Manual Machinist

Lehigh Heavy Forge Corporation; Cudahy (WI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Lehigh Heavy Forge Corporation in Cudahy, WI is seeking a skilled Manual Machinist to set up and operate manual mills, lathes, grinders, and drill presses to produce precision parts and repairs.

You will read blueprints and GD&T, select tools and speeds, perform in-process inspections with micrometers and calipers, and fabricate custom components while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Technical knowledge: deep understanding of manual machine setups, tool sharpening, and calculating manual speeds and feeds for various materials.
• Blueprints: ability to interpret complex mechanical drawings, schematics, and geometric tolerances (GD&T).
• Measurement tools: use of precision measuring instruments to verify part accuracy within 0.001".
• Experience: 3+ years operating manual lathes and mills in a job shop or manufacturing environment.
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent; technical certification or journey-worker status is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual mills, lathes, grinders, and drill presses to perform precise tasks.
• Read blueprints and GD&T to determine dimensions and sequences.
• Select cutting tools, fixtures, and speeds based on material.
• Conduct in-process inspections with micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
• Fabricate custom parts and perform repairs.
• Maintain and troubleshoot machines; keep workspace safe per OSHA.
• Adhere to safety protocols.

Skills

Manual machine setups

Tool sharpening

Speeds and feeds calculation

Blueprints interpretation

Geometric tolerancing (GD&T)

Measuring tools

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Technical certification or vocational training

Journey-worker status

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Dial indicators

Depth gauges

Thread gauges

Job description

Job Description

Position Manual Machinist
Reports To Manufacturing Leader
Location/Business Cudahy, WI / Milwaukee Cylinder
Status Hourly
Date 09/09/2026

Summary

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Manual Machinist to join our production team. In this role, you will be responsible for setting up and operating manual machining equipment to produce high-quality precision parts, custom components, and repairs. The ideal candidate blends traditional mechanical craftsmanship with a sharp eye for detail to ensure every component meets our rigorous engineering standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Machine Operation: Set up and operate manual mills, lathes, grinders, and drill presses to perform precise tasks such as turning, facing, boring, threading, and milling.
• Technical Interpretation: Read and interpret technical blueprints, engineering drawings, and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) symbols to determine part dimensions, tolerances, and machining sequences.
• Material Selection & Setup: Select appropriate cutting tools, fixtures, feeds, and speeds based on the material being machined (e.g., steel, aluminum, ductile iron, and others).
• Quality Control: Perform frequent in-process inspections using precision quality gauges (micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, depth gauges, and thread gauges) to verify part dimensions.
• Prototyping & Repair: Fabricate custom, low-volume, or one-off parts, and perform precision repairs on worn or damaged components.
• Maintenance: Perform routine machine maintenance, lubrication, and minor troubleshooting to keep manual machinery in optimal operating condition.
• Safety: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace, adhering to all OSHA and company-specific safety protocols.

Qualifications & Skills

Requirement Description Technical Knowledge Deep understanding of manual machine setups, tool sharpening, and calculating manual speeds and feeds for various materials. Blueprints Proven ability to interpret complex mechanical drawings, schematics, and geometric tolerances. Measurement Tools Expert use of manual precision measuring instruments to verify part accuracy within 0.001" (or as specified). Experience 3+ years of experience operating manual lathes and mills in a job shop or manufacturing environment (preferred). Education High School Diploma or equivalent; technical certification, vocational training, or journey-worker status is a plus.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Capable of standing for extended periods on concrete shop floors.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
• Comfortable working around moving mechanical parts, flying chips, coolant, and moderate noise levels.

Note to Candidates

Accuracy is our top priority. We are looking for a teammate who takes pride in traditional craftsmanship and believes in "measuring twice and cutting once." If you have a passion for precision hands-on manufacturing and a solid foundation in manual machining fundamentals, we want to hear from you.