Manual Machinist – Tool & Die

Production Castings, Inc.; Missouri; On-site; USD 28,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Insurance (medical, dental, vision)

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and vacation

Company-paid life insurance & short‑/0

Job summary

Production Castings, Inc. in Missouri is seeking a motivated Manual Machinist to expand skills in precision machining and die tooling. The role uses conventional manual equipment and CNC operations, reading blueprints, and delivering quality parts.

Training is provided; no prior tool and die experience is required. The company offers a pathway to develop both manual and CNC capabilities within a supportive shop environment.

Qualifications

• Some hands-on experience with manual milling machines, lathes, or similar equipment.
• Basic knowledge of machining practices, cutting tools, and precision measurement.
• Ability to read or learn to interpret blueprints and mechanical drawings.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Willingness to learn new machining processes and tool and die techniques.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual milling machines, engine lathes, surface grinders, and other conventional machining equipment.
• Assist with CNC machining operations as skills and training permit.
• Manufacture, modify, and repair tooling, dies, and precision mechanical components.
• Assist experienced toolmakers with die casting die maintenance, repair, and assembly.
• Read and interpret blueprints, sketches, and technical drawings.
• Perform milling, turning, drilling, tapping, boring, grinding, and fitting operations.
• Use precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, workholding methods, and machining processes.
• Inspect completed work to ensure dimensional accuracy and quality.
• Learn specialized tool and die manufacturing, repair, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and productive work environment.

Skills

Manual milling

Lathes

Machining basics

Blueprint reading

Mechanical aptitude

Quality mindset

Tools

CNC mills

CNC lathes

Job description

Description

Pay: $20.00–$40.00 per hour, based on skills and experience

Schedule: 1st Shift | Monday–Friday | Compressed Work Week Schedule

Employment: Full-Time

Grow Your Machining Skills and Build a Career in Tool & Die!

Production Castings, Inc., an established aluminum and zinc die casting manufacturer in Fenton, Missouri, is seeking a motivated Manual Machinist interested in expanding their skills in precision machining and tool and die manufacturing and repair.

Our toolroom utilizes both conventional manual machining equipment and CNC machines to manufacture, maintain, modify, and repair precision tooling and components.

We are looking for someone with a foundation in machining who enjoys hands-on work, mechanical problem-solving, and producing quality parts.

Previous tool and die experience is not required. We are willing to train the right candidate who has manual machining experience, technical training, or strong mechanical aptitude and a desire to learn.

Essential Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual milling machines, engine lathes, surface grinders, and other conventional machining equipment.
• Assist with CNC machining operations as skills and training permit.
• Manufacture, modify, and repair tooling, dies, and precision mechanical components.
• Assist experienced toolmakers with die casting die maintenance, repair, and assembly.
• Read and interpret blueprints, sketches, and technical drawings.
• Perform milling, turning, drilling, tapping, boring, grinding, and fitting operations.
• Use precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, workholding methods, and machining processes.
• Inspect completed work to ensure dimensional accuracy and quality.
• Learn specialized tool and die manufacturing, repair, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and productive work environment.

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Some hands‑on experience with manual milling machines, lathes, or similar machining equipment.
• Basic knowledge of machining practices, cutting tools, and precision measurement.
• Ability to read or learn to interpret blueprints and mechanical drawings.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Willingness to learn new machining processes and tool and die techniques.

Additional Skills That Are a Plus:

• Experience operating or setting up CNC mills or lathes.
• Vocational or technical training in Machine Tool Technology, Precision Machining, or a related field.
• Experience with surface grinding, toolroom machining, or precision equipment repair.
• Experience machining one‑off parts, prototypes, or short production runs.
• Previous exposure to die casting tooling, molds, fixtures, or die repair.

A journeyman certification, advanced CNC programming experience, or previous tool and die experience is not required.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay of $20.00–$40.00 per hour based on demonstrated skills and experience.
• First-shift schedule compressed work week.
• Hands‑on training alongside experienced toolmakers.
• Opportunity to develop both manual machining and CNC skills.
• Long‑term career development in tool and die.
• Weekly pay.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company‑paid life insurance and short‑term disability.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid holidays and vacation benefits.
• Established manufacturing environment.