Manual Machinist II

Fairbanks Morse, LLC; Pascagoula (MS); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairbanks Morse, LLC in Pascagoula, MS seeks an experienced Inside Manual Machinist II to fabricate, rework, and repair high-precision metal components for defense and specialized industrial applications. Work is performed in a controlled indoor shop with strict tolerance requirements.

You will set up and operate conventional tools, read blueprints with GD&T, and ensure traceability and quality records while complying with security protocols and ISO/AS9100 norms.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience operating manual machine tools in a precision manufacturing or defense-oriented environment.
• Active DoD Confidential Clearance preferred; U.S. Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance.
• Strong proficiency in GD&T, precision measurement, shop mathematics, and manual machine setup.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and operate safely around heavy rotating equipment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual lathes, vertical and horizontal milling machines, surface grinders, drill presses, and boring mills to manufacture precision parts from blueprinted specs.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, defense specifications, GD&T, and routing sheets.
• Select, align, and secure cutting tools, work-holding fixtures, and determine speeds/feeds based on material properties.
• Perform in-process and final dimensional inspections using micrometers, dial indicators, bore gauges, height gauges, and optical comparators to hold tight tolerances.
• Maintain material traceability and quality records; comply with security protocols and AS9100/ISO standards.

Skills

GD&T

Precision measurement

Shop mathematics

Manual machine setup

Education

Machinist Apprenticeship

Tools

Manual lathes

Milling machines

Surface grinders

Drill presses

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Inside Manual Machinist II to fabricate, rework, and repair high-precision metal components supporting defense and specialized industrial applications. Operating primarily within a controlled indoor shop environment, this role requires high-level craft skill on conventional machining equipment, strict adherence to tight tolerances, and full compliance with federal security and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Machining Operations: Set up and operate conventional machine tools-including manual lathes, vertical and horizontal milling machines, surface grinders, drill presses, and boring mills-to manufacture precision parts from blueprinted specs.
• Blueprint & Drawing Interpretation: Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, defense specifications, GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing), and shop operational routing sheets.
• Setup & Tooling: Select, align, and secure appropriate cutting tools, attachments, work-holding fixtures, and raw stock. Calculate optimal speeds, feeds, and depth of cut based on material properties (e.g., stainless steel, titanium, high-temp alloys).
• Quality & Precision Inspection: Perform in-process and final dimensional inspections using precision measuring instruments (micrometers, dial indicators, bore gauges, height gauges, and optical comparators) to hold tolerances often within >±0.001.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform routine daily preventive maintenance on assigned manual machines. Troubleshoot mechanical anomalies during cutting operations to prevent part damage or safety hazards.
• Security & Documentation: Maintain meticulous material traceability, job routing sheets, and quality records. Adhere strictly to facility security and classified material handling protocols.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 5+ years of experience operating manual machine tools in a precision manufacturing or defense-oriented environment.
• Clearance & Eligibility: Active DoD Confidential Clearance preferred; must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in GD&T, precision measurement, shop mathematics (trigonometry), and manual machine setup.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and operate safely around heavy rotating equipment.
• Forklift and Crane Certification or ability to obtain

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a formal Machinist Apprenticeship program or Journeyman card.
• Experience machining defense-grade alloys.
• Prior experience working under ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality control systems.

This specification is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. Ability to competently perform all the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, demonstrated commitment to effective customer service delivery, and the ability to work productively as a member of a team or work group are basic requirements of all positions at Fairbanks Morse.