Manual Machinist

Silgan Containers; Fort Madison (IA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive starting pay

Full-time employment

Weekly pay

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Pension benefits

Paid holidays and vacation

Safety footwear allowance

Job summary

Silgan Containers in Fort Madison, IA is hiring a skilled Manual Machinist to support our manufacturing lines by machining, repairing, and fabricating parts using conventional equipment. The role emphasizes precision, safety, and teamwork in a hands-on industrial setting.

The ideal candidate will read blueprints, set up machines, and perform turning, milling, drilling, and related operations with careful attention to tolerances and quality.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience as Manual/Industrial/Machine Shop machinist or equivalent.
• Ability to read blueprints and interpret mechanical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual machine shop equipment.
• Read blueprints and specifications to determine machining methods.
• Machine, repair, modify, and fabricate mechanical parts and components.
• Measure parts using precision instruments and ensure tolerances.
• Troubleshoot machining issues and maintain tooling and equipment.

Skills

Manual Machinist

Industrial Machinist

Machine Shop Machinist

Maintenance Machinist

Toolroom Machinist

Tool and Die Machinist

Machine Repair

Millwright

Education

High School diploma/GED

Tools

Micrometers

Calipers

Depth gauges

Feeler gauges

Job description

Manual Machinist – Manufacturing | Fort Madison, Iowa

$34.08 per hour

Put Your Machining Skills to Work. Build a Career That Lasts.

Are you a skilled Manual Machinist who enjoys working with your hands, solving mechanical problems, and producing precision parts?

Silgan Containers is hiring a Manual Machinist in Fort Madison, Iowa. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced machinist or skilled trades professional looking for a stable manufacturing career where precision, craftsmanship, and mechanical expertise are valued.

You’ll work in a hands-on industrial environment supporting manufacturing operations by machining, repairing, modifying, and fabricating parts and components used to keep production equipment running.

Why Join Silgan?

At Silgan, skilled trades professionals are an important part of our success. We offer the stability of an established manufacturing company along with opportunities to build your skills and advance your career.

Our benefits include:

• Competitive starting pay
• Full-time, stable manufacturing employment
• Weekly pay
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Pension benefits
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Safety footwear allowance
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement
• Strong commitment to employee safety

What You’ll Do

As a Manual Machinist , you’ll use conventional machining equipment, precision measuring tools, and mechanical problem-solving skills to manufacture and repair parts that support our production operation.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Set up and operate manual machine shop equipment
• Operate lathes, mills, drill presses, grinders, and other conventional machining equipment
• Machine, repair, modify, and fabricate mechanical parts and components
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, sketches, and technical specifications
• Determine appropriate machining methods, tooling, and procedures
• Perform turning, milling, drilling, boring, grinding, and other manual machining operations
• Use micrometers, calipers, depth gauges, feeler gauges, and other precision measuring instruments
• Measure parts accurately to ensure proper dimensions and tolerances
• Troubleshoot machining and mechanical problems
• Repair and maintain production tooling and machine components
• Assist with equipment repairs and maintenance as needed
• Work closely with maintenance and production teams to minimize equipment downtime
• Maintain quality standards and attention to detail throughout the machining process
• Follow all safety procedures, including lockout/tagout
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe machine shop and work environment

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a hands-on Manual Machinist who takes pride in skilled trades work and understands the importance of precision, quality, and safety.

Your experience may include:

• Manual Machinist
• Industrial Machinist
• Machine Shop Machinist
• Maintenance Machinist
• Toolroom Machinist
• Tool and Die Machinist
• Machine Repair
• Millwright or Mechanical Maintenance

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Previous manual machining experience
• Experience operating conventional lathes and milling machines
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and mechanical drawings
• Experience using precision measuring tools
• Knowledge of machining practices, tooling, feeds, speeds, and tolerances
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to fabricate or repair mechanical components
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Manufacturing, industrial maintenance, machine shop, or mechanical experience preferred
• High school diploma/GED, technical training, or equivalent hands‑on experience preferred

Trade school, machine shop, mechanical maintenance, welding, fabrication, or other skilled trades experience is a plus.

Your Skills Matter Here

If you enjoy manual machining, precision work, mechanical troubleshooting, and hands‑on problem solving , this is an opportunity to put those skills to work in a manufacturing environment where they make a real difference.

You’ll have the opportunity to work with experienced manufacturing and maintenance professionals while continuing to develop your machining and mechanical skills.

Join Our Team in Fort Madison

If you’re an experienced Manual Machinist looking for a stable career in manufacturing, we want to hear from you.

Bring your machining experience. Put your skills to work. Build your future with Silgan.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status.

Silgan is a drug-free workplace.

_ LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER _

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status.

Silgan is a drug-free workplace.