Blueprints, Cargo/Freight, Deburring, Dental Insurance, Detail Oriented, Forklift, Health Insurance, Housekeeping/Cleaning, Machining, Manufacturing, Multitasking, Order Picking/Packing, Organizational Skills, Painting (Facilities and Maintenance), Polishing, Production Support, Quality Metrics, Sawing, Shipping/Receiving, Steel Industry, Training/Teaching, United States Department of Energy (DOE), Warehousing
Quality & Shipping Technician
Air-Lake Machine & Manufacturing — Lakeville, MNFull-time
$23–$32/hr DOE
First Shift
The schedule:
- Monday–Thursday, 6:00 am–3:30 pm. Friday, 6:00 am–10:00 am.
- A long weekend every week — that's our standard schedule, not a special perk.
What you'll be doing:
This is a key role in a precision custom job shop. You're the person who makes sure what comes in is right and what goes out is right — and you keep the shop moving in between. No two days are identical.
Inspection & quality:
Incoming material and parts inspection — verify dimensions, material certs, and conformance to drawings using precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges)
- In-process and final inspection of machined parts against customer blueprints and tolerances.
- Pack and document outgoing shipments to customer and quality standards.
- Strong on the shipping and shop side but haven't done formal inspection? We're willing to train the right person — bring the attention to detail and we'll teach the rest.
Shipping & receiving:
- Receive and unload inbound freight; operate forklift as needed.
- Prepare, pack, and ship finished parts — domestic and freight carriers.
- Maintain accurate receiving and shipping records.
Finishing & shop support:
- Deburring, cleaning, and polishing finished parts.
- Painting and surface prep as required.
- Sawing material to length in support of production.
- General shop support — keeping the floor clean, organized, and running efficiently.
What we're looking for:
- A sharp eye for detail and genuine care about getting things right — this matters more than a specific background.
- Some ability to read mechanical drawings is a strong plus; willingness to learn is required.
- Familiarity with precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers) preferred — we'll train if needed.
- Prior experience in a machine shop, manufacturing, warehouse, or shipping environment preferred.
- Forklift certified or willing to obtain certification (we'll support this).
- Reliable, organized, and comfortable managing multiple tasks independently.
- Team-first attitude — in a small shop, everyone's contribution is visible and valued.
What we offer:
- Pay: $23–$32/hr depending on experience; inspection skills and print reading move you toward the top of the range.
- Schedule: 4.5-day work week, every week.
- Quarterly bonus program.
- Health and dental insurance.
- 401(k).
- Air-conditioned shop.
- Variety — this role touches nearly every part of the operation.
- A company that values attention to detail and rewards people who take ownership.
About Air-Lake Machine & Manufacturing:
We're a precision custom job shop in Lakeville serving industrial customers across the Upper Midwest. We specialize in complex, close-tolerance machining — repairs, custom builds, and production runs in steel, stainless, and aluminum. Quality isn't a department here; it's everyone's job, and this role sits at the center of it.
We're a growing shop and we're looking for people who want to be part of that growth long-term.
Air-Lake Machine & Manufacturing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Air-Lake Machine & Welding