Manual Machinist

Manual Machinist

US-TX-Stafford

Job ID: 2026-17510
# of Openings: 1
Category: Service
US-TX-Houston Pro-1153

Overview

 

We are seeking an experienced Manual Machinist to support our repair, remanufacturing, and aftermarket service business in our Houston PRO Services facility located in Stafford, Texas. This position is responsible for performing precision machining operations on large rotating and stationary equipment components using manual machine tools, with primary emphasis on Horizontal Boring Mills (HBM) and Vertical Turret Lathes (VTL). The successful candidate will independently set up, machine, inspect, and document components to meet OEM specifications, engineering drawings, and customer requirements.

Responsibilities

May include:

• Set up and operate manual Horizontal Boring Mills (HBM), Vertical Turret Lathes (VTL), engine lathes, radial drills, milling machines, and associated shop equipment.
• Machine pump components and other rotating equipment parts including casings, bearing housings, stuffing boxes, impellers, shafts, sleeves, wear rings, seal chambers, and miscellaneous fabricated components.
• Interpret and work from engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, sketches, OEM prints, and repair procedures.
• Determine proper machining methods, tooling requirements, work holding techniques, machine speeds, and feed rates.
• Perform boring, facing, drilling, reaming, tapping, grooving, threading, and turning operations to required tolerances.
• Perform precision measurements using micrometers, bore gauges, dial indicators, depth gauges, calipers, and other inspection equipment.
• Independently inspect completed work and verify dimensional accuracy against drawing requirements.
• Calculate and machine critical fits, clearances, tolerances, concentricity, perpendicularity, and runout requirements.
• Assist with repair evaluations and recommend machining processes to restore components to serviceable condition.
• Safely rig, load, position, and secure large components using cranes, hoists, lifting devices, and fixtures.
• Perform layout work and machining setups on large and complex components with minimal supervision.
• Identify tooling, equipment, machine, or quality issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate job documentation, inspection records, and work order information.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, shop procedures, and safety requirements.
• Assist with training and mentoring less experienced machinists and shop personnel.
• Perform additional duties and support projects as required to meet business needs.

Qualifications

Knowledge & Skills

• Advanced knowledge of manual machining practices and machine tool operation.
• Strong experience operating large Horizontal Boring Mills (HBM) and Vertical Turret Lathes (VTL).
• Ability to accurately read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T symbols, and technical specifications.
• Thorough understanding of machining tolerances, fits, and precision measurements.
• Ability to independently determine machining methods and sequences for repair and manufacturing work.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to safely handle and machine large, heavy components.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Basic computer skills for documentation and job tracking.

Experience

• Minimum 7-10 years of manual machining experience in a repair, manufacturing, or job shop environment.
• Minimum 5 years of experience operating Horizontal Boring Mills (HBM).
• Minimum 5 years of experience operating Vertical Turret Lathes (VTL).
• Experience machining large rotating equipment components preferred.
• Experience supporting pump, power generation, petrochemical, mining, or heavy industrial equipment preferred.

Competencies

• Expert-level manual machining skills.
• Ability to hold close tolerances on large components.
• Strong blueprint reading and dimensional inspection capabilities.
• Knowledge of machining materials including carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steels, bronze, and specialty materials.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to prioritize multiple jobs in a fast-paced repair environment.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and workmanship.

Education/Certification

• High School Diploma or GED preferred (or equivalent experience)
• Technical or vocational machining training preferred.
• Journeyman Machinist certification considered a plus.
• Overhead crane and rigging experience preferred.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, climb, stoop, kneel, reach, and use hands to operate machinery and measuring instruments. The employee will frequently work around large industrial equipment, moving machinery, overhead cranes, and lifting devices. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and assist with positioning significantly larger components using appropriate material handling equipment.

The work environment is typically an industrial machine shop setting with exposure to noise, metal chips, lubricants, coolant, and varying temperatures. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required at all times in designated areas.

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

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI286754801