Nesbitt Engineering Limited is seeking a skilled and motivated Manual Machinist / Foreman with a strong customer-focused mindset to join our team in Ottawa. This unique role combines hands-on machining, shop supervision, and technical sales responsibilities, making it ideal for someone who enjoys leadership, precision machining, and customer interaction.
The successful candidate will operate conventional machining equipment, supervise daily shop operations, coordinate work assignments, manufacture and repair mechanical components, and support customers by preparing quotations, providing technical advice, and helping grow business opportunities.
Key Responsibilities:
Manual Machining Duties
- Set up and operate manual lathes, milling machines, drill presses, and other conventional machine shop equipment.
- Perform precision machining of shafts, bushings, sleeves, impellers, bearing housings, and mechanical components.
- Compute dimensions, tolerances, and machining requirements from engineering drawings.
- Measure and lay out workpieces for machining and assembly.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
- Fit and assemble machined components to close tolerances.
- Repair and refurbish pumps, gearboxes, fans, couplings, shafts, and industrial equipment.
- Perform line boring, shaft repairs, sleeve replacements, and machining modifications.
- Verify dimensions using precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, bore gauges, and height gauges.
- Maintain and calibrate measuring instruments and shop equipment.
- Perform welding, fabrication, cutting, grinding, and fitting as required.
- Maintain high-quality workmanship while following company safety procedures.
Foreman Responsibilities
- Supervise daily machine shop operations and coordinate workflow among machinists and apprentices.
- Assign work based on project priorities and customer deadlines.
- Inspect completed work to ensure quality standards and dimensional accuracy.
- Provide technical guidance and training to junior employees.
- Monitor productivity and ensure efficient use of shop resources.
- Coordinate machining, welding, fabrication, and field service activities.
- Troubleshoot machining and repair problems and recommend practical solutions.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and company procedures.
- Coordinate material requirements and communicate with suppliers when necessary.
- Assist management with scheduling, project planning, and shop organization.
- Maintain equipment and ensure preventive maintenance is performed.
Sales & Customer Service Duties
- Respond to customer inquiries by phone and email.
- Visit customer sites to inspect pumps, mechanical equipment, and repair requirements when necessary.
- Prepare quotations and repair estimates.
- Recommend repair methods and machining solutions for industrial equipment.
- Build and maintain strong customer relationships.
- Follow up on quotations and generate new business opportunities.
- Coordinate with the machine shop to ensure projects are completed on time.
- Promote company machining, pump repair, welding, fabrication, and field service capabilities.
Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of experience as a Manual Machinist.
- Previous experience as a Shop Foreman or Team Lead is considered a strong asset.
- Strong knowledge of manual machining, lathe work, milling, drilling, and conventional machine shop practices.
- Experience repairing industrial pumps and rotating equipment is an asset.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints.
- Strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
- Technical sales or customer service experience is an asset.
- Welding and fabrication experience is an asset.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Valid driver's license preferred for customer site visits.
- Ability to work independently and lead a team.
Equipment Used
- Manual Engine Lathes
- Manual Milling Machines
- Radial and Bench Drill Presses
- Horizontal and Vertical Band Saws
- Surface Grinders
- Hand Grinders and Hand Drills
- Welding Equipment (MIG, TIG, Stick)
- Hydraulic Presses
- Precision Measuring Instruments (Micrometers, Verniers, Bore Gauges, Dial Indicators, Height Gauges)
- Forklift and Shop Material Handling Equipment (asset)
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.00-$30.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
