Manual Machinist @ Aerotek

Job Title: Manual Machinist Tooling TeamJob DescriptionThe Manual Machinist on the Tooling Team cleans, maintains, and repairs injection molds, operates manual mills and lathes, and supports safe, efficient production of parts that consistently meet quality requirements. This role troubleshoots mold issues both in the shop and in molding presses, communicates mold and quality concerns to technical staff, and follows all plant, quality, safety, and documentation requirements. The position also supports mold maintenance activities and related tooling work, with training provided on mold-specific tasks for candidates with strong manual machining experience.

Responsibilities

• Clean, maintain, and repair injection molds to ensure reliable and consistent operation.
• Operate manual mills, lathes, and surface grinders to perform precision machining of mold components and related production equipment.
• Perform TIG welding on steel and aluminum for repair and fabrication of tooling components.
• Install and fit replacement components as needed to restore or improve mold performance.
• Troubleshoot mold issues in the tool room and on molds installed in molding presses to support efficient and safe production.
• Analyze quality and dimensional data, read and interpret mold prints, and review past work performed as documented on tool work orders.
• Keep accurate records, maintenance logs, and documentation in accordance with plant and quality systems.
• Clean equipment and work areas to the standards established in documented procedures and best operating practices.
• Communicate effectively about conditions related to quality, safety, injuries or illnesses, and technical problems to ensure timely resolution.
• Perform process steps and maintain housekeeping standards to support a clean room or controlled environment as required.
• Support mold maintenance and tooling activities on the Tooling Team, including fabrication, grinding, die repair, and related manual machining tasks.
• Work independently or as part of a team to complete assignments safely, accurately, and on schedule.
• Work overtime as needed to support production and maintenance requirements.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a Manual Machinist, or 2+ years of experience if also performing welding.
• Hands-on experience operating a manual mill.
• Ability to set up manual machines, including proper tooling and workholding.
• Experience operating a manual surface grinder.
• TIG welding experience on steel and aluminum.
• Demonstrated ability to machine aluminum and other metals using manual equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience with manual machining processes.
• Knowledge of cutting tools, bits, and machining techniques appropriate for manual mills, lathes, and grinders.
• Willingness and ability to work overtime as required.
• Flexibility to work a rotating schedule and different shifts as needed.
• Ability to bring and maintain personal tools over time, with initial tools supplied for the first few months.
• Confidence in technical knowledge and ability to answer machining and tooling questions during interviews and assessments.
• Ability to stand and walk for 10 to 12 hours per day and regularly lift up to 35 pounds from floor to workbench level.
• Ability to maintain concentration while performing repetitive tasks and to work effectively both independently and in group settings.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating a manual lathe in addition to a manual mill and surface grinder.
• Background in mold maintenance, tool and die, or die repair work.
• Experience with surface grinding, pick drilling, and working with dies, gauges, and tooling.
• Familiarity with clean room or controlled environment practices and housekeeping standards.
• Ability to interpret detailed mold prints and technical drawings.
• Experience maintaining accurate maintenance logs and documentation.
• Comfort working with rotating shifts and multiple shift options.
• Willingness to learn the mold maintenance aspects of the role if already experienced in manual machining.

Why Work Here? You will join a growing operation with a strong sense of community and clear opportunities for advancement. The facility offers a modern, well-equipped environment with a track record of promoting from within, as shown by previous team members who have advanced into lead roles. The location provides convenient access to major industrial hubs, and the schedule and shift options support work-life balance while still offering overtime opportunities for those who want them. You can build your skills in tooling and mold maintenance while contributing to a stable, long-term career path.

Work EnvironmentThe role is based in a modern manufacturing facility with a dedicated Tooling Team and a new plant environment. You will work around moving mechanical parts and may occasionally be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, with noise levels typical of a machining and molding operation. The position supports a rotating schedule of 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, with the pattern switching the following week (for example, one week MondayTuesday on, WednesdayThursday off, FridaySunday on; the next week MondayTuesday off, WednesdayThursday on, FridaySunday off).

Available shifts include a 1st shift from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., a 2nd shift from 12:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and a 3rd shift from 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., with shift differentials offered for off-shifts. The work requires regular standing, walking, lifting up to 35 pounds, and using hands to handle tools and components, as well as climbing, balancing, kneeling, stooping, crouching, and crawling on occasion. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

You will work with manual mills, lathes, surface grinders, and welding equipment, and you are expected to maintain a clean, organized work area and adhere to all safety procedures and plant standards. Personal tools are required over time, with initial tools supplied for the first few months.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Antonio, TX.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $23.00 - $37.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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)

Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in San Antonio,TX.

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.