Hirsh Precision builds products that matter. From medical and aerospace to industrial and scientific applications, we combine advanced software, modern manufacturing methods, and tightly integrated systems to raise the bar on quality and productivity. Our reputation for integrity, service, and excellence is powered by people who care about their craft and the impact of their work.
A day in this role
You clock in, review the job traveler and blueprints, and prep your workstation. Under guidance from a lead machinist, you load bar stock or blanks, verify tools, and run the first piece on a CNC or Swiss lathe. You check dimensions with micrometers and calipers, make simple offsets, and document results. Throughout the shift, you keep the machines productive, capture production counts and downtime, and hand off clear notes to the next team.
Role overview
This is an entry-level, developmental position where you will operate CNC and Swiss lathes under supervision to produce precise components that meet customer specifications and Hirsh Precision quality standards. You will perform basic setups, tool changes, and offsets; load materials; monitor production; inspect parts; and maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area. As you gain proficiency, you’ll build the skills to advance to Machinist II based on reliability, quality, and machine capability.
What you’ll handle each shift
- Operate CNC and Swiss lathes with oversight; execute basic setups, tool changes, and offsets.
- Load raw materials, monitor cycle performance, and meet production schedules.
- Produce parts to print using work instructions, blueprints, and defined quality standards.
- Accurately record production counts, downtime, and other job data to support utilization.
Quality at the spindle
- Use calipers, micrometers, gauges, and indicators for first-article and in-process checks.
- Verify conformance to dimensions and tolerances; apply fundamental GD&T concepts as trained.
- Spot tool wear or process issues early and escalate promptly to reduce scrap and rework.
Learning and growth
- Read and interpret basic blueprints, dimensions, and tolerances.
- Learn machine controls, tooling applications, and turning processes.
- Participate in coaching, cross-training, and continuous improvement activities.
Safety and 5S
- Follow all safety policies, PPE requirements, and machine safety procedures.
- Keep the workstation clean, organized, and free of hazards; support 5S and lean practices.
Teamwork and communication
- Take direction from supervisors, leads, and senior machinists.
- Communicate status, quality concerns, and equipment issues clearly.
- Collaborate effectively across shifts and departments.
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Mechanical aptitude and strong desire to learn the machining trade.
- Comfort with decimals, fractions, and measurements.
- Ability to read and use measuring tools accurately.
- Consistent, dependable attendance and punctuality.
Preferred
- Prior manufacturing or machining exposure.
- Experience with CNC equipment or completion of a technical training program.
- Basic blueprint-reading knowledge.
Physical demands and environment
- Stand for extended periods; occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive hand motions.
- Work around noise, coolant, and moving equipment in a production setting.
How success is measured
- Attendance 98%.
- Daily production goal attainment 90%.
- Scrap 2%.
- Setup times at or below standard.
- Accurate use of measuring tools and inspection methods.
- Consistent adherence to safety and housekeeping standards.
- Demonstrated progress toward independent machine operation.
Equipment you’ll run and tools you’ll use
- CNC Lathe (2–4 axis): Mazak, Haas, Okuma, DMG Mori Seiki
- CNC Swiss Lathe: Tsugami
- CNC Lathe (5+ axis): Okuma, DMG Mori Seiki
- Precision measuring tools: calipers and micrometers