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Machinist Horizontal Jobs in Racine, WI (NOW HIRING)

Operator - Horizontal CNC Lathe Posting Start Date: 7/28/26 Job Location (Short): Milwaukee ... This role involves interpreting process drawings, selecting tools, and ensuring precise machining ...

5655 Operator - Horizontal CNC Lathe

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$20.25 - $27.50/hr

5655 Operator - Horizontal CNC Lathe Posting Start Date: 7/28/26 Job Location (Short): Milwaukee ... This role involves interpreting process drawings, selecting tools, and ensuring precise machining ...

Operator - Horizontal CNC Lathe Posting Start Date: 4/1/26 Job Location (Short): Milwaukee ... This role involves interpreting process drawings, selecting tools, and ensuring precise machining ...

5647 Operator - Horizontal CNC Lathe

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$20.25 - $27.50/hr

5647 Operator - Horizontal CNC Lathe Posting Start Date: 4/1/26 Job Location (Short): Milwaukee ... This role involves interpreting process drawings, selecting tools, and ensuring precise machining ...

5647 Operator - Horizontal CNC Lathe

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$20.25 - $27.50/hr

Operator - Horizontal CNC Lathe Posting Start Date: 4/1/26 Job Location (Short): Milwaukee ... This role involves interpreting process drawings, selecting tools, and ensuring precise machining ...

Manual Machinist

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$21.75 - $29.25/hr

Operate a variety of manual machines--knee mills, engine lathes, vertical turret lathes, horizontal milling machines, jig bores, and grinders. * Turn blueprints and sketches into reality by laying ...

Machinist

New Berlin, WI · On-site

$21.50 - $29.50/hr

Experience with VTLs, Vertical Machining Centers and Horizontal boring bars. * Experience keying in on large part machining * Ability to use CNC controls and associated computers for program transfer.

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Machinist Horizontal information

See Racine, WI salary details

$13

$24

$34

How much do machinist horizontal jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for machinist horizontal in Racine, WI is $24.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $26.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a machinist horizontal?

Machinist horizontals are skilled tradespeople who operate and maintain horizontal machining centers (HMCs), which are specialized machines used for cutting, drilling, and shaping metal or other materials. Unlike vertical machines, horizontal machining centers have a horizontally oriented spindle, allowing for efficient removal of material and better chip evacuation. These machinists read blueprints, set up machines, monitor operations, and ensure precise measurements to create parts according to specifications. Their expertise is crucial in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machinist horizontal?

To thrive as a Machinist Horizontal, you need expertise in reading blueprints, precision measurement, and operating horizontal milling machines, supported by a technical diploma or apprenticeship. Familiarity with CNC controls, machine calibration tools, and safety regulations is typically required, along with certifications such as NIMS. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork are essential soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing high-quality components, maintaining safety, and optimizing production efficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by a machinist horizontal and how can they be addressed?

Machinist Horizontal professionals often encounter challenges such as maintaining tight tolerances, setting up complex workpieces, and ensuring precise alignment on horizontal milling machines. These tasks require strong attention to detail and a solid understanding of machine calibration and tooling. Regular equipment maintenance, careful review of blueprints, and effective communication with engineers and quality control teams can help address these challenges and ensure high-quality output. Additionally, staying updated on the latest machining techniques and technologies can improve efficiency and reduce errors.

What is the difference between Machinist Horizontal vs Machinist Vertical?

AspectMachinist HorizontalMachinist Vertical
Work EnvironmentOperates horizontal milling machines, often in manufacturing or machine shopsUses vertical milling machines, common in similar settings
CertificationsRequires CNC/machine operation certifications, technical trainingSimilar certification requirements, focus on machine operation skills
Industry UsageWidely used in metalworking, aerospace, automotive industriesCommon in similar industries, often interchangeable depending on machine type

Machinist Horizontal and Machinist Vertical roles share many skills, certifications, and work environments. The main difference lies in the type of milling machine used—horizontal versus vertical—each suited for specific machining tasks. Both roles are essential in manufacturing and require technical training and certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Machinist Horizontal jobs in Racine, WI?

For Machinist Horizontal jobs in Racine, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Racine, WI are hiring for Machinist Horizontal jobs?

Cities near Racine, WI with the most Machinist Horizontal job openings:

Infographic showing various Machinist Horizontal job openings in Racine, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,990 per year, or $24 per hour.

CNC Machinist - Horizontal Milling Center - Boring Bar

Caterpillar

South Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$33.42/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Caterpillar Inc. rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 489 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

273rd of 496 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Career Area:
Operations
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
CNC Machinist - Horizontal Milling Center - 2nd Shift
Location: South Milwaukee, WI
Shift: 2nd Shift (Full-Time)
Bonus: $2,000 Sign-On Bonus
Pay Progression:
• Step 1: $30.86/hr
• Step 2: $32.14/hr
• Step 3: $33.42/hr
• Shift Premium: +$1.00/hr for 2nd shift
Job Summary
The Large Boring Bar Machinist is responsible for setting up and operating CNC horizontal milling centers and large boring mills to machine precision components for heavy equipment manufacturing. This role supports the production of large structural weldments, castings, and forgings using advanced machining techniques and equipment. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-precision, safety-driven manufacturing environment and demonstrates strong technical machining skills, blueprint interpretation, and attention to detail.
Key Responsibilities
  • Set up and operate CNC horizontal milling centers and boring bar machines for large-scale machining
  • Machine large steel components including weldments, castings, forgings, and plates
  • Interpret manufacturing work instructions, blueprints, and operation sequences
  • Align parts using fixtures, shims, parallels, clamps, and workholding devices
  • Select and assemble appropriate tooling including boring bars, drills, taps, reamers, and milling cutters
  • Load, run, and verify CNC programs (G & M code) and conduct trial runs as needed
  • Adjust machine parameters such as feeds, speeds, and offsets to maintain tolerances
  • Perform precision machining operations (boring, facing, drilling, tapping, counterboring)
  • Conduct in-process inspection using micrometers, calipers, and other precision instruments
  • Edit CNC programs and make manual adjustments where required
  • Operate jib cranes and overhead cranes for material handling
  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment in alignment with safety standards
  • Support continuous improvement, quality initiatives, and team collaboration

Required Skills
  • 1-3+ years of hands-on CNC machining experience
  • Experience with horizontal boring mills or large machining centers
  • Ability to read blueprints and technical drawings
  • Strong understanding of machine shop math (including basic trigonometry)
  • Experience using precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges)
  • Knowledge of G-code/M-code programming fundamentals
  • Understanding of machining processes and terminology
  • Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and quality standards

Preferred Skills
  • Experience machining large steel structures or heavy equipment components
  • Familiarity with Fanuc and/or Siemens CNC controls
  • Experience with tight tolerance machining on large parts
  • Prior experience in heavy industrial or OEM manufacturing environments
  • Crane operation or rigging experience

Call to Action
If you're a skilled CNC machinist with experience in large-part machining, horizontal milling, or boring bar operations, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact in world-class manufacturing. At our South Milwaukee facility, you won't just machine parts - you'll help produce critical components that support some of the largest and most powerful mining machines in the world, including Cat® Electric Rope Shovels (ERS). The work is massive in scale and complexity, requiring precision, craftsmanship, and a commitment to quality at every step. From machining large steel weldments, castings, and forgings to working with advanced CNC equipment and precision tooling, your expertise will directly contribute to products that stand apart in the heavy equipment industry. Join a team where your machining skills matter, your work has visible impact, and your career can keep growing.
Apply today and help build what matters.
Summary Pay Range:
$29.67 - $37.09
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
August 31, 2026 - October 4, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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