Manual Lathe Machinist

The repair machinist is responsible for the precision machining, restoration, and reconditioning of high value industrial centrifuge components and rotating equipment. The role focuses on manual machining processes to restore critical functional surfaces, tight tolerances, and geometric accuracy on worn or damages parts.
The technician executes machining operations based on inspection findings, engineering instructions, and repair drawings. The role requires a high level of craftsmanship, precision, and understanding of rotating equipment requirements, particularly where dimensional accuracy is needed.

Responsibilities / Tasks

• Perform manual lathe operations to machine shafts, housings, sealing surfaces, guiding surfaces, and other precision components.
• Restore worn or damaged functional surfaces to original or specified tolerances.
• Set up, align, and securely clamp large, heavy, or complex workpieces on manual lathes.
• Perform precision turning, facing, boring, threading, and finishing operations.
• Execute precision grinding, polishing, and surface finishing directly on lathe setups or related manual equipment.
• Operate manual milling machines for repair related machining tasks such as surface restoration, slotting, alignment corrections and modifications.
• Perform precision drilling, reaming, and hole preparation using manual drill presses.
• Carry out machining adjustments required to restore fit, alignment, or functional geometry of components.
• Work to tight tolerances, often in the micrometer range, on critical rotating equipment components.
• Ensure dimensional accuracy and surface quality meet engineering and OEM specifications.
• Preform corrective machining based on inspection findings and repair instructions.
• Use precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, bore gauges, dial indicators, and depth gauges.

• Other duties as assigned by manager.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED – good foundation in math, physics and mechanical properties
• Completed technical education in mechanical engineering, industrial machining, precision mechanics, or a related field (eg. Vocational apprenticeship as a machinist, toolmaker, or industrial mechanic).
• Strong foundational training in manual machining processes, with emphasis on lathe operations and precision mechanical work.
• Training in metrology and precision measurement techniques is essential, formal certification is an advantage.
• Minimum 3-5 years of hands on experience as a manual machinist in an industrial or repair workshop environment
• Proven experience operating manual lathes for precision machining of components.
• Demonstrated ability to setup, clamp, and accurately dial in large an heavy workpieces on manual lathes.
• Experience with horizontal grinding machines or similar equipment.
• Strong background in precision measurement, including micrometers, bore gauges, dial indicators, and other accuracy measurement device.

Your Profile / Qualifications

• High- level proficiency in manual lathe operation and precision machining techniques.
• Strong ability to set up and align large complex workpieces accurately
• Deep understanding of tight tolerance machining an geometric accuracy
• Skilled in precision measurement and use of metrology tools.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, tolerances, and repair specifications.
• Strong mechanical understanding of rotating equipment and functional surfaces.
• Ability to perform fine finishing operations such as grinding, polishing and buffing.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to dimensional accuracy.
• Ability to work independently while following structured repair instructions.
• Problem solving ability in adapting machining methods to repair conditions.
• Strong safety awareness in handling heavy and precision components.

Did we spark your interest?
Then please click apply above to access our guided application process.