Manual Lathe Machinist

Thread-Craft-Inc.; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Thread-Craft-Inc. in Sterling Heights, MI is seeking an experienced Manual Lathe Hand to join our precision machining team. You will operate manual and semi-automatic lathes to produce metal components to tight tolerances, following blueprints and work instructions.

The ideal candidate has practical hands-on skills, a disciplined approach to safety, and a track record of delivering quality parts on time. We offer a stable, shop-floor environment where skilled tradespeople can grow.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–3 years skilled trades training or 2 years' equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of tool holders, cutting tools, boring bars, fixtures and inserts.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability; read blueprints.
• Basic math skills and ability to take precise measurements with tape, caliper, micrometer.
• Ability to lift 50 lb regularly and up to 70 lb occasionally.
• Five years' prior experience operating manual machinery or in a tool room preferred.
• Experience on engine lathe and Bridgeport mill is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Operates all equipment in a safe manner and maintains a clean working environment.
• Follows procedures for job setup and machine operation using blueprints, work instructions, and machine knowledge.
• Mounts, installs, aligns and secures tools, attachments and fixtures using hand tools and precise measuring instruments.
• Sharpens cutting tools or replaces tooling as necessary.
• Positions and secures the work piece in equipment.
• Watches gauges, dials or other indicators to ensure proper machine operation.
• Provides basic machinery maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Follows proper settings and procedures to ensure tool/machine longevity.
• Conducts tests and first run inspection of product to evaluate quality and tolerance.
• Detects and reports defective materials or questionable conditions to a supervisor.
• Accurately clocks job transactions into ERP software.
• Willingness to cross train and perform the work of other tasks when necessary.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Blueprint reading

Problem solving

Math skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

Thread-Craft is looking for an experienced Manual Lathe Hand to join our team. As a leader in precision machining, we take pride in producing high-quality parts and creating a workplace where skilled tradespeople can grow and succeed.

In this role, you’ll work with manual and semi-automatic lathes to machine precision metal components to spec. We’re looking for someone who enjoys hands‑on work, pays attention to detail, and takes pride in producing quality parts the right way.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

• Operates all equipment in a safe manner and uses safe work habits. Maintains a clean working environment including complying with all safety procedures, rules and regulations.
• Follows procedures for job set‑up and machine operation using blueprints, work instructions, and machine knowledge.
• Mounts, installs, aligns and secures tools, attachments and fixtures using hand tools and precise measuring instruments.
• Sharpens cutting tools or replaces tooling as necessary.
• Positions and secures the work piece in equipment.
• Watches gages, dials or other indicators to make sure machinery is working properly. Notifies the supervisor promptly in the event a machine is not properly working.
• Provides basic machinery maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Follows proper settings and procedures to ensure tool/machine longevity.
• Conducts tests and first run inspection of product to evaluate quality and tolerance.
• Detects and reports defective materials or questionable conditions to a supervisor.
• Accurately clocks job transactions into ERP software.
• Willingness to cross train and perform the work of other job tasks when necessary.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One to three years of skilled trades training or two years of equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of tool holders, cutting tools, boring bars, fixtures, inserts and other accessories used on manually operated machines.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, problem solving, and ability to interpret blueprints.
• Basic mathematical skills and ability to perform precise measurements using a tape measure, caliper and micrometer.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs with regularity and up to 70 lbs occasionally.
• Five years prior experience operating manual machinery or in a tool room preferred.
• Experience on an engine lathe and Bridgeport mill ideal.