Manual Machinist

Job Title: Manual Machinist – Tooling Team
Job Description

The Manual Machinist on the Tooling Team cleans, maintains, and repairs injection molds, troubleshoots mold issues in the press, and ensures safe, efficient production of parts that consistently meet quality requirements. This role operates manual mills and lathes, supports mold maintenance activities, and adheres to all plant, quality, safety, and documentation system requirements. Candidates should have a minimum of 1 year of experience as a Manual Machinist, or 2+ years of experience if they can weld.

Responsibilities

• Clean, maintain, and repair injection molds to ensure reliable and consistent production.
• Operate manual mills, lathes, and surface grinders to perform precision machining on mold components and related production equipment.
• Perform TIG welding on steel and aluminum for mold repair and component fabrication.
• Install and fit replacement components as needed to restore mold function and quality.
• Troubleshoot mold issues both in the tooling shop and in molding presses to support efficient and safe operations.
• Analyze data such as quality dimensional sheets, read mold prints, and interpret past work performed using tool work orders.
• Keep accurate records and maintenance logs to document work performed and mold condition.
• Clean equipment and work areas according to standards established in BOPs and maintain housekeeping requirements.
• Communicate effectively about conditions related to quality, safety, on-the-job injuries or illnesses, and technical problems to ensure timely resolution.
• Perform process steps and maintain appropriate behaviors required for a clean room environment.
• Support mold maintenance activities on the Tooling Team, including tasks related to dies, gauges, grinding, die repair, and pick drilling.
• Carry out other related duties and special assignments essential to tooling and mold operations as needed.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a Manual Machinist, or 2+ years of experience if able to weld.
• Hands-on experience operating a manual mill and manual lathe.
• Ability to operate a manual surface grinder for precision machining work.
• TIG welding experience on steel and aluminum.
• Ability to set up manual machines independently.
• Strong knowledge of cutting bits and machining techniques for aluminum and other materials.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience with manual machining work.
• Ability to read and interpret mold prints and quality dimensional sheets.
• Capability to maintain accurate records and maintenance logs.
• Willingness to work overtime as required.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate rotating shifts.
• Ability to regularly lift up to 35 pounds from floor to workbench level.
• Ability to stand and walk for 10 to 12 hours per day and maintain concentration while performing repetitive tasks.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a group.
• Strong communication skills to report quality, safety, and technical issues clearly.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with mold maintenance and repair; willingness to learn the mold-specific aspects of the role if already proficient with manual mill, lathe, and surface grinder.
• Experience with tooling work such as dies, gauges, grinding, die repair, and pick drilling.
• Confidence in technical knowledge and ability to answer assessment and interview questions clearly.
• Willingness to build and maintain a personal set of tools; initial tools may be supplied for the first few months, with an expectation to acquire personal tools over time.

Why Work Here?

Employees join a supportive, growth-oriented environment with strong ties to the local manufacturing community. There is plenty of room for advancement, as demonstrated by team members who have progressed into lead roles at the facility. The workplace offers a modern, new facility with proximity to major industrial partners, providing long-term career stability and opportunities to develop advanced machining and tooling skills. A structured shift system and overtime opportunities support both work-life balance and earning potential, while a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement encourages employees to grow professionally.

Work Environment

This role is based in a modern tooling and mold maintenance facility, including a new site near a major automotive manufacturing hub. The work is performed around moving mechanical parts and production equipment, with occasional exposure to fumes or airborne particles. Noise levels are typically consistent with an active machining and molding environment. The position follows a rotating schedule of 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, with the pattern switching weekly, and may be assigned to 1st shift (6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.), 2nd shift (12:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.), or 3rd shift (10:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.), each with associated shift differentials. Employees are regularly required to stand, sit, use hands to handle tools and components, and reach with hands and arms, and may occasionally walk, climb, balance, kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl. The role requires close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision, as well as the ability to adjust focus. Work may occur in or near clean room environments, where maintaining housekeeping standards and appropriate behaviors is essential. A personal tool set is expected over time, and attire should be suitable for a machining and manufacturing setting with appropriate safety gear as required.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Antonio, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $37.00/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 San Antonio,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 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.