noun
preparatory work; groundwork; subcontract work
Refers to the preliminary or less-skilled work that supports a main task, often in construction or manufacturing. Can also mean work done under a subcontract.
大工の下仕事として、材料を切っておいた。
As preparatory work for the carpenter, I cut the materials in advance.
この部品の加工は下仕事として外注
We subcontract the machining of these parts as groundwork.
下請け is a subcontractor or the act of subcontracting, whereas 下仕事 can refer to the actual subcontract work itself.
Compound of 下 (した, 'under, lower') and 仕事 (しごと, 'work'), literally 'under-work' or 'lower work'.