Manual Machinist

Northeast Tool & Manufacturing; Matthews (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Matching

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Northeast Tool & Manufacturing is seeking a Precision Manual Machinist to join our Toolroom supporting aerospace fabrication. You will set up and operate manual mills, lathes, grinders, and related equipment to produce tooling, fixtures, and prototypes from engineering drawings.

The ideal candidate has at least two years of manual machining experience, strong GD&T knowledge, blueprints literacy, and the ability to work independently.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) years of manual machining experience producing precision tooling, fixtures, jigs, workholding solutions, or prototype components.
• Proficiency operating manual mills, lathes, surface grinders, and related shop equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and specifications.
• Strong shop math skills and working knowledge of GD&T.
• Ability to work independently and develop tooling or workholding solutions.
• Basic computer skills.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. independently and utilize lifting assistance when necessary.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual mills, lathes, surface grinders, and drill presses to manufacture precision tooling, fixtures, jigs, workholding solutions, and prototype components.
• Interpret blueprints, sketches, models, and engineering specifications to determine materials, machining methods, and manufacturing requirements.
• Select tooling, plan machining operations, and make adjustments to maintain quality and dimensional requirements.
• Develop, modify, and improve tooling, fixtures, and workholding solutions to support production needs.
• Inspect completed work using precision measuring instruments to verify conformance to specifications and tolerances.
• Perform minor assembly and finishing operations, including deburring, polishing, sandblasting, part marking, and installing threaded inserts, as required.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Manual machining

Blueprint reading

GD&T

Shop math

Independent work

Basic computer skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree in machining/manufacturing

Tools

Dovetail CNC

CNC Tooling

Manual Grinder

Manual Lathe

Bridgeport Mill

Job description

Position Overview

Northeast Tool & Manufacturing is seeking a skilled Precision Manual Machinist for our Toolroom to support our aerospace manufacturing operations. This position is responsible for machining, building, modifying, and maintaining precision tooling, fixtures, jigs, workholding solutions, and prototype components using manual mills, lathes, grinders, drill presses, and other toolroom equipment. The ideal candidate will possess strong manual machining skills, the ability to work from engineering drawings and specifications, and experience holding tight tolerances. This role requires a practical understanding of workholding, machining methods, and manufacturing processes, along with the ability to independently develop tooling and fixture solutions that support production requirements. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and experience operating manual mills, lathes, surface grinders, and drill presses are essential. Experience with CNC machine setup, Wire EDM equipment, and toolroom or toolmaking operations is highly preferred.

What You'll Do

• Set up and operate manual mills, lathes, surface grinders, and drill presses to manufacture precision tooling, fixtures, jigs, workholding solutions, and prototype components.
• Interpret blueprints, sketches, models, and engineering specifications to determine materials, machining methods, and manufacturing requirements.
• Select tooling, plan machining operations, and make adjustments to maintain quality and dimensional requirements.
• Develop, modify, and improve tooling, fixtures, and workholding solutions to support production needs.
• Inspect completed work using precision measuring instruments to verify conformance to specifications and tolerances.
• Perform minor assembly and finishing operations, including deburring, polishing, sandblasting, part marking, and installing threaded inserts, as required.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment and support continuous improvement initiatives.

What We Are Looking For

• Minimum of two (2) years of manual machining, toolroom, or toolmaking experience producing precision tooling, fixtures, jigs, workholding solutions, or prototype components.
• Proficiency operating manual mills, lathes, surface grinders, and related shop equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and specifications.
• Strong shop math skills and working knowledge of GD&T.
• Ability to work independently and develop tooling or workholding solutions.
• Basic computer skills.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. independently and utilize lifting assistance when necessary.

Even Better

• Experience with CNC machine setup and/or Wire EDM equipment.
• Experience designing, modifying, or improving tooling, fixtures, and workholding solutions.
• Experience in an AS9100 manufacturing environment.
• Experience machining high-temperature alloys, including Inconel and Monel.
• Forklift experience or ability to obtain certification.
• Associate degree in a machining or manufacturing-related field.
• GD&T certification and/or Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (or higher).

Standard Hours

• Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM

We're hiring for multiple positions across 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts. Whether you're looking to build on your current experience or launch a long-term career in manufacturing, Northeast Tool is committed to training, developing, and investing in motivated individuals.

About Northeast Tool & Manufacturing

Northeast Tool & Manufacturing is a preferred supplier of precision machined components and complex assemblies for the Aerospace, Defense, and Space industries. As an AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer, we leverage advanced capabilities including 5-Axis Milling, Multi-Axis Turning, and Wire EDM to deliver high-quality solutions for some of the industry's most demanding applications.

Our success is built on more than precision manufacturing. We are committed to creating an employee-focused culture where team members are provided the training, development, and resources needed to grow their careers. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 4% company-matched 401(k) through Fidelity, nine paid holidays (including your birthday), and a collaborative, team-oriented work environment.

At Northeast Tool, we believe the company grows when our people grow.

You Should Be Proficient In

• GD&T
• Dovetail CNC
• CNC Tooling
• Manual Machining Skills

Machines & Technologies You'll Use

• Manual Grinder
• Manual Lathe
• Manual Vertical Mill (Bridgeport)