Manual Machinist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manual Machinist is responsible for setting up and operating manual machine tools to manufacture, modify, and repair precision metal components in support of Blaze Equipment's service and production operations in Fort Worth, Texas. This position performs work using manual lathes, milling machines, drill presses, and a CNC plasma-cutting table, along with related machine-shop equipment and precision measuring instruments. The Manual Machinist works from blueprints, sketches, specifications, and sample parts to determine machining methods, tooling, workholding, speeds, feeds, and sequence of operations. This role is expected to produce accurate, high-quality work; maintain equipment and work areas; and complete assignments safely, efficiently, and with minimal supervision.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Machine Setup & Operation

• Set up and operate manual lathes, milling machines, drill presses, saws, and related machine-shop equipment.
• Select cutting tools, fixtures, chucks, collets, and workholding; determine machining methods, sequence of operations, speeds, feeds, and depth of cut.
• Monitor machine performance, troubleshoot operating issues, and make adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and productivity.

Precision Machining & Part Production

• Manufacture, modify, rework, and repair metal components used in heavy equipment, specialty vehicles, shop tooling, and production fixtures.
• Perform turning, facing, boring, threading, drilling, tapping, milling, slotting, and related manual machining operations.
• Produce or reproduce shafts, pins, bushings, sleeves, spacers, adapters, and other parts from drawings, sketches, measurements, or samples.

Blueprints, Measurement & Quality Control

• Read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, sketches, dimensions, tolerances, and machining specifications.
• Measure and inspect work using calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, bore gauges, thread gauges, height gauges, and other precision instruments.
• Perform in-process and final inspections; identify out-of-tolerance conditions, determine corrective action, and document completed work as required.

CNC Plasma Table Operation

• Set up and operate the CNC plasma-cutting table using approved cut files, material settings, and cutting parameters.
• Inspect cut parts, remove slag and burrs, and verify dimensions before releasing parts to the next operation.

Equipment Maintenance & Shop Organization

• Perform routine inspections, cleaning, lubrication, basic preventive maintenance, and replacement of cutting tools and consumables.
• Maintain an orderly machine shop; properly store tooling, fixtures, materials, work-in-process, and completed components.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all OSHA requirements, company safety procedures, machine-guarding requirements, lockout/tagout practices, and PPE standards.
• Use required personal protective equipment and safe material-handling practices when operating machines, hoists, forklifts, or other shop equipment.
• Keep work areas free of hazards and report unsafe conditions, damaged tooling, equipment malfunctions, and quality concerns.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 3 years of experience operating manual lathes and milling machines in a machine shop, industrial repair, manufacturing, or similar environment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently set up and operate manual lathes, mills, and drill presses.
• Ability to read blueprints, interpret dimensions and tolerances, use precision measuring instruments, and apply shop mathematics.
• Experience producing one-off replacement parts and repairing or modifying existing components preferred.
• Experience operating a CNC plasma-cutting table preferred; ability to learn approved software and operating procedures required.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; completion of a machining, tool-and-die, or related technical program preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in a machine-shop environment with exposure to moving machinery, metal chips, sharp edges, coolant, oil, dust, noise, and temperature variations.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, reach, and perform repetitive machine operations for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and use approved lifting or material-handling equipment for heavier components.
• Sufficient visual acuity, depth perception, manual dexterity, and hand-eye coordination to perform precision machining and inspection work.

TRAVEL AND SCHEDULE EXPECTATIONS

• Position is based at the Blaze Equipment facility in Fort Worth, TX, and is primarily shop-based.
• Standard Monday-Friday schedule with flexibility required to meet production, service, and operational demand.
• Occasional overtime or weekend work may be required; regular travel is not anticipated.