Manual Machinist 1 - 2nd Shift in Elk Grove Village, Illinois at ERA Industries

Position Summary

The Manual Machinist 1 supports the fabrication, modification, and repair of production fixtures, workholding devices, and specialized tooling using conventional machining equipment. The role also assists with formally authorized rework of production components under the guidance of qualified personnel.

This developing role performs established tasks under supervision, verifies work as directed, and builds proficiency in toolmaking, precision measurement, controlled rework, and safe machine setup. Routine production part machining is not the primary purpose of the department.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fixture, Tooling & Rework Assignment Preparation

•Review approved fixture drawings, tooling details, work instructions, rework authorizations, and applicable engineering requirements before work begins.

•Confirm material or part identification, revision, lot/serial traceability, condition, and required protection of existing precision features.

•Identify needed machines, cutting tools, workholding, gauges, fixture material, and approved sequence before preparing the assignment.

•Stop and seek clarification when tooling drawings, rework scope, disposition status, or required approvals are incomplete or ambiguous.

2. Fixture Fabrication, Modification & Repair

•Prepare and operate conventional lathes, manual mills, drills, and other assigned equipment with guidance until proficiency and setup authority are demonstrated.

•Install approved workholding, locate datum features, and establish cutting conditions with required oversight and setup verification.

•Machine basic tooling components or simple fixture features to released instructions; obtain guidance before difficult fit or tolerance decisions.

•Assist with fixture assembly, verify features using assigned gauges, and request technical review when dimensions or fit are uncertain.

•Identify drawing, fit, accessibility, or durability concerns and obtain Process Engineering approval before departing from released tooling requirements.

3. Authorized Product Rework & Dimensional Verification

•Assist with production-part rework only after the required Quality disposition and Process Engineering method are provided and the assigned work is supervised.

•Protect part identity, traceability, unaffected surfaces, material condition, and remaining stock throughout controlled rework activities.

•Perform assigned dimensional checks with appropriate instruction and independent verification when required by training or the work plan.

•Segregate or return completed rework for required Quality verification; do not treat completion of machining as acceptance or product release.

4. Technical Problem-Solving & Engineering Support

•Assist senior machinists and Process Engineering with basic fixture trials, tooling modifications, and specialized support work.

•Recognize unusual cutting behavior or workholding concerns and request help before making changes outside approved instructions.

•Communicate measured findings, technical constraints, and potential improvement concepts to Process Engineering for review and approval.

•Do not independently revise controlled tooling designs, production-part specifications, or released rework instructions.

5. Work Coordination, Documentation & Handoffs

•Complete directed fixture or authorized-rework assignments in the sequence established by the Manual Supervisor.

•Record tooling identification, operation completion, labor, dimensional checks, and required rework or traceability information accurately.

•Identify delays caused by materials, tooling, technical clarification, equipment, or inspection and communicate risks early.

•Protect and route finished fixtures or reworked components to the designated owner, location, or Quality review point with appropriate records.

6. Equipment Care, Safety & Technical Development

•Maintain conventional machining equipment, cutting tools, work areas, and measuring devices in safe, ready-to-use condition.

•Apply machine guarding, safe workholding, chip control, lifting practices, PPE, and appropriate handling of sharp or delicate tooling.

•Report equipment defects, unsafe conditions, and risks to product or tooling integrity; stop work when safe execution is uncertain.

•Develop core toolmaking and measurement skills through instruction, observation, and demonstrated safe performance

Execution Authority

The Manual Machinist 1 is authorized to:

•Perform assigned fixture/tooling tasks and supervised rework within documented qualifications and released instructions.

•Make only adjustments expressly permitted by the approved tooling or rework method and assigned training.

•Stop work when safe setup, part identity, traceability, technical requirements, or dimensional conformity is uncertain.

•Recommend observed tooling issues or improvement ideas for review by the Manual Supervisor and Process Engineering.

The Manual Machinist 1 does not have authority to:

•Independently develop unverified fixture designs, execute complex setups beyond qualification, or change controlled tooling requirements.

•Initiate or alter production-part rework without Quality disposition and Process Engineering-approved technical instructions.

•Accept or release reworked or nonconforming product, waive inspection, or substitute parts/materials without authorization.

•Assume responsibility for routine production equipment scheduling or establish customer delivery commitments.

*2nd Shift employees will receive a shift differential of 8% on top of their base salary

Standard Role Disclaimer

This position involves access to export-controlled information and/or items. To be eligible, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must be able to perform all job duties in compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications associated with this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or working conditions. Responsibilities and duties may change at any time based on business needs, and the employee may be required to perform other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

•High school diploma or equivalent preferred; machining apprenticeship, toolmaking education, or relevant technical training beneficial.

•Developing manual machining or toolmaking background; technical coursework or relevant hands-on experience preferred.

•Developing knowledge of manual lathes, conventional mills, drills, cutting tools, fixture components, and safe setups.

•Ability to read basic drawings and dimensions and willingness to develop tooling interpretation and GD&T knowledge.

•Basic shop mathematics and ability to use gauges and measuring equipment with appropriate guidance.

•Experience in precision, aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing preferred.

•Attention to detail, dependability, readiness to learn precision toolmaking, and willingness to seek guidance.

Physical and Work Requirements

•Ability to perform essential job duties, with or without reasonable accommodation, in an active precision-manufacturing environment.

•Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and periodically bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, grip, and perform repetitive precision hand work.

•Ability to lift, carry, push, or move tools, parts, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance or material-handling equipment when appropriate.

•Ability to safely use stairs, ladders, work platforms, and approved material-handling equipment when trained and authorized.

•Ability to read detailed drawings and measurement instruments and use hand tools, micrometers, indicators, and related precision equipment.

•Regular exposure to operating machine tools, rotating components, metal chips, oils, coolants, noise, temperature variation, and moving materials; required PPE must be worn.

•Ability to work assigned shifts, extended hours, overtime, or weekends as required by production demands.