Manual Machinist

Job Title: Manual Machinist

Job Description

This role focuses on setting up and operating manual lathes, mills, and surface grinders to produce high-quality parts according to detailed blueprints and specifications. The Manual Machinist uses precision inspection tools to verify part quality, monitors tooling and machine performance, and follows established procedures and best practices to support safe and efficient production in a busy machine shop environment.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and follow tooling and setup instructions, standard charts, and blueprints to machine parts to required specifications.
• Set up and run manual lathes, mills, and surface grinders for all facets of assigned work.
• Perform spot checks on production parts using calipers, micrometers, and other inspection tools to ensure compliance with blueprint specifications.
• Monitor machine operation throughout the production run and promptly report malfunctions or irregularities to supervision.
• Monitor tool performance using in-process quality checklists and make necessary adjustments to maintain part quality.
• Follow company procedures and best machine practices at all times to ensure safe, consistent, and efficient operations.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with shop standards.
• Collaborate with team members to plan work, resolve issues, and achieve production goals.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned to support overall manufacturing operations.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 2–3 years of hands-on experience operating manual lathes and mills in a production or machine shop environment.
• Experience operating surface grinders for precision machining work.
• Proficiency in blueprint reading and the ability to interpret dimensions, tolerances, and geometric requirements.
• Strong skills in using precision inspection tools, including micrometers, depth gauges, calipers, indicators, and related measuring equipment.
• Solid understanding of production processes and strong safety knowledge in a machine shop setting.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and contribute to shared production goals.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving abilities related to machining processes and part quality.
• Demonstrated experience as a Manual Machinist, Lathe Operator, Mill Operator, and Surface Grinding Operator.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• CNC machining experience is a plus and can support broader shop capabilities.
• Experience working in a general manufacturing or machine shop environment.
• Familiarity with Bridgeport-style milling machines.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions for setups and quality checks.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality parts.

Why Work Here?

You will join a close-knit machine shop of about 50 people, where your craftsmanship and ideas can have a visible impact on daily operations. The environment values safety, quality, and teamwork, giving you the opportunity to collaborate with skilled machinists and continue developing your technical expertise. You can expect a stable setting with clear procedures, support from experienced colleagues, and the chance to work on a variety of parts and setups that keep your work interesting and challenging.

Work Environment

This position is based in a traditional machine shop environment with approximately 50 employees. You will work around manual lathes, mills, surface grinders, and related shop equipment such as drill presses and Bridgeport-style machines. The role involves regular use of precision inspection tools, including micrometers, calipers, depth gauges, and indicators. The shop follows established safety and operating procedures, and you can expect a hands-on, production-oriented atmosphere where collaboration with other machinists and staff is part of daily work. Attire typically aligns with standard machine shop expectations, such as practical work clothing suitable for operating machinery and handling materials.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Morgan Hill, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Morgan Hill,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.

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.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.