What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manual Machinist position at Helix Linear Technologies, Inc.?
The Manual Machinist is a hands-on craftsman responsible for setting up and running manual machining centers — including Bridgeport-style knee mills and engine/toolroom lathes — to produce precision components, prototypes, fixtures, and short-run production work that supports Helix’s high-mix, low-volume environment.
This role is ideal for an experienced machinist who reads blueprints fluently, holds tight tolerances by feel and measurement, and takes ownership of every part that leaves their machine. You’ll work alongside CNC programmers, engineers, and quality — often making the parts that keep production moving and that protect our reputation for precision.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Setup & Operation. Independently set up and operate Bridgeport-style vertical knee mills and manual engine/toolroom lathes to machine prototypes, fixtures, tooling, and production parts from steel, stainless, aluminum, brass, and engineered plastics.
- Blueprint Interpretation. Read and interpret engineering drawings, including ASME Y14.5 GD&T, datum structures, surface finish callouts, and tolerance stacks, and translate them into a sound machining plan.
- Tooling & Fixturing. Select and grind cutting tools, build workholding setups (vises, collets, chucks, V-blocks, parallels, soft jaws), indicate and align work to tenths, and design simple fixtures when needed.
- Precision Inspection. Use micrometers, calipers, indicators, gauge pins, thread gauges, height gauges, and bore gauges to perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspection on tolerances down to ±0.0001 inches.
- Operations Performed. Face, turn, bore, drill, ream, tap, thread (single-point and tap), knurl, mill, slot, counterbore, ream, and chamfer per print, including secondary operations on CNC-machined components.
- Quality Ownership. Verify part conformance to drawing and quality standards (AS9100 / ISO 9001), document inspection results, and quarantine non-conforming material in accordance with Helix procedures.
- Production Support. Partner with CNC machinists, engineering, and quality to support prototypes, rework, tooling repair, and bridge production while CNC capacity is being set up or programmed.
- Continuous Improvement. Identify opportunities to improve setups, reduce cycle time, extend tool life, and improve part quality. Share what you learn with the team.
- Maintenance & 5S. Perform daily machine checks, lubrication, and basic preventive maintenance. Keep your work area clean, organized, and audit-ready.
- Safety. Operate in full compliance with Helix safety standards, including proper PPE, lock-out/tag-out, and safe handling of coolants, oils, and chips.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or equivalent; completion of a recognized machinist apprenticeship, vocational program, or equivalent on-the-job training.
- 3 years of hands-on experience as a manual machinist in a precision manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated proficiency setting up and running Bridgeport-style manual mills and manual lathes from a blank table or chuck — not just operating after someone else sets up.
- Fluent in reading and interpreting blueprints, including GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
- Skilled with precision measuring instruments: micrometers, calipers, dial and test indicators, gauge pins, height gauges, and thread gauges.
- Strong shop math: trigonometry, decimals, fractions, conversions, and basic feeds/speeds calculations.
- Ability to hold tolerances down to ±0.0001 inches on appropriate features.
- Self-directed with strong attention to detail, ownership, and pride in workmanship.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience machining lead screws, ball screws, shafts, nuts, or other linear motion components.
- Familiarity with thread rolling, centerless grinding, or single-point threading on a manual lathe.
- Experience working in an AS9100, ISO 9001, or other regulated manufacturing environment (aerospace, medical, defense).
- Tool & die, toolroom, or prototype-shop background.
- Basic CNC operating experience (Fanuc or Haas) is a plus, with a path to grow into CNC roles.
- ERP experience (Epicor preferred) for time tracking and job reporting.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.
- Manual dexterity and visual acuity sufficient to inspect features and read precision instruments.
- Comfortable working with industrial fluids (coolants, cutting oils, solvents) using standard PPE.
- Climate-controlled, clean machining environment; safety glasses and steel-toe footwear required on the floor.
WHAT HELIX OFFERS
Helix is building something durable — not just high-precision products, but a company defined by integrity, clarity, and disciplined execution in industries where the stakes are high. We engineer with purpose, hold ourselves to rigorous standards, and take ownership from the first customer interaction through final delivery.
- Competitive hourly compensation based on skill and experience.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Paid time off and most major holidays.
- Steady daytime hours and a clean, climate-controlled facility built for precision work.
- Investment in your growth — advanced equipment, ongoing training, and a clear path from manual to CNC and lead-machinist roles.
- A culture that values people who are direct, dependable, and committed to doing things the right way, even when it takes more effort.
Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20 - $23