Machinist I MF

Cooper Machinery Services; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability coverage

401(k) with company match

Parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Cooper Machinery Services in Houston, TX, is seeking a Machinist I to operate the Mazak vertical mill and turn raw stock into precision parts for a large installed base. Responsibilities include reading blueprints, performing dimensional layouts, and maintaining strict tolerances in a safety-first environment.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma or GED, 0–2 years of manual machining experience, and proficiency with precision measuring tools.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 0–2 years of manual machining experience.
• Experience with precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers).
• Ability to lift 40 pounds and perform physical work.
• Willingness to overtime/weekends/holidays as production requires.

Responsibilities

• Machine parts to specifications using Mazak vertical mill.
• Interpret blueprints and drawings to determine dimensions and tolerances.
• Document dimensional layouts and conformity per prints.
• Set up and operate lathes and mills; adjust offsets as needed.
• Follow PPE and safety protocols on the shop floor.

Skills

Manual machining

Blueprint reading

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Basic math

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Mazak vertical mill

Dial calipers

Vernier calipers

ID mic

Depth mic

Ball mic

Job description

Your first step to heavy machinery starts here; build and grow with us! Since 1833, Cooper Machinery Services has built the engines and compressors that keep the world's energy moving — Cooper-Bessemer™, Ajax™, Superior™, Gemini, and more. As a Machinist I running our Mazak vertical mill, you'll turn raw stock into precision parts that keep this 22,000-unit installed base running strong. If you take pride in tight tolerances, clean work, and getting it right the first time, we want you on our floor.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Machine parts to specifications using the Mazak vertical mill.
• Interpret blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine dimensions and tolerances of finished work.
• Conduct dimensional layout on machined parts to confirm conformity to prints and routing instructions, completing required documentation.
• Identify and execute the surface finishes required for each job.
• Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, jaw attachments, and materials onto machines.
• Monitor machine feed and speed throughout the machining process to ensure proper operation.
• Read job cards to determine product details, specifications, machining time, and quantities.
• Adjust machine offsets — wear, geometry, and cutter compensation — as needed.
• Independently set up and operate assigned machines, including lathes and mills.
• Follow all PPE and safety protocols, including machine guarding, safe lifting, and slip/fall prevention.

WHO YOU ARE

• High School Diploma or GED from an accredited school or institution.
• 0–2 years of manual machining experience, ideally in oil & gas, power, heavy equipment, or automation & controls.
• Skilled with precision measuring tools — dial and Vernier calipers, ID mics, depth mics, ball mics, and similar.
• Able to lift at least 40 pounds and perform physical work involving standing, bending, or kneeling.
• Comfortable adapting to evolving priorities in a team-based production environment.
• Willing to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as production requires.
• Strong verbal and written communication, basic math, and basic computer skills.
• Mechanically inclined, with the ability to read and respond to product specifications and drawings.

PREFERRED

• Forklift, pallet jack, and crane certification.
• Hands-on experience across a range of metal-cutting machinery beyond the Mazak vertical mill.
• A track record of dependability and results in a safety-focused shop environment.

WHY JOIN US

• Most benefits start on day one — no waiting period.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company-paid life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability coverage (6-month short-term disability waiting period).
• Voluntary life, AD&D, and long-term disability buy-up plans.
• Voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
• 401(k) with up to 5% company match — 100% vested on day one.
• Maternity and parental leave, Arc Fertility Benefits, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health support.

Cooper Machinery Services is an equal opportunity employer and gives all qualified applicants consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.