Manual Machinist

Build Precision. Solve Complex Problems. Practise a Trade That Matters.

Ideal Gear & Machine Works Ltd., a division of Boundary Group of Companies, is seeking an experienced Manual Machinist who takes pride in craftsmanship and enjoys the challenge of producing and restoring complex, high-value industrial components.

For more than 100 years, Ideal Gear has built a reputation for precision gear manufacturing, custom machining, and dependable service. Our work includes gears, shafts, splines, and power-transmission components used in demanding industrial applications where accuracy, reliability, and workmanship matter.

This is an opportunity for a skilled machinist who wants more than repetitive production work. You will use your experience and judgment to complete custom, low-volume, and repair-machining projects that require careful planning, problem-solving, and hands-on expertise.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Manual Machinist sets up and operates conventional machine tools to manufacture, repair, and re-machine precision components.

You will work from engineering drawings, specifications, and existing components to determine the best machining approach. Many assignments are unique, requiring you to think critically, adapt your methods, and apply strong manual machining fundamentals.

This position is well suited to someone who values quality, enjoys solving practical machining challenges, and wants to work alongside experienced tradespeople in a well-established Canadian manufacturing company.

What You Will Do

• Set up and operate manual lathes, vertical milling machines, radial arm drills, and other conventional machine tools.
• Manufacture, repair, and re-machine gears, shafts, splines, bushings, and other precision industrial components.
• Perform turning, facing, boring, drilling, threading, milling, and related manual machining operations.
• Produce one-off and low-volume components from drawings, specifications, samples, or existing parts.
• Assess worn or damaged components and determine appropriate repair-machining methods.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, work orders, machining symbols, and technical specifications.
• Plan machining sequences and select appropriate tooling, speeds, feeds, work-holding methods, and setups.
• Measure and lay out workpieces accurately before and throughout the machining process.
• Machine and fit components to close tolerances.
• Verify dimensions and finished-part accuracy using micrometers, calipers, verniers, bore gauges, and other precision measuring instruments.
• Monitor work throughout the machining process and make adjustments to maintain accuracy and finish.
• Identify and report deviations from drawings, specifications, or required tolerances.
• Complete inspection records, production documentation, and job reports accurately.
• Work closely with production, quality, engineering, and other tradespeople to resolve machining challenges.
• Perform routine equipment checks and help maintain machines, tools, and work areas.
• Follow established safety procedures, quality standards, and manufacturing processes.

What You Bring

• Demonstrated experience setting up and operating manual lathes, vertical milling machines, radial arm drills, and related conventional equipment.
• Strong knowledge of manual machining principles, tooling, speeds, feeds, work holding, and machining sequences.
• Ability to independently take a job from drawing or sample through setup, machining, inspection, and completion.
• Experience working with close tolerances and precision-machined components.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, dimensions, machining symbols, and tolerances.
• Experience using micrometers, calipers, verniers, bore gauges, and other precision measuring equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and practical problem-solving skills.
• Journeyperson Machinist certification and Red Seal endorsement are considered assets.
• Experience machining gears, shafts, splines, or power-transmission components is a strong asset.
• Experience with repair machining, custom components, or low-volume manufacturing is preferred.
• Outstanding apprentice machinists with strong manual machining experience may also be considered.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to complete production and inspection documentation.

What Will Make You Successful

You are someone who:

• Takes personal pride in producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Understands that successful manual machining requires patience, judgment, and careful planning.
• Enjoys troubleshooting complex or unfamiliar machining challenges.
• Can work independently without sacrificing communication or teamwork.
• Is dependable and consistent in attendance, quality, and productivity.
• Treats equipment, tools, coworkers, and the workplace with respect.
• Understands the importance of safety in every setup and machining operation.
• Is open to learning new processes, equipment, and manufacturing technologies.
• Looks for opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and how work gets done.

Why Join Ideal Gear?

At Ideal Gear, you will have the opportunity to apply your trade to meaningful, technically challenging work. You will join an established organization that values skilled tradespeople and recognizes the experience, judgment, and craftsmanship required to produce exceptional results.

We offer:

• Interesting custom, repair, and low-volume machining work.
• The opportunity to work on large, complex, and high-value components.
• A stable, long-standing Canadian manufacturing environment.
• A collaborative team of experienced tradespeople and technical professionals.
• Modern manufacturing technology supported by strong conventional machining capabilities.
• Opportunities to expand your knowledge of gear manufacturing and specialized machining processes.
• Health and dental benefits.
• Paid time off.
• A defined pension plan.
• Double-time pay for overtime hours.
• Opportunities for continued learning, development, and long-term career growth.

Working Conditions

• Full-time, permanent position based at our manufacturing facility in Delta, British Columbia.
• Precision manufacturing and machine-shop environment.
• Regular exposure to machinery, metalworking fluids, noise, and metal materials.
• Required use of personal protective equipment.
• Standing and moving throughout the shop for extended periods.
• Regular handling of tools, materials, and machined components.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Use of overhead cranes and other material-handling equipment for heavier components.
• Overtime may be available or required based on operational needs.

Bring Your Craftsmanship to Ideal Gear

If you are a skilled Manual Machinist who enjoys challenging work, values precision, and wants to contribute to a team with a long-standing reputation for quality, we would like to hear from you.

Ideal Gear & Machine Works Ltd. is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds and will provide reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process upon request.