Manual Machinist

Aerotek; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Vacation time

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a skilled Manual Machinist for a Houston, TX contract role in oilfield valve and pressure control components. You will set up and operate manual lathes, read blueprints, and ensure tight tolerances on high-value alloy parts.

You will perform precision measurements, select tooling, and collaborate with quality teams to maintain throughput. This position offers on-site work, steady shifts, and paid benefits as part of a comprehensive manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience setting up and operating manual lathes while holding tight tolerances.
• Strong blueprint reading skills to interpret complex drawings and specifications.
• Experience machining oilfield valve and pressure-containing components.
• Ability to independently plan machining sequences from start to finish.
• Proficiency using precision measuring tools for inspections.
• Experience with API-related or pressure-containing applications.
• Background in oilfield equipment manufacturing focused on quality.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual lathe equipment to produce precision components for oilfield valve and pressure control applications.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and specifications to determine machining requirements and critical dimensions.
• Plan machining sequences and setups independently, including tooling selection and workholding methods.
• Machine large valves, pressure-containing components, and threaded applications while consistently holding tight tolerances.
• Perform thread cutting and taper-thread machining in accordance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Work with specialty alloys such as Inconel, stainless steel, and high-nickel alloys, adjusting speeds, feeds, and tooling as needed.
• Conduct precision measurements and quality inspections using appropriate measuring tools and techniques.
• Perform tolerance testing, analysis, and verification to ensure components meet dimensional and quality requirements.
• Inspect and verify parts for API and other pressure-containing applications as required.
• Monitor machining processes, identify issues, and make adjustments to maintain quality and throughput.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in a fast-paced production environment.
• Collaborate with team members, quality personnel, and supervisors to resolve machining or quality issues and support continuous improvement.

Skills

Manual lathe setup and operation

Blueprint reading

Oil & gas machining

Tolerance inspection

Quality assurance

Specialty alloys machining

Machining sequences planning

Thread cutting

Job description

Manual Machinist

Job Description

This role involves setting up and operating manual lathes to manufacture precision components used in oilfield valve and pressure control equipment. You will work with specialty alloys, hold tight tolerances, and perform detailed inspections to ensure every part meets demanding industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual lathe equipment to produce precision components for oilfield valve and pressure control applications.

• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and specifications to determine machining requirements and critical dimensions.

• Plan machining sequences and setups independently, including tooling selection and workholding methods.

• Machine large valves, pressure-containing components, and threaded applications while consistently holding tight tolerances.

• Perform thread cutting and taper-thread machining in accordance with applicable standards and specifications.

• Work with specialty alloys such as Inconel, stainless steel, and high-nickel alloys, adjusting speeds, feeds, and tooling as needed.

• Conduct precision measurements and quality inspections using appropriate measuring tools and techniques.

• Perform tolerance testing, analysis, and verification to ensure components meet dimensional and quality requirements.

• Inspect and verify parts for API and other pressure-containing applications as required.

• Monitor machining processes, identify issues, and make adjustments to maintain quality and throughput.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in a fast-paced production environment.

• Collaborate with team members, quality personnel, and supervisors to resolve machining or quality issues and support continuous improvement.

Essential Skills

• Extensive experience setting up and operating manual lathes while holding tight tolerances.

• Strong blueprint reading skills with the ability to interpret complex drawings and specifications.

• Hands-on experience machining large valves, pressure-containing components, and threaded applications within oil and gas manufacturing.

• Proficiency in manual machining setup and tooling selection for various materials and geometries.

• Demonstrated ability to hold tight tolerances consistently in a production environment.

• Experience machining parts for API or other pressure-containing applications.

• Ability to independently plan machining sequences and setups from start to finish.

• Proficiency in precision measurement and inspection techniques using appropriate metrology tools.

• Experience with tolerance analysis and verification to ensure dimensional accuracy.

• Proven ability to perform thread cutting and taper-thread machining accurately and safely.

• Background in oilfield valve and pressure-control equipment machining.

• Experience in oilfield equipment manufacturing with a focus on quality inspections and tolerance testing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience machining specialty alloys such as Inconel, stainless steel, and high-nickel alloys.

• Exposure to API-related manufacturing environments and standards.

• Familiarity with working on high-value pressure control equipment.

• Comfort working with complex machining operations and specialty materials.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality components.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment focused on quality and throughput.

Why Work Here?

You will join a global oil and gas manufacturer that offers long-term stable employment and the opportunity to work on high-value pressure control equipment. The organization provides exposure to complex machining operations and specialty materials, supporting your technical growth and development. A strong benefits package is offered, including medical insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid holidays, and vacation time, helping you build both a secure career and a solid future.

Work Environment

This position is based in a manufacturing machine shop operating on multiple shifts, including a 1st shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and a 2nd shift from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The role requires standing for extended periods and frequent exposure to machining oils, cutting fluids, and industrial equipment. You will perform repetitive lifting and material handling and must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds. The environment is fast-paced and production-focused, with a strong emphasis on quality and throughput, and you will work closely around manual lathes and other machining equipment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Houston, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $28.00/hr.

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.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Houston, TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.

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.

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.