Careers at Haygood Scientific Tool

Haygood Scientific Tool, a leader in precision machining for over 70 years, is seeking dedicated and detail-oriented Machine Operators to join our production team in Houston, Texas. We pride ourselves on a commitment to quality and efficient production, servicing critical industries like Oil & Gas and Chemical Processing. If you are looking for a stable role where attention to detail and efficiency are valued, this is a great opportunity to start or advance your manufacturing career. What You'll Do: • As a Machine Operator at Haygood, you will be crucial to our daily production cycle, ensuring that machined components are manufactured accurately and efficiently. Your primary responsibilities will include: • Machine Operation: Loading raw stock materials or blanks into CNC machines (Mills and Lathes) and starting the pre-set program cycle. • Part Monitoring: Observing machine cycles and listening for irregularities; immediately reporting any tool breakage, alarm messages, or unusual machine behavior to the Setup Machinist. • Quality Control: Performing routine, in-process quality checks using basic measuring tools (calipers, gauges) to ensure parts meet required dimensions before removal. • Documentation: Recording production quantities, scrap counts, and completing necessary daily paperwork. • Maintaining Flow: Unloading finished parts, deburring (as needed), and preparing them for the next stage of production or inspection. Why Work With Us? • Stable Career Path: Join a company with a proven 70-year history in the Houston manufacturing industry. • Focused Role: Work with the latest CNC equipment without the burden of complex programming or setup. • Clean and Safe Environment: We prioritize safety and maintain rigorous quality standards in our shop. • Team Environment: Work closely with our highly experienced machinists who provide guidance and technical support. What We're Looking For: • Previous experience as a Machine Operator in a manufacturing environment is preferred, but we will train motivated individuals. • Ability to read basic measurements using calipers and gauges. • Reliability and a strong commitment to following detailed instructions and safety protocols. • A keen eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining production quality and efficiency. • Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift/move materials as required. Requirements • Production Experience: Background working in a manufacturing or production environment, ideally with experience operating industrial machinery (CNC experience is a plus). • Measurement Fundamentals: Ability to accurately use basic measuring tools—primarily calipers and micrometers—to verify critical part dimensions. • Safety & Compliance: Strong commitment to following detailed written work instructions, adhering to strict quality control procedures, and maintaining established shop safety standards. • Reliability & Stamina: Demonstrated punctuality and dependability, along with the physical ability to stand, lift, and perform repetitive tasks throughout an entire shift.

Haygood Scientific Tool, a trusted name in precision machining for over 70 years, is seeking a skilled and dedicated Precision Machinist to join our team in Houston, Texas. Established in 1953, we pride ourselves on a tradition of quality and a commitment to delivering parts that consistently exceed client expectations. If you are an experienced machinist driven by precision, problem-solving, and quality assurance, we invite you to contribute to our long-standing legacy. What You'll Do • As a Machinist at Haygood, you will be a critical part of a team specializing in small to medium size products (machining parts from 3/16 inch to 24 inch). Your primary responsibilities will include: • Operating Advanced CNC Equipment: Utilizing the latest CNC tools to produce complex and high-tolerance parts. • Precision Machining: Setting up, programming (a plus), and running conventional and CNC machines to achieve extremely tight tolerances required for high-quality production. • Material Expertise: Working with a vast range of material types and grades to meet the unique demands of clients in industries like oil and gas, chemical processing, and valve supply. • Quality Assurance: Maintaining our rigorous quality standards through in-process inspection and meticulous attention to detail to ensure every part is "Quality Assured." • Continuous Improvement: Collaborating with our experienced team to ensure fast turnaround times and efficient production processes. Why Work With Us? • Stability and Experience: Work for a company with a proven track record since 1953. • Focus on Quality: Be part of a culture where precision is paramount, and quality standards are non-negotiable. • Challenging and Diverse Work: Machine a wide variety of complex products for critical industrial applications. • Advanced Technology: Utilize modern machining technology and tooling. What We're Looking For • Proven experience as a Precision Machinist, preferably with CNC machining experience. • Strong understanding of blueprints, technical drawings, and GD&T principles. • A commitment to producing high-quality work and maintaining rigorous standards. • Experience machining components for the oil & gas or chemical industries is a strong asset. Requirements • Proven Machining Experience: Demonstrated ability to independently set up, operate, and troubleshoot CNC and/or conventional machining equipment. • Quality-Focused: Strong proficiency in using precision measuring tools (such as micrometers and calipers) to ensure parts consistently meet tight dimensional tolerances. • Technical Interpretation: Ability to read and interpret mechanical blueprints, technical drawings, and detailed work instructions. • Process Knowledge: Solid understanding of tooling selection, feed and speed adjustments, and material characteristics across various industrial grades.

Haygood Scientific Tool is a 72-year-old Houston CNC machine shop with deep roots and untapped potential. Backed by Freyetic Group, industry experts, and proven operational frameworks, we’re searching for a driven General Manager ready to lead the company into its next decade of growth. This is not a temporary leadership role — this is an opportunity to take full ownership, rebuild, scale, and shape the future of a legacy manufacturing company. What You Will Lead: - A long-standing CNC machine shop with strong local reputation - A technical team of ~20 machinists and operators - A high-mix, low-volume job shop environment - A business with the foundation to scale back toward $5M+ revenue What You Bring Operations Leadership: - 5–10 years managing CNC machine shops in the $2M–$10M range - Full P&L ownership with a track record of improving gross margins - Expertise in job shop operations (high-mix, low-volume) - Skilled at leading and developing 15–30 person technical teams Technical CNC Expertise: - Deep understanding of CNC machining (lathe and mill) - Oil & gas machining experience required - Ability to diversify a customer base beyond a single industry - Strong command of job costing, pricing discipline, and margin analysis - Experience improving quality systems and on-time delivery metrics Houston Manufacturing Knowledge (preferred, not required): - Network in the Houston machining/manufacturing community - Understanding of oil & gas business cycles - Insight into opportunities in aerospace, medical, and industrial sectors Who You Are Coachable (The #1 Requirement): - You embrace feedback - You ask “why” to understand principles - You view mentorship as acceleration - You document lessons learned and build playbooks Bridge Builder: - Earn respect from veteran machinists and office leadership - Communicate confidently on the shop floor and in the boardroom - Negotiate firmly while maintaining strong relationships Action-Oriented: - Move decisively with incomplete information - Prefer testing, iterating, and learning - Address problems and hard conversations immediately Systems Thinker: - Convert tribal knowledge into documented processes - Build solutions that work without constant oversight - Create dashboards and KPIs that drive performance People Developer: - Grow machinists into leaders - Build capability, not dependency - Create clear career pathways and invest in your team Why This Role Is Different You’re Never Alone: - Weekly coaching from seasoned industry experts - Access to proven systems and frameworks - Real-time support for strategy and major decisions You Shape the Future: - Build permanent systems and scalable processes - Create culture from the ground up - Earn performance-based bonuses tied to real results You’re Part of a Bigger Mission: - Contribute to Freyetic Group’s mission to preserve American manufacturing - Leverage resources and synergies with sister companies - Protect and modernize a 72-year Houston legacy Compensation: - Base Salary: $90,000–$110,000 - Performance Bonus: Up to $80,000 in Year 1 - Total 1st-Year Potential: $170,000–$190,000 Key Responsibilities & Expected First 90 Days: - Stabilize operations and cash flow - Implement job costing discipline - Strengthen customer relationships - Build trust with existing team Months 4–12: - Develop a formal sales process - Diversify customer base beyond oil & gas - Improve gross margins to 30%+ - Execute operational improvements Year 2+: - Scale revenue to $5M+ - Build second-shift capability - Launch apprenticeship and training programs - Establish a continuous improvement culture Ideal Candidate: You are an operations leader who walks the shop floor before checking emails. You love American manufacturing, developing people, and building systems that last. You're hungry to take ownership — and ready to grow under the guidance of expert coaches. If you’re ready to rebuild and scale a legacy shop, this is your opportunity.