Edge Manufacturing is seeking a highly skilled Manual Machinist with extensive mill and lathe experience to support precision manufacturing operations in Phoenix, AZ. The role requires reading blueprints, GD&T, fixture fabrication, and meticulous measurement to produce high‑quality components and prototypes.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years of hands‑on experience in aerospace/industrial machining, can work independently, and collaborate with engineering and quality teams to meet strict

Qualifications

• 10+ years of manual machining experience in manufacturing or aerospace environments.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, and work instructions.
• Design and build fixtures and tooling to support manufacturing operations.
• Operate conventional/manual machining equipment with precision and safety.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual mills, lathes, drill presses, grinders and other equipment.
• Machine precision parts from aluminum, stainless steel, titanium and alloys.
• Inspect parts using micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges and bore gauges.
• Maintain tolerances and quality requirements; troubleshoot issues to improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality and production teams.

Skills

Manual machining

Blueprint reading

GD&T

Precision measurement

Troubleshooting

Independent work

Team collaboration

Tools

Manual milling machines

Lathe machines

Calipers & micrometers

Height gauges & bore gauges

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

About Us

Joined Alloys, a division of Leading Edge Manufacturing (LEM), is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Since 1959, LEM has been a trusted name in the aerospace, precision machining, and defense industries. Originally founded as Maximet, Inc. and rebranded as Leading Edge Manufacturing in 2017, we specialize in complex manufacturing processes including machining, sheet metal fabrication, brazing, heat treating, welding, and non-destructive testing. With AS9100D, ISO9001, and NADCAP certifications, we deliver high-quality precision components and sub-assemblies across multiple industries.

Manual Machinist-Mill and Lathe

Position Summary

Joined Alloys is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Manual Machinist with strong mill and lathe experience to support precision manufacturing operations. This position is responsible for setting up and operating conventional/manual machining equipment to produce high-quality components, tooling, fixtures, and prototype parts to engineering specifications.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of machining practices, blueprint interpretation, fixture fabrication, and precision measurement techniques, with a strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Experience Required

10+ years of manual machining experience in a manufacturing or aerospace/industrial machining environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual mills, lathes, drill presses, grinders, and other conventional machining equipment.
• Machine precision parts from raw materials including aluminum, stainless steel, titanium and other alloys.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, sketches, GD&T, and work instructions.
• Manufacture, modify, and repair tooling, jigs, fixtures, and production aids to support manufacturing operations.
• Build custom fixtures for machining, assembly, welding, and inspection processes.
• Perform layout work and determine machining methods, tooling, and setup requirements.
• Select proper cutting tools, feeds, and speeds for efficient machining operations.
• Inspect completed parts using precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges, and bore gauges.
• Maintain close tolerances and ensure parts meet dimensional and quality requirements.
• Troubleshoot machining and fixture-related issues to improve production efficiency.
• Perform minor machine maintenance and keep equipment in safe operating condition.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with safety standards and company procedures.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to support manufacturing needs and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of hands-on manual machining experience.
• Strong experience operating manual mills and lathes independently.
• Proven experience designing and building fixtures and tooling.
• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints and GD&T requirements.
• Advanced knowledge of machining practices, materials, and tolerancing.
• Strong math and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with tight-tolerance precision components.
• Ability to use precision inspection equipment accurately.
• High attention to detail and craftsmanship.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace or defense manufacturing experience preferred.
• Welding or fabrication experience is a plus.
• Experience supporting prototype or low-volume manufacturing environments preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Frequent use of hands, tools, and measuring equipment.
• Ability to work safely around machining equipment and moving machinery.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• 401(k) plan
• Career growth opportunities

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation DOE (Depending on Experience)

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- & long-term disability, 401(k))
• Paid holi