Precision Machinist: Setup & Operate Lathes

Gerdau; Iowa; Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Gerdau in the United States is seeking a Manual Machinist/Shop Machinist to set up and operate a variety of machine tools, interpreting drawings and making precise parts from iron, steel and alloys. The role includes tooling, fixture creation, and routine maintenance tasks in a plant environment.

The ideal candidate will work with limited supervision and contribute to efficient factory operations, with responsibility for accuracy, quality, and safety standards in all machining tasks.

Responsibilities

• Sets up and operates all types of machine tools and performs all types of layout, fitting and assembly work.
• Operates lathe and associated equipment, turning iron, steel and alloy materials to finished size, contour, and surface.
• Makes and repairs tools, rigs, fixtures, gauges, templates, dies, machine parts, and instrument parts.
• Dismantles machinery and equipment; assembles, fits, aligns and adjusts machinery to close tolerances.

Job description

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Manual Machinist / Shop Machinist

Date: Oct 15, 2026

At Gerdau, we empower our people to grow, thrive, and make a difference—together. With a culture built on trust and teamwork, we offer meaningful work, continuous development, and opportunities to shape your future. We invite you to come work with us, where your contributions are valued, your voice is heard, and your career is forged with purpose

Machinist $34.17 / hr.

We Have:

• A strong global presence with mini-mills that transform millions of metric tons of raw material to produce steel beams, flat-rolled steel, merchant bar, rebar, spikes, and wire used by the auto industry, appliance, construction, machinery, and equipment industries.
• A culture that welcomesdiversity, encourages innovation and creates products that serve humanity.
• An environment that values teamwork, safety, and sustainability.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and the belief that we can create a better future for our employees and our global community by investing in people, processes, and technology.

Primary Function

Sets up and operates a variety of machine tools to perform precision machining, layout, fitting, assembly, repair, and maintenance work. Operates lathes and related equipment to machine new and used iron, steel, alloy, and other metal components to specified dimensions, contours, tolerances, and surface finishes. Fabricates, repairs, and modifies tools, fixtures, gauges, templates, dies, machine parts, and instrument components. Performs dismantling, fitting, alignment, assembly, and related work required for plant maintenance and construction.

Tools and Equipment

Operates and uses a wide variety of machine-shop tools and equipment, including:

• Engine and other lathes
• Shapers and planers
• Horizontal and vertical boring mills
• Milling machines
• Heat-treating equipment
• Cutting and grinding tools
• Precision measuring instruments
• Calipers, gauges, micrometers, templates, rules, levels, and protractors
• Jigs, fixtures, machine attachments, and related tooling
• Cranes and material-handling equipment
• Mobile equipment, as required

Materials

Works with a variety of materials, including:

• Iron, steel, brass, and other alloys
• Forgings and castings
• Bar stock, plates, rods, and similar materials
• New and used forged or cast iron and steel
• Mill equipment, machinery components, and replacement parts

Supervision

Performs work independently with minimal direction. Interprets work orders, drawings, prints, sketches, and specifications and determines the appropriate methods and sequence of operations.

Direction Exercised

Works independently or provides direction and guidance to other employees as required to complete assigned work safely and efficiently.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Receives and interprets work orders, blueprints, engineering drawings, sketches, and other instructions.
• Plans and determines machining, layout, fitting, and assembly procedures.
• Performs layout work, including complex layouts from blueprints, drawings, or templates.
• Creates sketches and develops dimensions and machining details as required.
• Calculates dimensions, tapers, indices, allowances, and other machining data using shop formulas, handbooks, and standard practices.
• Selects, grinds, and prepares cutting tools based on material hardness, machinability, and the requirements of the job.
• Cements carbide cutting tools to holders and grinds them to the required specifications.
• Procures, fabricates, or modifies jigs, fixtures, templates, and machine attachments as necessary.
• Sets up and operates machine tools, adjusting stops, feeds, speeds, and other controls for efficient and accurate machining.
• Operates lathes to machine new and used components to required dimensions, contours, tolerances, and surface finishes.
• Determines appropriate cutting speeds and feeds based on material hardness, diameter, depth and width of cut, and other machining conditions.
• Performs precision machining and verifies dimensions throughout the machining process.
• Uses precision measuring and inspection equipment, including calipers, gauges, micrometers, levels, protractors, templates, rules, and related instruments.
• Operates specialized lathe attachments and equipment, including tapering, knurling, and threading equipment.
• Makes and repairs tools, dies, fixtures, gauges, templates, machine parts, and instrument components.
• Dismantles machinery and equipment for repair, modification, maintenance, or inspection.
• Fits, assembles, aligns, and adjusts machinery and equipment to close tolerances.
• Performs machining, fitting, assembly, and maintenance work in the machine shop or field as required.
• Operates cranes and material-handling equipment as required to position machinery, materials, and workpieces.
• Operates mobile equipment as required.
• Completes required reports, records, work orders, and other documentation.
• Performs other related machining, maintenance, fabrication, fitting, assembly, and construction duties as assigned.
• and technology.
• Comprehensive Medical, Prescription, Dental,Vision Plans – Eligible upon 1stday of hire
• Health & Dependent Care (Flexible Spending Account)
• 100% Matching 401K up to 6%
• Health Advocate Services
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Career Path System and Training
• An empowering and open culture with the opportunity to grow and create

Gerdau believes in equal employment opportunity related to all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of Gerdau that there will be no discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. All external applicants must be legally eligible to immediately work in the country of hire without current or future sponsorship.

If you are vision-impaired or have some other disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act / Accessible Canada Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment at Gerdau, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at (866)-788-2798 or [e-mail]