Manual Machinist

Aerotek; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Flexible hours

Double pay on Saturdays

Job summary

Aerotek in Des Moines, IA is seeking a Manual Machinist to produce precision components using manual lathes and related equipment in a clean, organized shop.

You will read blueprints, set up machines, and perform turning, milling, and drilling while inspecting parts with micrometers and calipers. This role includes Saturday shifts and offers strong benefits and career growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years operating a manual machine.
• Proficiency with manual lathes: setup, operation, and basic maintenance.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and drawings.
• Experience with mills and drill presses in a manual environment.
• Strong understanding of feeds, speeds, and cutting parameters.
• Ability to maintain tight tolerances and high precision.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual machines, focusing on lathes to manufacture parts.
• Read and interpret blueprints to determine dimensions and tolerances.
• Use mills, drill presses for turning, milling, drilling operations.
• Perform tooling setup, including selecting and adjusting cutting tools and fixtures.
• Troubleshoot machining issues and adjust processes to meet specs.
• Carry out changeovers between jobs with minimal downtime.
• Collaborate with other departments to meet production goals.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment and document relevant measurements.

Skills

Manual lathe operation

Blueprint reading

Milling & drilling

Tooling setup

CNC basics

Metrology & inspection

Changeovers

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Machining education or apprenticeship

Trade school certification

Technical training in machining

Tools

G&M codes

CNC programming basics

Job description

Job Title: Manual Machinist

Job Description

This role focuses on producing precision parts for industrial machinery using primarily manual lathes and related equipment. You will interpret blueprints, set up and operate manual machines, and ensure all components meet specific tolerances and quality standards in a clean, organized, and collaborative shop environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual machines, with a strong emphasis on manual lathes, to manufacture parts for industrial machines.
• Read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings to determine dimensions, tolerances, and machining processes required.
• Use mills, drill presses, and other manual machining equipment to perform turning, milling, drilling, and related operations.
• Perform tooling setup, including selecting, installing, and adjusting cutting tools, fixtures, and work-holding devices.
• Design and adjust tooling and fixtures as needed to support efficient and accurate production.
• Work within specific tolerances to produce high-quality, precise components that meet engineering and customer requirements.
• Use micrometers, calipers, and other precision measuring tools to inspect parts and verify dimensional accuracy.
• Troubleshoot machining issues, including surface finish problems, dimensional deviations, and tooling wear, and adjust processes accordingly.
• Perform changeovers efficiently between different jobs, including resetting machines, tools, and fixtures.
• Collaborate with other departments and team members to coordinate work, resolve technical issues, and support production goals.
• Follow established safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Document work as needed, including job setups, measurements, and any adjustments made during machining.
• Support occasional Saturday shifts when needed, contributing to timely completion of critical work.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience operating a manual machine, or equivalent experience combined with relevant education.
• Proficiency in operating manual lathes, including setup, operation, and basic maintenance.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings accurately.
• Experience using mills and drill presses in a manual machining environment.
• Strong understanding of machining principles, including feeds, speeds, and cutting parameters.
• Ability to work to specific tolerances and maintain high precision in all machined parts.
• Skilled in using precision measuring tools such as micrometers and calipers to verify part dimensions.
• Experience with manual machining processes and general machine operation.
• Capability to troubleshoot machining problems and make appropriate adjustments.
• Familiarity with tool and die work, tooling, and fixture design in a toolroom or similar environment.
• Experience with CNC machines and basic understanding of CNC operations is acceptable in lieu of some manual experience.
• Basic knowledge of G & M codes and CNC programming concepts.
• Ability to perform changeovers and adjust setups efficiently between different jobs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a toolroom environment, including tool and die work and fixture design.
• Comfort working with a variety of machine tools, including lathes, mills, drill presses, and other manual equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills in a production or job shop setting.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other departments and team members.
• Relevant technical education or apprenticeship in machining, tool and die, or a related field is beneficial.
• Familiarity with G & M codes and CNC programming as a complement to manual machining skills.

Why Work Here?

You will join a small, family-owned organization that values a close-knit, supportive culture and a safe, organized work environment. The company offers excellent benefits, including full coverage of employee premiums, and provides flexible hours in certain situations to support work-life balance. The shop maintains a clean, safe atmosphere with regular weekly cleaning, and the team works collaboratively across departments. The company supplies all necessary tools, so you do not need to invest in your own equipment. When Saturday work is required, it is compensated at double pay, reflecting a strong commitment to recognizing extra effort.

Work Environment

You will work in a clean, organized shop with approximately 2530 team members, collaborating closely with other departments in a supportive and professional setting. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and order, with the shop cleaned once a week to maintain a tidy workspace. All tools and equipment required for the job are supplied, so you do not need to bring your own tools. The role is on the 2nd shift, with schedules of either MondayFriday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or TuesdayFriday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The facility uses manual lathes, mills, drill presses, and related machining equipment, and you will work in a production shop atmosphere that balances precision work with teamwork and communication

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Des Moines, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $62400.00 - $76960.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines,IA.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.