CNC Lathe Operator

FOX Innovation & Technologies is a global provider of aftermarket engineering, manufacturing, repair, and field services for turbo machinery and other mission-critical rotating equipment. Our capabilities include the reengineering, revamping, repair, and manufacture of complex components for centrifugal compressors, turbines, pumps, and related industrial equipment.

Our La Porte manufacturing operation combines advanced machining capabilities with engineering and repair expertise to support demanding applications across the energy and industrial markets.

The CNC Lathe / VTL Operator is responsible for setting up and operating CNC lathes and Vertical Turning Lathes (VTLs) to manufacture and repair high-precision components in accordance with engineering drawings, specifications, established CNC programs, and FOX quality requirements.

This position will operate equipment including FOX's Neway VTL with live tooling and G&L VTL with live tooling, along with other CNC turning equipment. Most equipment utilizes FANUC controls.

The ideal candidate has strong CNC turning experience and understands the unique setup, work holding, tooling, and dimensional requirements involved in machining large and complex components. Experience machining rotating equipment components, large-diameter parts, split parts, and components requiring both turning and live-tool milling operations is highly desirable.

• Set up and operate CNC lathes and Vertical Turning Lathes to manufacture and repair precision components according to drawings, specifications, setup sheets, and established CNC programs.
• Operate CNC turning equipment including:
  Neway VTL with live tooling, G&L VTL with live tooling, and other horizontal and vertical CNC turning equipment as assigned.
• Operate equipment utilizing primarily FANUC CNC controls.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, work instructions, and applicable GD&T requirements.
• Review job requirements and verify correct material, tooling, fixtures, jaws, programs, and setup prior to machining.
• Set up and securely fixture large, irregular, split, or high-value components using appropriate work holding techniques.
• Properly indicate and establish component centerlines, datums, reference surfaces, and machine zero positions.
• Establish and verify tool offsets, work offsets, and machining reference points.
• Perform program prove-out, dry runs, first-piece verification, and in-process inspection.
• Make appropriate tool, wear, geometry, and dimensional offsets to maintain required tolerances.
• Perform minor CNC program edits at the machine when necessary and within established authorization and operating procedures.
• Operate and utilize live tooling for milling, drilling, boring, or other secondary machining operations when required.
• Perform turning, facing, boring, threading, grooving, drilling, and related CNC machining operations.
• Monitor machining operations for proper tool performance, surface finish, dimensional control, chip formation, vibration, chatter, or other process conditions.
• Select and change inserts, cutting tools, boring bars, drills, and other tooling based upon job and material requirements.
• Apply working knowledge of speeds, feeds, insert geometry, tooling, and material characteristics.
• Use precision measuring equipment including micrometers, large-diameter micrometers, bore gauges, calipers, indicators, depth gauges, and other inspection equipment.
• Perform and document in-process dimensional inspections.
• Maintain dimensional accuracy and required surface finishes throughout the machining process.
• Safely machine a range of materials including carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, and exotic or high-temperature alloys.
• Exercise particular care when machining large, complex, customer-owned, repaired, or otherwise high-value components.
• Identify and report potential nonconformances before proceeding with additional machining whenever possible.
• Troubleshoot machining issues in coordination with CNC Programming, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality.
• Maintain accurate setup, tooling, inspection, production, and job documentation.
• Perform routine machine cleaning and operator-level preventive maintenance.
• Maintain machines, tools, fixtures, and the surrounding work area in a clean and organized condition.
• Follow all FOX safety procedures, machine operating requirements, lifting/rigging procedures, and quality requirements.
• Participate in process improvements involving setups, tooling,…