Job Title: Lathe Machinist – CNC Lathe Setup Specialist

Job Description

This role focuses on setting up and operating CNC lathes in a precision machining environment, primarily producing small stainless-steel components for aerospace applications. You will handle all aspects of CNC lathe setup, including tool changes, offsets, and G&M code edits, and will run the machine when setups are not required. The position offers the opportunity to work in a clean, well-organized facility with significant upcoming work and ongoing investment in new machinery.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC lathe equipment with minimal supervision, including tooling, offsets, and program selection.
• Perform multiple setups per day (0–5 setups), and run the machine when there are no new setups to complete.
• Machine aircraft and aerospace-related parts while consistently holding tight tolerances down to 0.0005 inches.
• Perform critical measurements using supplied gauges and personal precision measuring tools to verify part quality.
• Conduct in-process and final quality inspections on small components, primarily in stainless steel, to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Read, interpret, and translate engineering prints and blueprints, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), into effective machining strategies.
• Apply strong shop math skills to calculate dimensions, speeds, feeds, and offsets for efficient and accurate machining.
• Use a wide variety of precision measuring tools, including micrometers, calipers, indicators, and other inspection instruments, to validate dimensions.
• Edit G&M code directly at the machine, adjusting speeds, feeds, and tool paths as needed to optimize performance and maintain part accuracy.
• Perform tool changes, offsets, and minor program edits to support prototype and short-run production (typically 30–500 piece runs).
• Maintain proper documentation and paperwork associated with each planned job, including setup sheets and inspection records.
• Work with tight tolerances and GD&T requirements to ensure parts meet all dimensional and quality standards.
• Assist in running production on the CNC lathe during periods when setups are complete, ensuring consistent throughput.
• Support machining of small stainless-steel components (approximately 90% stainless steel) and other metals as required.
• Contribute to a clean, organized, and safe machine shop environment by following shop procedures and best practices.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of experience as a CNC lathe setup machinist.
• Proven ability to perform CNC lathe setups, including tool changes and offsets, with minimal supervision.
• Experience with prototype and short-run production, typically 30–500 piece runs, rather than high-volume production.
• Hands-on experience editing G&M code, including adjusting speeds and feeds and making minor program edits at the machine.
• Demonstrated ability to machine small components to tight tolerances, including holding dimensions to 0.0005 inches.
• Strong blueprint reading skills, including the ability to interpret GD&T (geometric dimensioning and tolerancing).
• Proficiency in shop math for calculating dimensions, offsets, and machining parameters.
• Experience performing quality inspections on machined parts using precision measuring tools.
• Ability to work primarily with stainless steel (approximately 90% of work) and other metals as required.
• Proficiency with a wide variety of precision measuring tools, such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, and gauges.
• Capability to manage multiple setups per day (0–5 setups) while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
• Ownership of basic hand tools and a personal toolbox, including standard measuring tools and indicators.
• Comfort working with CNC lathe controls and making on-the-fly adjustments to ensure part quality and process stability.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Okuma CNC lathes and OSP2000 controllers.
• Experience in aerospace machining or working under aerospace contracts.
• Exposure to Haas or DMG CNC lathes.
• Experience with Mastercam programming for lathe operations.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM workflows in a machine shop environment.
• Experience with 4-axis or 3+2 axis machining.
• Knowledge of tooling selection and optimization for stainless steel and small-component machining.
• Understanding of machine shop best practices, including setup reduction and process improvement.
• Interest in future growth into lead or programming responsibilities as opportu