Machinist

The Machinist is responsible for manufacturing, repairing, modifying, and restoring precision components that support Franklin Industries' manufacturing operations and equipment reliability. This position utilizes manual and CNC machining equipment to produce replacement parts, fabricate new components, repair worn equipment, and reverse engineer existing parts to support production, maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Machinist works closely with the Machine Shop Group Lead, Maintenance Department, and production departments to minimize downtime and ensure manufacturing equipment remains safe, reliable, and operational.

The Machinist serves as a technical specialist responsible for delivering precision workmanship while supporting Franklin Industries' commitment to safety, equipment reliability, quality, and operational excellence.

Required

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated machining experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to safely operate manual and CNC machine tools.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical specifications.
• Strong mathematical skills, including geometry and precision measurement.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple assignments.
  
  

Preferred

• Trade school or technical education in machining or manufacturing technology.
• Five (5) years of machining experience.
• Experience with manual and CNC machining.
• Experience reverse engineering mechanical components.
• Experience with welding and fabrication.
• Experience supporting industrial maintenance operations.
  
  

Duties And Responsibilities

Safety

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and work instructions.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Operate machinery safely and within established operating procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions and equipment concerns.
• Participate in required safety meetings and training.
  
  

Precision Machining

• Manufacture precision components using manual and CNC machining equipment.
• Machine replacement parts to required tolerances.
• Produce components from engineering drawings and specifications.
• Verify completed parts meet dimensional and quality requirements.
• Maintain high standards of workmanship and accuracy.
  
  

Equipment Repair and Restoration

• Repair worn or damaged mechanical components.
• Restore existing parts to serviceable condition when appropriate.
• Modify components to improve performance or service life.
• Support equipment rebuilds and maintenance activities.
• Recommend repair or replacement options based on component condition.
  
  

Reverse Engineering

• Measure and evaluate worn or damaged components.
• Reverse engineer replacement parts when drawings are unavailable.
• Create machining plans based on existing components.
• Verify finished parts match original functional requirements.
• Support continuous improvement through design modifications when approved.
  
  

Technical Support

• Support Maintenance, Mill, Highway, Farm, Shears, and other departments with machining needs.
• Assist in identifying solutions to mechanical problems.
• Collaborate with maintenance personnel during equipment repairs.
• Support emergency repair activities to minimize production downtime.
• Provide technical input regarding manufacturability and repair options.
  
  

Equipment Operation

• Operate manual lathes, CNC machines, milling machines, grinders, saws, and related equipment.
• Select appropriate tooling and machining methods.
• Monitor machining operations for accuracy and efficiency.
• Maintain machining equipment according to established procedures.
• Report equipment concerns promptly.
  
  

Quality Assurance

• Verify dimensions using precision measuring instruments.
• Inspect completed work for accuracy and compliance with specifications.
• Identify defects and correct machining issues.
• Maintain quality documentation as required.
• Ensure finished components meet customer and operational requirements.
  
  

Documentation

• Read and interpret engineering drawings and work orders.
• Maintain machining and production records.
• Document completed work accurately.
• Record material usage and completed projects as required.
• Communicate project status effectively.
  
  

Housekeeping

• Maintain clean and organized workstations.
• Properly store tooling, materials, and completed parts.
• Support Franklin Industries' housekeeping and 3S initiatives.
• Maintain orderly inventory of commonly used materials.
  
  

Communication and Teamwork

• Communicate effectively with:
• Machine Shop Group Lead
• Maintenance Manager
• Maintenance Technicians
• Department Managers
• Production Personnel
• Provide updates regarding project status and machining priorities.
• Support teamwork throughout the organization.
  

Continuous Improvement

• Participate in Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve machining processes and component reliability.
• Recommend improvements to manufacturing methods and tooling.
• Support implementation of approved process improvements.
  
  

Other Duties

• Participate in special projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Success Factors

Successful Machinist Consistently Demonstrate

Care - Commitment to safety, precision, and equipment reliability.

Passion - Ownership of workmanship and technical excellence.

Respect - Professional communication and collaboration.

Learn - Continuous development of machining knowledge and technical skills..

Integrity - Accuracy, accountability, and dependability.

Teamwork - Support of maintenance and production objectives.

Additional Competencies Include

• Precision Machining
• Blueprint Reading
• Reverse Engineering
• CNC Programming and Operation
• Manual Machining
• Mechanical Aptitude
• Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Technical Judgment
  
  

Physical Demands

The physical requirements described below represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

The Associate Must Be Able To

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently bend, kneel, crouch, reach, push, and pull.
• Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally lift heavier items with assistance or mechanical devices.
• Operate manual and CNC machining equipment safely.
• Use precision measuring instruments repeatedly.
• Maintain visual acuity necessary for precision machining and inspection.
  
  

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Working Conditions

• Safety-sensitive position.
• Manufacturing and machine shop environment.
• Exposure to moving machinery, rotating equipment, and cutting tools.
• Exposure to metal chips, coolants, lubricants, and industrial chemicals.
• Exposure to noise, vibration, and occasional welding or grinding operations.
• Required use of PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and safety footwear.
  
  

Performance Standards

Performance Will Be Evaluated Using The Following Criteria

Safety

• Compliance with safety standards and procedures.
• Safe operation of assigned equipment.
  
  

Precision and Quality

• Accuracy of machined components.
• Compliance with specifications and tolerances.
  
  

Equipment Reliability

• Support of maintenance activities and reduction of equipment downtime.
• Quality of repairs and restored components.
  
  

Productivity

• Timely completion of machining assignments.
• Effective prioritization of work.
  
  

Technical Support

• Responsiveness to internal customer needs.
• Effectiveness supporting production and maintenance departments.
  
  

Housekeeping

• Maintenance of organized workstations and tooling.
  
  

Communication and Teamwork

• Cooperation with maintenance and production personnel.
• Professional communication.
  
  

Attendance

• Dependability and punctuality.
  
  

Training and Development

Within 90 Days Of Employment, Associates Are Expected To

• Demonstrate competency operating assigned machining equipment.
• Demonstrate competency interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.
• Demonstrate competency manufacturing and repairing precision components.
• Demonstrate understanding of Franklin Industries' safety requirements.
• Demonstrate competency using precision measuring instruments.
• Perform assigned duties independently with minimal supervision.
  
  

Machines/Equipment Used For Position

• CNC Lathes
• Manual Lathes
• CNC Milling Machines
• Manual Milling Machines (Bridgeport)
• Surface Grinders
• Blanchard Grinder
• Saws
• Drill Presses
• Jib Cranes
• Precision Measuring Instruments
• Threading Equipment
• Boring Equipment
• Deburring Tools
• Hand Tools
• Computers
  
  

EXPECTED HOURS - Between 40 and 58 per week

TYPICAL SCHEDULE - 5:30 AM - 3:30 PM, M-F, some Saturdays as needed.

STARTING PAY - Typically $21-25/hour (OT is paid at 1.5x pay after 40 hours). New employees are eligible for merit raises and more cross training opportunities after passing their 90-day probationary period.

The Following Incentives Are Also Available

• Bonus and production incentives
• Referral bonuses
• Paid holidays
  
  

BENEFITS - available on the first of the month, following 60 days of employment

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• $15 K Life Insurance paid for by company
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurances
• Other benefits also offered
  
  

About Franklin Industries

In 1901, Franklin Rolling Mill & Foundry Company was founded in Franklin, PA. Right in the middle of Steel Country, Franklin Industries is less than two hours from Pittsburgh, where Andrew Carnegie's steel empire ruled the steel industry in the early 20th century.

We're another two hours from Johnstown, PA, where the first steel rails for the railroad (our raw material) were made. Steel rails linked Chicago and New York together with high capacity rails creating America's manufacturing powerhouse.

Our families have made an honest living in quality manufacturing for generations and are proud to continue that great tradition.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

It is the policy of Franklin Industries to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

The HR Department is required to check the criminal background of all job offerees. Having a criminal record does not block an applicant from securing a job at Franklin Industries. We review all criminal records on a case-by-case basis.

The HR Department sends all job offerees to an external testing site for a physical (vitals, vision, and hearing) and a drug screen. Securing the job is contingent on passing the physical and the drug screen.