A day in the life
It’s the start of your shift at Hirsh Precision. You pull up the next work order, load a program on a Mazak lathe, select the ideal insert, and dial in your offsets. A first-article passes inspection—micrometers, indicators, and height gauge confirm you’ve nailed the GD&T callouts. While that lot runs, you set up a Swiss lathe for the next job, balancing tool life, cycle time, and finish. Midday, you’re the go-to resource for an apprentice who’s learning setup strategy. Later, you chase down a stubborn tolerance, adjust feeds and speeds, and document the improvement so it sticks. Before you clock out, you record production data, confirm machine utilization is strong, and hand off cleanly to the next operator.
About Hirsh Precision
We’re a US manufacturing leader serving the medical, aerospace, industrial, and scientific sectors. Our teams leverage advanced manufacturing, software, and modern systems to push productivity and boost product innovation—always with integrity, quality, service, and excellence at the core. As we grow, we protect our culture and focus on work that improves people’s lives.
Role overview
The Precision CNC Turning Specialist II independently sets up, operates, and troubleshoots CNC and Swiss lathes to manufacture tight-tolerance components that meet engineering and customer specs. You’ll drive efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement while mentoring entry-level machinists and apprentices. This role builds toward CNC Lathe Machinist III, Lead Machinist, Programmer, or Supervisor based on mastery, leadership, and consistent results.
Openings are available on First and Second shift.
What you’ll handle
Setup & production
- Independently set up and run CNC and Swiss lathes
- Load, verify, and edit programs; perform tool and work offsets; validate first-piece quality
- Select, install, and manage tooling, fixtures, and workholding for throughput and repeatability
- Run multiple machines/operations as demand requires
- Track cycle times, machine performance, and job progress to hit schedule
- Accurately log setup, downtime, and production data
Quality & inspection
- Interpret complex blueprints with GD&T and tight tolerances
- Use advanced metrology: micrometers, indicators, bore/height gauges, CMM, and related tools
- Verify parts throughout the run to ensure first-pass yield
- Minimize scrap and rework through process control and attention to detail
- Escalate nonconformances and support corrective actions
Troubleshooting & improvement
- Diagnose issues tied to tooling, feeds/speeds, setups, fixturing, and machine capability
- Tune processes to reduce downtime, improve cycle time, and enhance part quality
- Recommend better tooling strategies, setups, and workflows
- Engage in lean and continuous improvement initiatives
What you bring
- 3+ years of machining/CNC experience or equivalent demonstrated skill
- Proven ability to independently set up and operate CNC equipment
- Strong blueprint reading with GD&T fluency
- Proficiency with precision measurement and hand metrology
- Reliable attendance and punctuality
- Education: High school diploma or GED (preferred)
Bonus points
- Experience with 4-axis and 5-axis machining centers
- CAM or program editing background
- High-mix, tight-tolerance manufacturing experience
- Vocational/technical machining training
Physical demands
- Stand for extended periods
- Lift up to 50 lbs occasionally
- Frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive hand motions
- Work safely around noise, coolant, and moving machinery
How success is measured
- Attendance: 98% or higher
- Daily production goal attainment: 90% or higher
- Scrap: 2% or less
- Setup times: meet or beat standards
- High machine utilization with minimal avoidable downtime
- Consistent in-spec parts with minimal rework
- Visible leadership, mentoring, and technical problem-solving
Tools & tech you’ll use
- CNC Lathes (2–4 axis): Mazak, Haas, Okuma, Dmg Mori Seiki
- CNC Swiss Lathes: Tsugami, Index, Star, Citizen
- CNC Lathes (5+ axis): Mazak, Okuma, Dmg Mori Seiki
- Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) and measurement gauges
- Quality control software
- Programming knowledge: G-code and M-code
Growth path
Excel here and you’ll be on track for CNC Lathe Machinist III, Lead Machinist, Programmer, or Supervisor roles as you demonstrate technical mastery and leadership.