We are a Los Angeles manufacturing and engineering staffing agency specializing in recruiting Manual Machinists for high‑precision machining environments. Our client is a premier AS9100- and ISO 9001-certified precision machining company known for producing ultra‑tight‑tolerance components for aerospace, defense, medical device, semiconductor, and high‑performance industrial applications.
Their facility features a world‑class machine shop equipped with manual lathes, knee mills, toolroom grinders, jig borers, honing machines, and precision inspection equipment. The company supports prototype machining, R&D development, one‑off tooling, repair work, and low‑volume production for mission‑critical components that require expert craftsmanship and machining judgment.
This role is ideal for a seasoned Manual Machinist who excels in a precision‑driven environment and can contribute to a team that manufactures some of the most complex and demanding components in the industry.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Set up, operate, and maintain manual machining equipment including engine lathes, Bridgeport‑style mills, surface grinders, OD/ID grinders, and drill presses.
- Interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T requirements in accordance with ASME Y14.5 and customer specifications.
- Machine tight‑tolerance components (±0.0005" or tighter) from stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, Inconel, tool steels, and specialty alloys used in aerospace and medical device applications.
- Perform precision turning, milling, threading, boring, facing, drilling, tapping, slotting, and grinding operations to exact specifications.
- Use precision measurement tools such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, indicators, and surface plates to verify dimensional accuracy.
- Develop machining strategies, workholding methods, and tooling setups for prototype and low‑volume production parts.
- Fabricate custom fixtures, jigs, mandrels, and soft jaws to support machining operations and improve repeatability.
- Perform manual adjustments, offsets, and fine‑tuning to achieve required tolerances, surface finishes, and geometric accuracy.
- Collaborate with CNC machinists, toolmakers, manufacturing engineers, and quality inspectors to resolve manufacturability issues and improve machining processes.
- Support R&D machining, prototype development, and engineering change requests (ECRs) for new product introductions.
- Perform first‑article inspections, in‑process checks, and final verification to ensure compliance with AS9100 or customer‑specific requirements.
- Troubleshoot machining issues including chatter, tool wear, dimensional drift, thermal expansion, and material inconsistencies.
- Maintain equipment through routine cleaning, lubrication, alignment checks, and minor repairs.
- Document machining steps, setups, and process notes for repeatability and traceability.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives including lean manufacturing, 5S, workflow optimization, and tooling upgrades.
Education
- Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Precision Machining, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related technical field preferred.
- Equivalent hands‑on experience in manual machining will be considered.
Required Skills and Experience
- 7+ years of hands‑on experience operating manual lathes, mills, grinders, and related equipment in precision machining environments.
- Strong understanding of GD&T, blueprint reading, tolerancing, and machining fundamentals.
- Proficiency machining tight‑tolerance components and achieving high‑quality surface finishes.
- Experience working with stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, Inconel, tool steels, and other high‑performance alloys.
- Ability to independently set up machines, select tooling, determine feeds and speeds, and plan machining sequences.
- Strong knowledge of precision measurement tools and inspection techniques.
- Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, or ISO 13485 quality systems.
- Ability to troubleshoot machining issues and collaborate with engineering and quality teams.
- Strong mechanical aptitude, problem‑solving skills, and attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with prototype machining, R&D machining, or one‑off custom parts.
- Background in toolmaking, fixture building, or precision grinding.
- Familiarity with CNC machining or hybrid manual/CNC environments.
- Experience supporting AS9102 FAI, PPAP, or customer‑specific inspection documentation.
- Knowledge of SPC, MSA, and root cause analysis tools such as 8D, DMAIC, or A3.
- Certifications such as NIMS Machining Level II/III, ASQ CQT, or Journeyman Machinist credentials.
