Machinist

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Machinist to join our dynamic manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining various machining equipment to produce precision components that meet strict quality standards. Your expertise in CNC programming, blueprint reading, and mechanical knowledge will drive efficiency and excellence in our production processes. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work with advanced machinery and contribute to innovative manufacturing solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Skills Expected

• Operate CNC machining centers, including CNC lathes and CNC milling machines, ensuring precise fabrication of parts according to detailed blueprints and technical drawings.
• Program CNC machines using CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software and G-code, optimizing machining processes for efficiency and accuracy.
• Read and interpret complex blueprints, GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing), and technical specifications to produce high-quality components.
• Set up tooling, fixtures, and cutting tools such as calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, and precision measuring instruments to ensure tight tolerances.
• Perform routine maintenance on machines and troubleshoot issues related to electrical discharge machining (EDM), tooling wear, or mechanical faults.
• Use hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, and other fabrication tools for assembly or minor repairs as needed.
• Conduct quality inspections using coordinate measuring machines (CMM), precision gauges, and other measurement devices to verify part dimensions and tolerances.
• Follow lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste, improve workflow efficiency, and maintain a safe working environment.
• Assist with plastics injection molding setups or adjustments when required for component production.

Experience

• Proven experience operating CNC machinery such as CNC lathes and CNC milling machines in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong knowledge of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software like SolidWorks or similar programs for design review and modifications.
• Skilled in CNC programming using CAM software along with G-code editing for process optimization.
• Familiarity with GD&T standards for precise measurement and quality control of machined parts.
• Mechanical aptitude with a solid understanding of manufacturing processes including welding, assembly, tooling setup, and maintenance.
• Experience working with precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, and coordinate measuring machines (CMM).
• Ability to interpret blueprints accurately while applying basic math skills for calculations related to machining operations.
• Knowledge of electrical discharge machining (EDM) techniques is a plus.
• Comfortable working with hand tools, power tools, forklifts, and adhering to safety protocols in a manufacturing environment.
• Prior exposure to lean manufacturing practices or plastics injection molding processes is advantageous but not mandatory. Join us as a Machinist if you're passionate about precision engineering and eager to contribute your skills within a forward-thinking manufacturing team dedicated to quality excellence

If you are an expert machinist who wants a long-term career with a well-established privately-owned company in Virginia, apply today. 5-Axis Machining Center or large Boring mill experience is a plus Not sure, read on ...

More Insights

If the following is you, seek to join our 36-member team in this top-tier precision machining job shop:

● You like a good challenge and seek to expand your knowledge.

● You strive to learn and continue to grow your talents.

● You aspire to be part of a skilled "make-it-happen" team.

● You are a proficient communicator with excellent ability to read, write, speak, listen, concentrate and comprehend complex technical situations.

● You like to be genuinely appreciated.

● If this describes you, grab this opportunity and apply right now

Your Next Steps

1. We thank each applicant and those selected for the next step will be contacted.

2. The job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and additional duties may be assigned.

3. Applicant must be able to fully comply with the United States citizenship requirement of Federal contractors and sub-contractors, and associated vendors.

4. Pay range for offer depends upon your qualifications, years of metals precision machining experience and demonstrated competence. Large parts, 5-axis machining centers, and boring mill experience is a plus.

5. A minimum of five (5) years direct experience as a CNC machinist in a top-tier metal machining and custom manufacturing machine fabricating job shop.

Environment

● Air-conditioned, three bay facility, with overhead cranes.

● New machines recently added in response to demand.

● Customer base includes OEM for consumer and federal marketplaces.

● Make unique parts and fabricate variety of one-off custom machines.

● Large and heavy unique parts machining experience is a definite plus.

● Some of our most senior machinists nearing retirement, so join now.

● Great blend of engineers and skilled trades persons for complex jobs.

Location

Adjacent to Interstate 95, in Hanover County, on the north side of metro-Richmond, Virginia.

Expected Competencies

● Set up and operate CNC machines to perform machining operations according to specifications.

● Interpret blueprints, drawings, and work orders to determine machining requirements.

● Select and install appropriate cutting tools, fixtures, and machine accessories.

● Must be able to safely lift 50 pounds of material, tools, fixtures, etc.

● Overhead bridge cranes, etc., are used for heavy items, so must be skilled with best rigging and safety practices.

● Monitor machine operations to ensure quality and efficiency.

● Inspect finished parts and products for accuracy and adherence to precision specifications.

● Adjust machine settings as needed to maintain product quality.

● Inspect finished parts using precision measuring instruments such as bore gauges and coordinate measuring machines (CMM).

● Assemble components using hand tools or power tools as required.

● Perform routine maintenance on machines to ensure optimal performance.

● Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot issues and improve processes.

● This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the opportunity.

● Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Is This What Others Say About Your Work

● You seek to be the best at whatever task is at hand.

● You can visualize, plan, and get first-rate results.

● You can figure things out and make them happen.

● You are a self-starter and a team player.

● You are creative and thrive on machining challenges.

● You can also cheerfully accomplish the mundane.

● You prioritize safety, quality, and integrity.

Visit for insights, shop pictures, etc.

ABOUT THE COMPANY: West Engineering Co., Inc., is an engineering design and full-service precision machining job shop. The company is focused on the custom design, development, fabrication of unique machine-tooling-components, and the turn-key manufacture of heavy duty, mass-production process industrial machines. This includes large parts, small components, prototypes, etc., mostly "one-of-a-kind" for industrial companies, government contractors, and similar heavy-duty manufacturing equipment and machine users. The company is not a sheet metal or mass-production consumer products manufacturer. It has 3 air-conditioned high bays, 10-ton and 5-ton overhead bridge cranes, heavy-duty quality assurance equipment, and is a qualified ASME Section VIII precision machine shop.

Our 36-member team works in a fully air-conditioned, 62,000 square foot, high-bay facility with a full array of CNC and precision machining, fabricating, assembly, quality control, finishing and handling resources. We continue the quality, integrity and value traditions set in 1919 by our founder, Edward West, Sr. The company is still led daily by the West family.

Many discerning international corporations and privately owned manufacturers use West Engineering (and machining) as their preferred source for custom modules and machine engineering design, development, and manufacture.

If you are an experienced expert precision metal machinist, problem-solver, communicator, and team member who wants a long-term career with a well-established privately-owned company, then grab this rare opportunity and apply right now.

Job Type:

● Full-time.

● Four ten hour work days, Monday -Thursday.

● Pay: $ $40.00 per hour, competitive based on your qualifications.

Benefits:

● 401(k).

● 401(k) matching.

● Dental insurance.

● Health insurance.

● Life insurance.

● Paid time off.

● Retirement plan.

● Vision insurance.

● Traditional holidays.

● Bonus when appropriate.

Schedule:

● 4 days x 10 hours/day, Monday-Thursday.

● Day shift.

● No weekends.

Work Location:

● In person.

● Ashland, Hanover County, Virginia

● Just north of Richmond, Virginia, USA, adjacent to Interstate 95.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $ $40.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person