Manual Machinist

Aerotek; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 38,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Manual Machinist in Milwaukee, WI for a contract-to-hire role. You will set up and operate manual machines, perform inspections, and ensure tight tolerances in a short-run environment. Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with onsite work and a pay rate of $33.00 per hour.

You will work with various machines and measuring tools to maintain quality, adapt to multiple setups per shift, and contribute to precision manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Experience setting up and operating manual machines in small-batch production.
• Ability to read blueprints and use gauges to verify tolerances.
• Attention to tight tolerances typical in bearing work.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate various manual machines including lathes, knee mills, drills.
• Perform full machine setups: tooling, jaws, and touch-off.
• Conduct first-piece and in-process inspections with gauges.

Skills

Manual machining

Lathe operation

Milling

Blueprint reading

Gauges & inspection

Tools

Calipers

Outside micrometers

Depth micrometers

Job description

Job Title: Manual Machinist

Job Description

This role involves setting up and operating a wide range of manual machines to produce precision components in a short-run, small-batch manufacturing environment. The Manual Machinist performs full machine setups, executes in-process inspections, and ensures parts meet tight tolerances using a variety of measuring instruments and gauges.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate various manual machines, including horizontal and vertical manual lathes, knee mills, drill presses, boring bars, boring mills, large milling and turning machines, grinders, and special purpose machines.




• Perform full machine setups, including changing jaws, installing and adjusting tooling, and touching off tools to ensure accurate and repeatable operations.




• Select and run appropriate programs from the program library and follow detailed setup sheets provided for all parts.




• Work efficiently in a short-run and small-batch production environment, frequently performing multiple setups per day, often two or three setups in a single shift.




• Machine parts to specified tolerances, typically in the range of 0.002 to 0.005 inches, and occasionally to tighter tolerances around 0.0005 inches for bearing turns and bearing pockets.




• Conduct first-piece inspections to verify setup accuracy and ensure parts meet specifications before proceeding with production.




• Perform in-process inspections using gauges and measuring instruments to maintain consistent quality throughout production runs.




• Use measuring tools such as calipers, outside and inside micrometers, and depth micrometers to verify dimensions and tolerances.




• Interpret and work from blueprints, setup sheets, and other technical documentation to produce parts to specification.




• Monitor machines during operation, making necessary adjustments to maintain quality and dimensional accuracy.




• Handle production orders ranging from very small batches to larger orders, with most orders under 30 pieces and occasional runs up to approximately 300 pieces.




• Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow established safety practices in a manufacturing environment.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable manufacturing operation that values precision craftsmanship and hands-on machining expertise. The environment supports variety in daily work, with frequent setups and diverse parts, offering opportunities to continuously build and refine your machining skills. You will work a consistent weekday schedule, supporting a healthy work-life balance while contributing to high-quality, small-batch production.

Work Environment

The role is based in a typical manufacturing facility that is well lit but not climate controlled, so temperatures may vary with the seasons. The work involves regular use of manual lathes, mills, drill presses, boring equipment, grinders, and specialized machines, along with precision measuring instruments such as calipers and micrometers. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., providing a predictable daytime shift in a production-focused setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of MILWAUKEE, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $33.00/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 to Hire position based out of MILWAUKEE, WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 19, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in MILWAUKEE,WI.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

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.