Entry Level Mill & Lathe Operator

The Lathe Operator sets up and operates CNC and manual lathes to produce precision metal components in a clean, modern machine shop environment. This role involves interpreting engineering drawings, performing accurate measurements, and maintaining close tolerances while working independently across day, swing, or weekend shifts.

• Read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints to understand part specifications and machining requirements.

• Start, monitor, and observe machine operations to ensure proper performance and part quality.

• Calculate and set machine controls to regulate machining factors such as speed, feed, and depth of cut.

• Perform process offset changes independently to maintain dimensional accuracy and part quality.

• Set up jobs on assigned lathes, including preparing tools, fixtures, and materials, and running the first part to verify setup.

• Check parts using micrometers, calipers, and other precision measuring devices to confirm dimensions and tolerances.

• Verify conformance of completed work to specifications and make necessary adjustments to programs or machine settings.

• Operate CNC lathes such as DMG Mori (NLX
  3000, NLX
  4000, NZX
  2000) and Hitachi Seiki, as well as Haas TL-2 and manual lathes.

• Use vice grips and other appropriate tools to safely load and secure parts at Level 1 machine operation.

• Apply Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures as required to ensure safe operation and maintenance of equipment.

• Work comfortably with close tolerances in the thousandths of an inch and handle decimal-based measurements accurately.

• Adjust CNC programs when required to optimize machining processes and maintain quality standards.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety guidelines within the machine shop.

• 6 months –5+ years of industrial machine operating experience in a machine shop or metalworking environment.

• Level 1 CNC Operator experience with machine operation and part loading using vice grips.

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints and engineering drawings.

• Hands‑on experience with Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.

• Ability to operate CNC lathes, including DMG Mori models (NLX
  3000, NLX
  4000, NZX
  2000) and Hitachi Seiki lathes.

• Experience operating Haas TL-2 and manual lathes.

• Strong machine operating skills, including setup and running of first parts.

• Working knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).

• Proficient use of precision measurement tools such as calipers and micrometers.

• Extensive machine shop and metalworking skills.

• Ability to work with decimals and perform accurate measurements.

• Comfort working with close tolerances in the thousandths of an inch.

• Ability to adjust CNC programs when required to maintain part quality and efficiency.

• Demonstrated ability to set up own jobs and run first article parts with minimal supervision.

• Experience verifying conformance of completed work to specifications using precision measuring equipment.

• Comfort working across different shifts (day, swing, weekend) as needed.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, precise components.

• Ability to follow safety protocols consistently in a machine shop environment.

• Effective problem-solving skills when addressing machining or dimensional issues.

Join a clean, well-organized machine shop that values precision, safety, and professional craftsmanship. You will work with modern CNC and manual equipment, benefit from shift differentials on swing and weekend schedules, and have the opportunity to use and expand your skills in a supportive, quality-focused environment.

This role is based in a clean machine shop environment with modern CNC and manual lathes, including DMG Mori, Hitachi Seiki, and Haas TL-2 equipment