Manual Engine Lathe Technician -- Cylinder Manufacturing & Repair

Job Description

Job Description

Manual Engine Lathe Technician — Cylinder Manufacturing & Repair

Department: Repair

Reports To: Plant Manager

A day in the Repair shop

You arrive to a clean, organized bay and review the day’s work orders for hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder components. You pull the prints, verify work instructions, and set up a manual engine lathe for the first job. From selecting a 3- or 4-jaw chuck to dialing in concentricity, you establish the right speeds and feeds, calculate tolerances, and start turning. Midway through, you pause to confirm dimensions with micrometers and gauges, record results, and continue. Between jobs, you check tooling wear, top off oil, and keep the area tidy—then collaborate with the team to keep production on track.

What you’ll do

• Set up and run manual lathes to machine cylinder components per blueprints, specifications, and work instructions.
• Determine dimensions, tolerances, and machining parameters using math, precision measuring tools, and technical know-how.
• Produce parts to spec using lathes and supporting tools such as milling machines, shapers, and grinders.
• Inspect in-process and finished work with calipers, micrometers, and gauges to verify exacting standards.
• Perform in-process checks throughout the operation to detect defects and maintain consistency.
• Carry out preventive maintenance: monitor lubrication schedules and proper oil levels.
• Evaluate tooling for wear/damage and replace or escalate issues to maintain safety and throughput.
• Keep the work area clean and organized to support safety, efficiency, and quality.
• Follow safety policies; report hazards and malfunctions promptly.
• Work closely with supervisors and teammates to meet schedules and company goals.

Qualifications

Language: Read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos; write simple communications; present information effectively in small groups.

Math: Add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; compute rate, ratio, and percentage; interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning: Apply common sense to carry out written, oral, or diagrammed instructions; resolve problems with several concrete variables in standard situations.

Education/Experience: High school diploma or GED; or 1–5 years in a job-shop environment; or an equivalent blend of education and experience.

Equipment you’ll work with

• Manual engine lathe
• Bridgeport mill
• Radial arm drills

Core skills and materials

• Blueprint reading and interpretation.
• Use of micrometers and precision gauges; achieving close tolerances and proper surface finishes.
• Handling tie rods, tubes, and rods of varying sizes.
• 3- and 4-jaw chuck setup and workholding.
• OD and ID threading.
• Machining cold rolled steel, bronze, cast iron, aluminum, and some heat-treated alloys.

Physical demands

Regularly stand, walk, use hands, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear; occasionally sit, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; occasionally lift and/or move up to 25+ pounds.

Work environment

Safety glasses and hard sole/close toed shoes with a low heel are required in the manufacturing and/or repair shop. Long hair must be tied back near flame, machinery, or equipment hazards. Expect exposure to moving mechanical parts; occasional fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration. Noise level is usually loud.

Proficiency and technologies

• You should be proficient in: Manual Machining Skills
• Machines & technologies: Surface Grinder, Manual Grinder, Manual Vertical Mill

Apply

Submit your application here

Compliance notices

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

**Qualifications:

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

Physical Demands:

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

Work Environment:

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