Experienced CNC Lathe Setup Operator / Machinist
About The Position
The CNC Operator – Turning Department sets up, operates, monitors, and supports CNC turning equipment used to produce precision machined components. This description covers operator Levels 1 through 3, with responsibilities varying according to experience, demonstrated skill, training, and business need. Depending on the assigned level, operators may perform basic machine operation and in-process inspection, assist with or independently complete setups, troubleshoot equipment or process issues, support production processes, and mentor other operators. The role involves operating turning centers, screw machines, and multi-axis turning equipment according to work instructions, drawings, and production requirements. Operators inspect components throughout production, maintain records and traceability, perform routine machine care, follow safety and quality procedures, and collaborate with production, maintenance, engineering, programming, and quality personnel. Candidates may be asked to complete a technical machining assessment, practical machine evaluation, blueprint-reading exercise, or precision-measurement assessment appropriate to the level under consideration.
Requirements
- Experience, training, or demonstrated aptitude in CNC machining, turning operations, manufacturing, mechanical work, or related technical fields.
- Ability to safely operate CNC turning equipment and follow written and verbal work instructions.
- Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, travelers, inspection plans, and manufacturing documentation at a level appropriate to the position.
- Ability to use precision measuring instruments and understand basic inspection practices.
- Working knowledge of machine offsets, tooling, feeds and speeds, G and M codes, and CNC controls, with depth of knowledge increasing by level.
- Strong attention to detail, reliability, and communication skills, and a commitment to producing quality work.
- Ability to work independently or with supervision depending on assigned level, task complexity, and training status.
Nice To Haves
- Experience operating CNC turning centers, screw machines, Swiss-style machines, or multi-axis turning equipment.
- Experience machining tight-tolerance components in aerospace, defense, medical, or other precision manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with GD&T, CNC program verification, setup documentation, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement practices.
Responsibilities
- Operate CNC turning equipment, which may include turning centers, screw machines, and multi-axis turning equipment, according to work instructions, drawings, and production requirements.
- Load and unload parts, materials, fixtures, tooling, and programs as assigned.
- Monitor machine operation for abnormal conditions, tool wear, dimensional variation, or machine alarms.
- Perform tool changes, offset adjustments, and basic machine adjustments within training and authorization.
- Assist with or independently perform machine setups, including workholding, tooling, offsets, and machine parameters, according to assigned level.
- Support first-piece verification, production start-up, and repeat production runs to ensure parts meet drawing and quality requirements.
- Inspect components with appropriate precision measurement tools and verify dimensions, surface finish, and workmanship throughout production.
- Read and interpret work instructions, engineering drawings, specifications, and inspection requirements appropriate to the assigned level.
- Document inspection results and maintain production, labor, inspection, and traceability records as required.
- Identify and communicate out-of-tolerance conditions, nonconforming material, equipment issues, and process concerns.
- Make corrective adjustments or escalate issues to the appropriate lead, programmer, supervisor, or quality representative based on skill and authorization.
- Perform assigned routine machine care, cleaning, chip removal, fluid checks, and preventative maintenance activities.
- Follow safety rules, quality procedures, company policies, and department standards; maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area using established housekeeping and 5S practices.
- Collaborate with operators, leads, programmers, maintenance, engineering, and quality personnel to support safe and efficient production.
- Communicate machine status, production issues, quality concerns, and shift-turnover information clearly and accurately.
- Support training, cross-training, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities as appropriate to assigned level.
- At Level 1, perform basic machine operation, part loading and unloading, routine inspection, documentation, and housekeeping under supervision or established work instructions.
- At Level 2, perform routine operation and setup support, make basic offsets and tool changes, verify parts, troubleshoot common issues, and work with limited supervision on repeat production.
- At Level 3, perform complex setups, support first-piece or first-article verification, troubleshoot machine and process issues, support process improvements, and potentially train or mentor lower-level operators.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
