CNC Lathe Machinist — Second Shift

Location:

Agawam, Massachusetts

Employment Type:

Full-Time

Schedule:

Second Shift

Parts Tool & Die is seeking an experienced CNC Lathe Machinist to join our second-shift aerospace manufacturing team.

This position is ideal for a confident, dependable machinist who works well independently and takes ownership of setup quality, dimensional accuracy, process stability, and production results. You will set up, prove out, operate, and optimize advanced CNC turning centers while producing complex aerospace components from some of the industry’s most challenging materials.

Second shift offers an opportunity to make a visible impact on production while working in a focused environment that values technical ability, sound judgment, and personal accountability.

• Independently set up, prove out, and operate CNC lathes with C-axis and Y-axis capabilities.
• Operate multi-axis CNC turning centers with live tooling, sub-spindles, and other advanced features.
• Use a variety of work holding methods, including jaws, 16C and 5C collets, fixtures, and specialized tooling.
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, customer specifications, routings, work instructions, and controlled documentation.
• Select the cutting tools, work holding, inspection methods, and machining strategies required for each operation.
• Produce high-value aerospace components while maintaining tight tolerances, repeatability, surface finish, and first-pass yield.
• Machine challenging materials such as Inconel, titanium, hardened steels, stainless alloys, and other heat‑resistant materials.
• Perform first‑article and in‑process dimensional verification using precision measuring and advanced metrology equipment.
• Adjust feeds, speeds, offsets, and tooling strategies to maintain quality, tool life, and stable machining processes.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, work holding, dimensional, and surface‑finish issues.
• Recognize situations that require assistance and promptly communicate unresolved concerns to Operations, Engineering, or Quality.
• Complete production, inspection, traceability, and quality documentation in accordance with AS9100 requirements.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area consistent with company safety requirements, lean manufacturing practices, and 5S principles.
• Provide clear information at shift transitions to support continuity, quality, and on‑time production.

We are seeking a machinist who is comfortable making sound decisions, solving technical problems, and producing consistent results with minimal supervision.

The strongest candidate will have:

• Hands‑on experience independently setting up and operating CNC turning centers.
• Experience with multi‑axis CNC lathes, C‑axis and Y‑axis machining, live tooling, and sub‑spindles.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience manufacturing complex components to tight dimensional tolerances.
• Knowledge of cutting tools, work holding, feeds, speeds, offsets, and tool‑life management.
• Experience inspecting parts with precision measuring and metrology equipment.
• The ability to identify process risks and troubleshoot machining problems proactively.
• Strong documentation, communication, and organizational skills.
• The reliability and self‑direction required to succeed on second shift.
• A commitment to safety, product quality, customer requirements, and approved manufacturing processes.
• Aerospace or other regulated precision‑manufacturing experience is preferred.

Successful second‑shift machinists at PTD:

• Independently complete setups and assigned production work.
• Produce conforming parts that consistently meet drawing and customer requirements.
• Verify dimensions throughout the manufacturing process.
• Maintain control of high‑value materials and complex components.
• Follow approved drawings, routings, work instructions, tooling plans, and inspection requirements.
• Recognize process risks before they become quality or delivery problems.
• Make appropriate machine, offset, tooling, and process adjustments.
• Escalate unresolved technical, safety, or dimensional concerns promptly.
• Communicate…