The Machinist is responsible for manufacturing, repairing, modifying, and restoring precision components that support Franklin Industries' manufacturing operations and equipment reliability. This position utilizes manual and CNC machining equipment to produce replacement parts, fabricate new components, repair worn equipment, and reverse engineer existing parts to support production, maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Machinist works closely with the Machine Shop Group Lead, Maintenance Department, and production departments to minimize downtime and ensure manufacturing equipment remains safe, reliable, and operational.

The Machinist serves as a technical specialist responsible for delivering precision workmanship while supporting Franklin Industries' commitment to safety, equipment reliability, quality, and operational excellence.

Minimum Qualifications

Required

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Demonstrated machining experience in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to safely operate manual and CNC machine tools.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical specifications.
Strong mathematical skills, including geometry and precision measurement.
Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple assignments.

Preferred

Trade school or technical education in machining or manufacturing technology.
Five (5) years of machining experience.
Experience with manual and CNC machining.
Experience reverse engineering mechanical components.
Experience with welding and fabrication.
Experience supporting industrial maintenance operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Safety

Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and work instructions.
Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Operate machinery safely and within established operating procedures.
Maintain a clean and organized work area.
Identify and report unsafe conditions and equipment concerns.
Participate in required safety meetings and training.

Precision Machining

Manufacture precision components using manual and CNC machining equipment.
Machine replacement parts to required tolerances.
Produce components from engineering drawings and specifications.
Verify completed parts meet dimensional and quality requirements.
Maintain high standards of workmanship and accuracy.

Equipment Repair and Restoration

Repair worn or damaged mechanical components.
Restore existing parts to serviceable condition when appropriate.
Modify components to improve performance or service life.
Support equipment rebuilds and maintenance activities.
Recommend repair or replacement options based on component condition.

Reverse Engineering

Measure and evaluate worn or damaged components.
Reverse engineer replacement parts when drawings are unavailable.
Create machining plans based on existing components.
Verify finished parts match original functional requirements.
Support continuous improvement through design modifications when approved.

Technical Support

Support Maintenance, Mill, Highway, Farm, Shears, and other departments with machining needs.
Assist in identifying solutions to mechanical problems.
Collaborate with maintenance personnel during equipment repairs.
Support emergency repair activities to minimize production downtime.
Provide technical input regarding manufacturability and repair options.

Equipment Operation

Operate manual lathes, CNC machines, milling machines, grinders, saws, and related equipment.
Select appropriate tooling and machining methods.
Monitor machining operations for accuracy and efficiency.
Maintain machining equipment according to established procedures.
Report equipment concerns promptly.

Quality Assurance

Verify dimensions using precision measuring instruments.
Inspect completed work for accuracy and compliance with specifications.
Identify defects and correct machining issues.
Maintain quality documentation as required.
Ensure finished components meet customer and operational requirements.

Documentation

Read and interpret engineering drawings and work orders.
Maintain machining and production records.
Document completed work accurately.
Record material usage and completed projects as required.
Communicate project status effectively.

Housekeeping

Maintain clean and organized workstations.
Properly store tooling, materials, and completed parts.
Support Franklin Industries' housekeeping and 3S initiatives.
Maintain orderly inventory of commonly used materials.

Communication and Teamwork

Communicate effectively with:

Machine Shop Group Lead
Maintenance Manager
Maintenance Technicians
Department Managers
Production Personnel

Provide updates regarding project status and machining priorities.
Support teamwork throughout the organization.

Continuous Improvement

Participate in Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.
Identify opportunities to improve machining processes and component reliability.
Recommend improvements to manufacturing methods and tooling.
Support implementation of approved process improvements.

Other Duties

Participate in special projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Success Factors

Successful Machinist consistently demonstrate:

Care - Commitment to safety, precision, and equipment reliability.

Passion - Ownership of workmanship and technical excellence.

Respect - Professional communication and collaboration.

Learn - Continuous development of machining knowledge and technical skills..

Integrity - Accuracy, accountability, and dependability.

Teamwork - Support of maintenance and production objectives.

Additional competencies include:

Precision Machining
Blueprint Reading
Reverse Engineering
CNC Programming and Operation
Manual Machining
Mechanical Aptitude
Problem Solving
Attention to Detail
Technical Judgment

Physical Demands

The physical requirements described below represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

The associate must be able to:

Stand and walk for extended periods.
Frequently bend, kneel, crouch, reach, push, and pull.
Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Occasionally lift heavier items with assistance or mechanical devices.
Operate manual and CNC machining equipment safely.
Use precision measuring instruments repeatedly.
Maintain visual acuity necessary for precision machining and inspection.

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

Working Conditions

Safety-sensitive position.
Manufacturing and machine shop environment.
Exposure to moving machinery, rotating equipment, and cutting tools.
Exposure to metal chips, coolants, lubricants, and industrial chemicals.
Exposure to noise, vibration, and occasional welding or grinding operations.
Required use of PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and safety footwear.

Performance Standards

Performance will be evaluated using the following criteria:

Safety

Compliance with safety standards and procedures.
Safe operation of assigned equipment.

Precision and Quality

Accuracy of machined components.
Compliance with specifications and tolerances.

Equipment Reliability

Support of maintenance activities and reduction of equipment downtime.
Quality of repairs and restored components.

Productivity

Timely completion of machining assignments.
Effective prioritization of work.

Technical Support

Responsiveness to internal customer needs.
Effectiveness supporting production and maintenance departments.

Housekeeping

Maintenance of organized workstations and tooling.

Communication and Teamwork

Cooperation with maintenance and production personnel.
Professional communication.

Attendance

Dependability and punctuality.

Training and Development

Within 90 days of employment, associates are expected to:

Demonstrate competency operating assigned machining equipment.
Demonstrate competency interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.
Demonstrate competency manufacturing and repairing precision components.
Demonstrate understanding of Franklin Industries' safety requirements.
Demonstrate competency using precision measuring instruments.
Perform assigned duties independently with minimal supervision.

Machines/Equipment used for Position:

CNC Lathes
Manual Lathes
CNC Milling Machines
Manual Milling Machines (Bridgeport)
Surface Grinders
Blanchard Grinder
Saws
Drill Presses
Jib Cranes
Precision Measuring Instruments
Threading Equipment
Boring Equipment
Deburring Tools
Hand Tools
Computers

EXPECTED HOURS - Between 40 and 58 per week

TYPICAL SCHEDULE - 5:30 AM - 3:30 PM, M-F, some Saturdays as needed.

STARTING PAY - Typically $21-25/hour (OT is paid at 1.5x pay after 40 hours). New employees are eligible for merit raises and more cross training opportunities after passing their 90-day probationary period.

The following incentives are also available:

Bonus and production incentives
Referral bonuses
Paid holidays

BENEFITS - available on the first of the month, following 60 days of employment

Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
$15 K Life Insurance paid for by company
Short and Long-Term Disability Insurances
Other benefits also offered

ABOUT FRANKLIN INDUSTRIES

In 1901, Franklin Rolling Mill & Foundry Company was founded in Franklin, PA. Right in the middle of Steel Country, Franklin Industries is less than two hours from Pittsburgh, where Andrew Carnegie's steel empire ruled the steel industry in the early 20th century.

We're another two hours from Johnstown, PA, where the first steel rails for the railroad (our raw material) were made. Steel rails linked Chicago and New York together with high capacity rails creating America's manufacturing powerhouse.

Our families have made an honest living in quality manufacturing for generations and are proud to continue that great tradition.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

It is the policy of Franklin Industries to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

The HR Department is required to check the criminal background of all job offerees. Having a criminal record does not block an applicant from securing a job at Franklin Industries. We review all criminal records on a case-by-case basis.

The HR Department sends all job offerees to an external testing site for a physical (vitals, vision, and hearing) and a drug screen. Securing the job is contingent on passing the physical and the drug screen.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site