Manual Machinist @ Aerotek

Job Title: Manual Machinist Job DescriptionThis role performs wide-ranging, non-repetitive, and complex manual machining and repair assignments in a reciprocating compressor repair service center. You will set up and operate a variety of manual machines, including engine lathes, horizontal boring mills, and vertical Bridgeport mills, to produce precision components to exacting tolerances. Success in this position requires strong attention to detail, a sharp eye for identifying nonconformities, and clear communication with leadership to resolve issues and maintain high quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Work safely at all times and follow all safety directives, procedures, and programs, including safety training, 5S, and problem-solving activities.
• Study blueprints, drawings, sketches, and diagrams to determine machining methods, sequences of operations, and setups required to fabricate precision parts, tooling, and fixtures.
• Lay out, set up, and machine parts to exacting tolerances and patterns, determining appropriate tooling, feeds, and speeds for lathes, mills, and other production equipment.
• Perform close tolerance machining operations on large parts, including forming, boring, turning, facing, drilling, tapping, and honing.
• Perform self-inspection of machined parts using a critical eye to ensure dimensional accuracy and conformance to specifications.
• Adjust machines and obtain required tools, fixtures, and accessories for each job, ensuring proper setup and operation.
• Grind and sharpen your own tooling as needed to maintain cutting performance and accuracy.
• Measure diameters (inner and outer), heights, depths, and thicknesses using micrometers, dial indicators, calipers, gauges, and other precision measuring instruments.
• Keep all tooling in proper working condition and maintain a clean, organized, and neat work cell.
• Perform routine service and basic maintenance on equipment as required to ensure reliable operation.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment in accordance with company policies and safety standards.
• Rotate into other positions within the team as needed to meet production requirements and support team flexibility.
• Prepare and share recommendations for improvements in methods or processes to enhance productivity and quality.
• Participate in problem-solving activities individually or as part of a group when job duties require.
• Implement company policies and procedures in all aspects of daily work and documentation.
• Complete and submit all initial, benchmark, and final inspection reports and related documentation as required.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance and punctuality and be willing to work overtime and weekends when needed to meet delivery schedules and customer expectations.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of manual or conventional machining experience, including hands-on work with engine lathes, horizontal boring mills, and vertical Bridgeport mills.
• Proficiency in setting up and operating manual engine lathes, horizontal boring mills, vertical Bridgeport mills, and other manual milling machines.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, sketches, and diagrams to determine machining operations and tolerances.
• Strong skill in using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, dial indicators, calipers, and gauges to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Proficiency with hoist fixtures, chucks, collets, steady rests, and related workholding and lifting devices.
• Knowledge of the working qualities and machining characteristics of a wide variety of materials, including cast iron, steel, aluminum, copper, brass, other metals, and plastics.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and a critical eye for identifying nonconformities and quality issues.
• Ability to grind and sharpen cutting tools and maintain tooling in proper working condition.
• Strong commitment to safety and the ability to follow established safety procedures and guidelines.
• High school diploma or GED.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience performing close tolerance machining on large and complex parts in a repair or service center environment.
• Comfort working from and contributing to inspection reports, including initial, benchmark, and final documentation.
• Ability to communicate clearly with leadership and team members regarding quality issues, process improvements, and job status.
• Experience participating in 5S, continuous improvement, and structured problem-solving initiatives.
• Flexibility to rotate into different roles or stations within the team to support production needs.
• Willingness to work overtime, including occasional weekends, to support project deadlines and customer requirements.

Why Work Here? You will join a large, stable organization that offers a contract-to-hire path, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and transition into a long-term role. The company provides room for growth, allowing you to develop your career and expand your capabilities in a well-structured industrial environment. You will work with experienced professionals, gain exposure to complex, large-scale projects, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that value your ideas and craftsmanship. Work Environment7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You will work on and around heavy industrial equipment such as engine lathes, horizontal boring mills, vertical Bridgeport mills, and related manual machining tools.

The environment is hands-on and production-focused, with an emphasis on safety, cleanliness, and organization. You must be flexible to work extended hours when needed, including occasional overtime during the week. Two to three times per year, the team supports large projects that may require working on Saturdays and Sundays to meet critical deadlines. The facility promotes a clean and safe workspace, with adherence to safety procedures and appropriate industrial work attire suitable for a machining and repair shop.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cypress, CA.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $42.00 - $50.00/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 20, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Cypress,CA.

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.