How to hire a precision machinist

How to hire a precision machinist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step precision machinist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a precision machinist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new precision machinist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The precision machinist hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

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   Hiring the perfect precision machinist also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   Here's a comparison of precision machinist salaries for various roles:

   Type of Precision Machinist	Description	Hourly rate
   Precision Machinist	Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled and mechanically controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.	$18-32
   Grinder	Depending on the industry, a grinder has a diverse range of duties. Typically, they oversee setting up and operating bearing grinders, cam grinders, and CNC lathes... Show more	$12-19
   Tool Technician	Tool technicians are skilled professionals who are responsible for repairing a variety of pneumatic and hand tools as well as disassemble defective electrical equipment in a manufacturing firm using these hand tools. These technicians are required to coordinate with other areas of the company to schedule and perform preventive maintenance duties... Show more	$13-29

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CNC
   • Grinders
   • Calipers
   • G Code
   • Manual Machines
   • Machine Shop Equipment
   • Conventional Lathe
   • CMM
   • Design Fixtures
   • Numerical Control
   • Jigs
   • Dial Indicators
   • FANUC
   • Drill Presses

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage output according to company quality standards and corresponding ISO certification.
   • Programme, set up and operate Charmille 290f wire EDM with Fanuc controls.
   • Manufacture plates using CMS mills and Haas gantry mills.
   • Work on EDM, manual milling, turning and engraving machines.
   • Conduct close tolerance machining operations utilizing lathes, millers, broaches, and grinders.
   • Calculate dimensions and tolerances, and machine parts to specifications using lathes, milling machines, and grinders.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your precision machinist job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A precision machinist salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, precision machinists' average salary in south carolina is 39% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level precision machinists earn 44% less than senior-level precision machinists.
   • Certifications. A precision machinist with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a precision machinist's salary.

   Average precision machinist salary

   $51,634yearly

   $24.82 hourly rate

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   Entry-level precision machinist salary

   $38,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 19, 2025

4. Writing a precision machinist job description

   A job description for a precision machinist role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a precision machinist job description:

   Precision machinist job description example

   In the role of Precision & Inspection Machinist, you'll work collaboratively on the Blisk team to produce bladed disk parts for various engines lines. As the top Blisk manufacturer in GE, we focus on quality, delivery, and cost by driving lean execution and continuous improvement.
   
   This position will be on 3rd shift with hours 10:53pm - 6:53am. The pay will be $32.71/hour with an additional $1.00/hour shift differential.
   Job Description
   
   Essential Responsibilities
   
   As part of the Precision & Inspection Machinist position, you will:
   
   * Set up and operate a variety of conventional (CNC) and numerically controlled (NC) precision machine tools/equipment such as, lathes, millers, grinders, electro-chemical machines, coordinate measuring inspection machines, precision finishing, special process machinery, etc.
   * Perform machine-control offsets/basic NC modifications, to enable the production of products that meet close tolerance limitations.
   * Use a variety of precision gages/fixtures and inspection measuring equipment as needed to complete work orders
   * Interpret mechanical blueprints, sketches, engineering specifications and drawings, etc., to determine set ups and operations necessary to complete job tasks
   
   Qualifications/Requirements
   
   * High school diploma/GED with a minimum of 2 years of experience in advanced machine tool and equipment manufacturing operations, Or
   * Technical Certificate from an accredited educational institution with a minimum of 18 months of experience in advanced machine tool and equipment manufacturing operations; Or
   * Associate degree in a technical-related field from an accredited college with a minimum of 1 year of experience in advanced machine tool and equipment manufacturing operations.
   
   Desired Characteristics
   
   * Proficiency in reading and interpreting mechanical blueprints, drawings, engineering specifications, etc.
   * Ability to perform mathematical calculations including decimals, ratios, and percentages
   * Proficiency in the set up and operation of conventional and/or numerically controlled precision manufacturing machine tools and equipment
   * Experience in performing numerically controlled machine off-sets and/or fundamental NC program modifications
   * Experience in use of various precision gages, measuring tools and equipment, (i.e. micrometers, dial calipers, height gages, special fixturing, coordinate measuring machine and/or optical comparators)
   * Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma fundamentals
   * Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-speed environment, follow standardized work and adhere to safe work practices on a continuous improvement team
   * Highly motivated, passionate, and with exceptional communications skills
   
   This role is restricted to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and other protected individuals under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) due to access to export-controlled technology. GE will require proof of status prior to employment.
   
   Additional Information
   
   GE offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
   
   GE will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).
   
   As a federal government contractor, GE may in the future be required to have U.S. employees fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Some GE customers currently have vaccination mandates that may apply to GE employees.
   
   Relocation Assistance Provided: No

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5. Post your job

   To find the right precision machinist for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with precision machinists they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit precision machinists who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your precision machinist job on Zippia to find and recruit precision machinist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit precision machinists, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new precision machinist

   Once you have selected a candidate for the precision machinist position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new precision machinist. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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