CNC Vertical Turret Lathe Setup Specialist Diameter Aerospace Components

Own the Cut. Shape Critical Hardware.

At Acme Industries in Elk Grove Village, IL, we machine massive castings and forgings for aerospace, defense, power generation, and heavy industry. If you have deep experience running a VTL on large‑diameter parts and take pride in complete ownership from setup through last‑piece inspection, this full‑time role across 1st and 2nd shift is built for you. The skill set is rare in Chicago — and we reward it.

A Day in the Life You arrive to a clean, modern shop and pick up a turnover with precise priorities. The print and router are in hand. You rig and secure a multi‑hundred‑pound workpiece with overhead crane assistance, choose and set tooling, verify work holding, and dial in offsets. As the spindle turns, you manage feeds and speeds, watch tool wear, and chase tenths across feet‑wide diameters.

You verify in process with micrometers, bore gages, and indicators, and use CMM when applicable. You document first article results, record production data, address alarms and surface conditions, and leave crisp notes for the next shift. Along the way, you trade knowledge with teammates and help the team get better every day.

What You Will Own Complete setup and operation of CNC vertical turret lathes for large‑diameter precision components using engineering drawings, routers, and work orders

Tooling, insert, fixture, and work holding selection, including safe crane‑assisted part handling

In‑process and final inspection with precision tools — micrometers, bore gages, dial indicators, and CMM where applicable

Accurate interpretation of blueprints and GD&T without supervision

Active control of feeds, speeds, and offsets to maintain tight tolerances on complex parts

Rapid troubleshooting of machine alarms, tooling failures, and finish issues without waiting on engineering

Accurate production records, first‑article documentation, and non‑conformance reporting

Clear, concise shift turnover communication and collaboration

Participation in cross‑training and knowledge transfer as the team scales

What You Bring

Required5+ years hands‑on CNC VTL experience on large‑diameter work (not small‑part turning)
Proven end‑to‑end setup responsibility, not operator‑only work Fluent blueprint and GD&T reading

Precision measurement and inspection experience on turned components

Confidence with crane‑assisted handling of heavy parts

Independent troubleshooting of alarms, tooling, and out‑of‑tolerance conditions

Strongly PreferredFANUC control experience

Background in aerospace, defense, power generation, or heavy industrial manufacturing

Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality systems

High‑mix, low‑volume machining experience

Informal mentoring or training of junior operators

Compensation, Shifts, and Location Elk Grove Village, IL — Full‑time — 1st and 2nd shift

Immediate need on 2nd shift at $28–$38 per hour plus 10% differential1st shift openings are available as well Example: a $33 per hour base earns an effective $36.30 per hour on 2nd shift

Why Acme $28–$38 per hour based on depth of VTL setup skill and large‑diameter expertise
10% 2nd shift differential

Hire‑on bonus

Day‑1 medical, dental, and vision coverage

Weekly pay
401(k) with company match

Company‑paid life insurance, short‑term, and long‑term disability

Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

Gainsharing bonus — share in wins when Acme hits its targets

Overtime opportunities — 2nd shift OT stacks quickly

Tuition assistance to fuel your growth

Complex, high‑value aerospace and defense components — not commodity turning
75+ years of stability — founded in 1948, PE‑backed, and growing

Clear paths to lead and training roles — workforce development and apprenticeship programs underway

Clean, safe, modern facility

If you have mastered big‑diameter precision turning on a VTL, we want to meet you.