Manual Machinist/ Tool Builder Lead

Job Summary

Our experienced Manual Machinist Lead role will set up and operate conventional and special-purpose machinery to fabricate metallic and nonmetallic parts, applying knowledge of machine shop theory and procedures, shop mathematics, machineability of materials, and layout techniques.

Job Duties

Essential Functions

• Train new and existing associates within the department from basic shop safety all the way to CNC programing
• Train and follow up with associates on efficient setup and production run on several machines, while maintaining high quality parts from first article inspection through final part inspection.
• Train and educate all associates on precision measuring devices (calipers, micrometers, etc)
• Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
• Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
• Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
• Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
• Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
• Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.
• Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.
• File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.
• Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.
• Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders.
• Meet personal, department and company performance objectives for productivity, quality, and strive for continuous improvement.
• High level of involvement and problem solving, in managing all aspects of customer and company expectations.
• Ability perform multiple tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously while performing various other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications

• High school diploma or GED required, preferred vocational school or and apprenticeship or certification
• 5 years’ experience as a tool & die maker or machinist capacity
• Experience in using and/or programming manual, semi-automated or automated tools and machines (lathes, grinders etc.)
• Ability to use precision tools (e.g. calipers) to take accurate measurements
• Must have a positive attitude with a demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve problems
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics and manuals
• Knowledge of metal properties and other material
• Outstanding mathematical skills and analytical abilities
• Excellent manual dexterity, accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and teambuilding skills

Physical Specifications

• Continuous use of dexterity, manual/hand control and touch of objects
• Regular and continuous use of repetitive motion
• Continually standing for long periods and on hard surfaces
• Intermittent time spending bending or twisting the body
• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds at times
• Frequent exposure to various metal scraps and materials
• Visual abilities; close/distant, color, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus