Job Description

About JWC Machine and Fab

JWC Machine and Fab is a CNC precision machining shop in Mobile, AL specializing in tight-tolerance components for industrial customers. With a team of skilled machinists and a commitment to craftsmanship, JWC operates across a broad range of materials and part complexities — from standard production runs to challenging large-format and specialized work. We are growing deliberately, and every hire matters.

Position Summary

We are looking for an experienced Manual Machinist who can produce precision parts on conventional lathes and mills. This role includes repair and rework, one-off replacement parts, prototypes, and jobs where the part arrives worn or broken with no drawing at all. The right candidate can set up and run a job from a print, a sketch, or a sample part, choose their own approach, and hold tolerance by hand and by feel.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual engine lathes, knee mills (Bridgeport-style), drill presses, and related conventional equipment
• Machine parts from engineering drawings, hand sketches, job travelers, or physical samples
• Perform turning, facing, boring, threading (single-point, internal and external), drilling, tapping, and reaming
• Cut keyways, flats, slots, and pockets; perform indexing work using dividing heads and rotary tables
• Repair and rework worn or damaged components — shafts, bushings, sleeves, hubs, housings, and fits
• Measure worn parts to determine original dimensions and fits when drawings are unavailable
• Indicate and true workpieces using dial and test indicators; select and set up work-holding
• Conduct in-process and final inspection using micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, thread gauges, and depth mics
• Maintain accurate job records, traveler documentation, and material traceability
• Communicate proactively with supervisors on job status, tooling needs, and quality issues
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in compliance with shop safety standards

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience on manual lathes and mills in a job-shop, repair, or maintenance environment
• Demonstrated ability to hold tolerances of ±0.001" or tighter on conventional equipment
• Proficiency reading engineering drawings and interpreting tolerances, fits, and GD&T callouts
• Ability to work from sketches or sample parts and plan the machining sequence without a full print
• Working knowledge of feeds, speeds, tool grinding, and tooling selection for steel, stainless, cast iron, aluminum, bronze, and plastics
• Ability to perform shop math, including trigonometry for angles, tapers, and bolt-circle layouts
• Experience with standard inspection tools — micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, depth mics, and indicators
• Experience with industrial power transmission components (shafts, couplings, gears, bearings) a strong plus
• CNC experience, welding, or apprenticeship / trade school training a plus — not required
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods

Note: Experienced machinists who came up on manual equipment and are tired of babysitting a CNC cycle — this role was written for you.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay — based on experience and qualifications
• 401(k) with 4% company match
• Health insurance — 100% company paid
• Annual performance bonus
• Relocation assistance available for the right candidate

JWC Machine and Fab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate all candidates based on skill, experience, and demonstrated ability.

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• Turning Lathe
• 2D Drawings
• Key Cutting Machine
• Manual Lathe (Clausing)
• Broaching Machine
• Boring Mill (Gidding & Lew)
• Manual Vertical Mill (Bridgeport, Sharp, Supermax, Lagun)
• Overhead Crane
• Measurement Gauges
• Calipers and Micrometers
• Horizontal Machining Center (3-4 axis)
• Horizontal Machining Center (5+ axis) (Mazak)
• Vertical Lathe
• Engine Lathe (Hardinge, Milltronics, Leblond, Colchester, Jet, Clausing)