CNC Lathe Setup Technician/Machinist

Advanced Structural Technologies•Oxnard, CA

6h•$38 - $50•Onsite

About The Position

Advanced Structural Technologies (AST) is seeking a CNC Lathe Setup Technician who takes pride in their work and desires to contribute to the manufacturing of critical components. This role involves significant focus on machining aftermarket aluminum wheels, a high-mix product line requiring speed, repeatability, and expertise in wheel-specific workholding. The technician will be responsible for the entire setup process, from interpreting blueprints and selecting tooling to optimizing programs and ensuring first article approval. AST values individuals who bring a manufacturing engineering mindset to the shop floor, capable of documenting processes, driving improvements, and building efficient, repeatable methods. The ideal candidate is a go-to resource for colleagues, possessing a deep understanding of machining principles.

Requirements

5+ years of experience setting up and running CNC lathes in a high-mix manufacturing environment
Hands-on experience with horizontal and/or vertical CNC lathes; familiarity with Haas, Okuma, and Fanuc controls preferred
Ability to read, edit, and write G-code at the machine
Deep understanding of turning processes, speeds and feeds, tool selection, and workholding strategy
Working knowledge of material properties and how they influence machining decisions
Ability to read and interpret complex mechanical drawings and GD&T
Experience contributing to setup documentation, work instructions, or process improvement efforts
Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and a commitment to quality workmanship
Ability to lift up to 45 lbs and stand for extended periods
High school diploma or equivalent required

Nice To Haves

Experience machining aftermarket or OEM aluminum wheels strongly preferred; familiarity with finger chucks, cam arms, rest pads, and pie jaws is a significant plus
Experience machining tight-tolerance parts in aerospace, defense, automotive, or other high-precision industries strongly preferred
Technical training, apprenticeship, or trade school background a plus

Responsibilities

Set up and operate horizontal and vertical CNC lathes including Haas, Okuma, and Fanuc controls
Own complete setups from blueprint to first article approval across various product lines
Read and interpret detailed engineering drawings and GD&T to determine the best approach for each job
Select tooling, workholding, and machining strategies for high-precision turning operations
Edit and optimize CNC programs at the machine to improve cycle time, surface finish, and tool life
Verify part dimensions using precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, indicators, etc.) and ensure conformance with print tolerances
Diagnose and resolve machining issues, tool wear, and setup inconsistencies before they impact quality or schedule
Set up and run aftermarket aluminum wheel machining operations with emphasis on accuracy, surface finish, and cycle efficiency
Configure and adjust wheel-specific workholding including finger chucks and pie jaws to accommodate a variety of wheel geometries and sizes
Ensure proper clamping, centering, and support to prevent distortion and maintain bore and face concentricity across wheel families
Recognize and troubleshoot workholding-related issues such as chatter, runout, and part shift that are common in wheel machining
Apply knowledge of aluminum alloy behavior to optimize speeds, feeds, and tooling for consistent finish quality on wheel bores, faces, and pilots
Develop and maintain setup sheets, work instructions, and tooling lists to support repeatable, consistent setups across operators and shifts
Apply working knowledge of aluminum-alloy machining to make informed decisions on speeds, feeds, and tooling selection
Support design for manufacturing by contributing machining expertise during process planning and first-article runs
Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action efforts for scrap, rework, and non-conforming parts
Identify and propose process improvements that reduce cycle time, improve yield, or increase setup efficiency; document and implement approved changes
Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, programming, and quality teams to refine processes and close gaps between the shop floor and engineering
Maintain accurate setup sheets, tool lists, and inspection records to support repeatability
Complete in-process inspection and first article documentation in compliance with traveler and quality requirements
Communicate drawing interpretation questions, tolerance concerns, or manufacturability issues to engineering proactively