Manual Machinist

Riggs Cat; Little Rock (AR); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Riggs Cat seeks a Manual Machinist to setup and operate manual machines, read blueprints, and ensure high-quality workmanship. The role requires experience with lathes, milling machines, and precision gauges, performed under ISO and safety standards.

The candidate should have 3–5 years in manual machining, strong attention to detail, and capable communication with teams and customers, with a focus on independent work and process improvements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; 3–5 years of experience as Manual Machinist preferred.
• Strong understanding of manual machining techniques, including lathe and milling operations.
• Proficiency in reading blueprints, technical drawings, and measuring tools.
• Commitment to safety and quality with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to follow verbal, written, and diagrammed instructions accurately.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication with team members and customers.
• Experience with machine maintenance and process improvements is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual machines, including lathes, milling machines, drill presses, and grinders.
• Read and interpret blueprints, sketches, and specifications to determine machining requirements.
• Use precision measuring instruments to ensure accuracy and adhere to tight tolerances.
• Select, align, secure, and remove workpieces, tooling, and attachments following safety and quality standards.
• Fabricate, modify, and repair machine components from metal, plastics, and composites.
• Identify proper cutting tools, inserts, fixtures, and work-holding devices for efficient machining.
• Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and inspection of machinery and tools.
• Identify and recommend improvements to machining processes for efficiency and accuracy.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Manual machining

Precision measurement

Quality focus

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or GED

3–5 years experience as Manual Machinist

Tools

Lathes

Milling machines

Drill presses

Micrometers/calipers

Job description

Description

The Manual Machinist is responsible for setting up and operating manually controlled machines to fabricate, modify, and repair precision parts and equipment. This role requires expertise in reading blueprints, using precision measuring tools, and ensuring high-quality craftsmanship under minimal supervision.

What You’ll Do:

• Set up and operate manual machines, including lathes, milling machines, drill presses, and grinders.
• Read and interpret blueprints, sketches, and specifications to determine machining requirements.
• Use precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and gauges to ensure accuracy and adherence to tight tolerances.
• Select, align, secure, and remove workpieces, tooling, and attachments following safety and quality standards.
• Fabricate, modify, and repair machine components from metal, plastics, and composite materials.
• Recognize and utilize proper cutting tools, inserts, fixtures, and work-holding devices for efficient machining.
• Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and inspection of machinery and tools to ensure optimal performance.
• Identify and recommend improvements to machining processes for increased efficiency and accuracy.
• Track parts and job progress using the Vantage system or other shop tracking tools.
• Follow ISO requirements, safety protocols, and company quality standards to ensure compliance with regulations and policies.

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

• High school diploma or GED required; 3-5 years of experience as a Manual Machinist preferred.
• Strong understanding of manual machining techniques, including lathe and milling operations.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, technical drawings, and measuring tools.
• Commitment to safety and quality, with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to follow verbal, written, and diagrammed instructions accurately.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Effective and professional communication skills with team members and customers.
• Experience with machine maintenance, tooling selection, and process improvements is a plus.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk, and may also experience frequent bending, reaching and lifting of objects weighing up to 25 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbs. Employee will perform tasks while experiencing numerous interruptions. Hours are normally first shift, but weekend, holiday and evening work may be required according to your department's needs.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.

Required travel up to 10%.

The Job description is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Hourly/Non-Exempt

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.