Shape critical parts. Solve complex setups. Elevate the cell.
As a Precision CNC Lathe & Screw Machine Specialist, you’ll own advanced setups, operations, and on-the-fly troubleshooting for a mix of conventional screw machines and CNC turning centers. You’ll be the person others count on to keep quality tight, throughput steady, and processes improving—while mentoring teammates along the way.
A day in the life
- Open the cell: perform safe machine start-ups, load materials, verify tooling presets, and review the day’s schedule and prints.
- Dial it in: set up tooling and fixtures, adjust speeds/feeds and other parameters, and modify part programs as needed to hit spec and takt.
- Run production: operate equipment efficiently, respond to alarms, and keep parts moving with clean handoffs and accurate documentation.
- Hold tolerance: conduct visual and dimensional inspections, using micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, comparators, and gauges to verify conformance.
- Protect uptime: identify and escalate machine or part nonconformances, perform preventive maintenance, and assist with minor mechanical repairs.
- Improve the process: recommend scheduling tweaks, fixture/tooling updates, and method changes to reduce cost and lead time.
- Grow the team: train and coach less-experienced machinists on setup techniques, inspection methods, and safe, efficient operations.
Core responsibilities
- Advanced setup, operation, and troubleshooting across assigned machines.
- Material loading/unloading; complete and maintain production records.
- Tooling/fixture changes and pre-setting; resolve non-routine issues.
- Diagnose and react to CNC program alarms; assist with equipment repairs.
- Modify part programs to correct non-conformance and improve performance.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Advanced understanding of machining processes, equipment, and tooling.
- Proven problem-solver; self-directed in a fast-paced environment.
- Clear, effective communicator and collaborative team member.
- Hands-on experience operating machines, including part loading/unloading and in-process inspection.
- Strong with precision metrology: micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, comparators, and gauges.
- Able to diagnose/correct tooling and machining issues (tool holders, collets, chucks, etc.).
- Capable of resolving minor mechanical malfunctions.
- Conventional screw machines: Acme-Gridley, New Britain, and Warner & Swasey (Brands) "Trucker".
- CNC focus: roughly 90% lathes, with openness to milling work.
Proficiencies you’ll draw on
- Troubleshooting production equipment
- Reading a tape measure accurately
- CNC setups and changeovers
- Precision measurement with hand metrology tools
- Advanced inspection and gauge-based measurement
- Understanding machine geometry and alignment
- Background in aerospace manufacturing
- Setting up machines for production runs
- Solid manual machining skills
Machines and technologies in our shop
- CNC Mill (3–4 axis VMC): Fanuc, Bridgeport, Mazak, Haas, Okuma, Kitamura, Makino, ProtoTRAK, Brother, Dmg Mori Seiki
- CNC Lathe (2–4 axis): Mazak, Samsung, Murata, Haas, Okuma, Fuji, Doosan, Nakamura, Takisawa, Hyundai - Wia, Dmg Mori Seiki, Hwachon
- CNC Swiss Lathe
If you’re energized by complex setups, exacting inspection, and continuous improvement, you’ll thrive here—and help others level up too.