CNC Lathe Programmer​/Machinist

Pay: $32.00 - $42.00 per hour, based on experience

Schedule: Day Shift | Four 10-Hour Days or Five 8-Hour Days | Overtime Available

Position Overview:

Tree Top Staffing is partnering with a rapidly growing precision CNC manufacturer in Leander, Texas to hire an experienced Senior CNC Lathe Programmer / Machinist.

This is not an operator-level position. We are looking for an accomplished CNC turning professional who can independently program, set up, prove out, troubleshoot, and run complex lathe work while helping develop and grow the company’s turning department.

The primary machine is an Okuma LB3000 equipped with Y-axis, live tooling, and sub-spindle capability. The shop also operates a Haas ST-20. Mastercam programming experience is strongly preferred, with direct Okuma experience especially valuable.

The right person will be given significant autonomy and ownership of the lathe department. You will have input into tooling, work holding, programming strategies, process improvements, automation, and the development of less-experienced machinists.

For an experienced machinist who wants to make an impact rather than become another number inside a large manufacturing organization, this is a unique opportunity.

Responsibilities:

• Program, set up, prove out, and operate CNC lathes
• Primarily support an Okuma LB3000 with Y-axis, live tooling, and sub-spindle capability
• Program parts using Mastercam
• Take jobs from print or model through completed part
• Select tooling, inserts, work holding, speeds, feeds, and machining strategies
• Troubleshoot programs, setups, tooling, and machining processes
• Optimize cycle times, tool life, quality, and spindle utilization
• Develop reliable and repeatable processes for prototype and production work
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspection
• Interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, and GD&T
• Document setups, tooling, inspection results, and manufacturing processes within a digital ERP environment
• Help develop and improve tooling and work holding standards
• Support automation and lights-out machining initiatives
• Train and mentor developing machinists
• Provide feedback on manufacturability, quoted times, tooling, and process improvements
• Help establish best practices as the lathe department continues to grow

Qualifications:

• Strong CNC lathe programming, setup, and machining experience
• Ability to independently take a part from print or model through finished product
• Mastercam programming experience strongly preferred
• Okuma CNC lathe experience strongly preferred
• Experience with advanced CNC turning applications, including Y-axis machining, live tooling, sub-spindle operations, or mill-turn processes
• Strong understanding of cutting tools, inserts, work holding, speeds, and feeds
  
  Ability to independently troubleshoot machining and programming issues
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T knowledge
• Experience with precision inspection and standard machinist measuring equipment
• Ability to work effectively in a high-mix precision manufacturing environment
• Strong problem‑solving, accountability, and continuous‑improvement mindset
• Willingness to document processes, share knowledge, and mentor less‑experienced machinists

Direct experience with the exact machine model is preferred but not required for an otherwise highly qualified CNC turning professional. Candidates with strong Okuma and Mastercam experience are especially encouraged to apply.

Preferred Industry

Experience:

Experience with in precision manufacturing environments supporting industries such as:

• Aerospace
• Defense
• Semiconductor
• Advanced technology
• Other complex, tight‑tolerance manufacturing

Experience with both prototype/high‑mix machining and repeat production is especially valuable.

Why This Opportunity:

This is a small, growing manufacturing…