Manual Machinist

Cottondale, Alabama, US on site Until 8/23/2026 First posted March 18, 2026 Last posted March 18, 2026
Job description

Overview

We are seeking a skilled Manual Machinist to join our high-mix, low-volume precision machining environment. We are looking for a craftsman who can own the process end-to-end, from initial setup through final inspection.

Our shop produces complex, tight-tolerance parts that require a blend of manual fundamentals and CNC proficiency. You will find the fast-paced variety of a job shop paired with the stability, modern benefits, and growth opportunities of a well-run operation. We offer a standard first-shift schedule with functionally unlimited overtime available for those who want to increase their earnings, though it is rarely required for those who don't.

Compensation

  • $30 - $35 / hr

Shifts

  • Day Shift (4 x 10s) 6:00am - 4:30pm

Consistent Overtime

  • 10+ hours / week for those who want it
  • Rarely required for those who don't

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision
  • 401(k) with match
  • PTO

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • End-to-End Production: Set up, operate, and maintain manual milling and turning centers to produce detailed parts from blueprints, sketches, or verbal instructions.
  • Technical Planning: Retrieve and interpret job-related information, including job routings, part drawings, tool lists, and complex work instructions.
  • Precision Measurement: Perform manual measurements and inspections using micrometers, gauges, and indicators to ensure parts meet stringent quality standards and $±.0005”$ tolerances.
  • Workflow Management: Document manufactured quantities and all required processes utilizing our ERP system; provide feedback on resources used (time, material, and consumables).
  • Operational Excellence: Select tooling, establish offsets, and build effective workholding strategies; troubleshoot dimensional and tooling issues as they arise.
  • Quality Assurance: Review finished assemblies for dimensional integrity and functionality, performing rework or adjustments as necessary to achieve first-article success.
  • Collaboration: Participate in continuous improvement (Lean/5S) initiatives to optimize machining efficiency and maintain a safe, organized work environment.

Requirements

Qualifications

  • Experience: Significant experience in a precision machine shop environment, with a proven ability to run setups on medium-to-high complexity parts.
  • Technical Skills: Proficient in both manual machining operations (mills and lathes). Must be comfortable with both Imperial and Metric systems.
  • Blueprint Reading: Strong ability to interpret technical drawings and apply GD&T principles (flatness, parallelism, true position, etc.).
  • Education: High School Diploma or GED required; a 2-year Machine Tool Technology Certificate is preferred.
  • Mindset: A strong ownership mindset, an unwavering commitment to safety, and the ability to solve practical problems in situations where limited standardization exists.

Benefits

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision
  • 401(k) with match
  • PTO
About this role

Summary

Operate manual mills and lathes, interpret blueprints, ensure precision, and participate in continuous improvements.

Job title

Manual Machinist

Experience level

significant experience

Industry

manufacturing

Location requirements

Cottondale, Alabama; on-site work only

Salary

$30 - $35 / hr

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

manual machiningmill and lathe operationblueprint readingGD&Timperial and metric measurement

Preferred skills

None specified

Specializations

manual machiningprecision measurementblueprint readingGD&TCNC
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Cottondale, AL, USA

On-site City