Cnc Lathe Machinist

Job Title: CNC Lathe Machinist (2nd or 3rd Shift) Job Description

This role focuses on setting up and operating single spindle twin turret CNC lathes to produce high-quality fire fighting equipment components such as handline nozzles, valves, fittings, adapters, caps, and plugs. You will perform frequent setups and changeovers, monitor multiple machines, and ensure all parts meet precise specifications using precision measuring tools and blueprint interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC lathe machining centers, including performing offsets and changeouts for production runs.

• Allocate approximately 30% of your time to performing setups and changeouts and 70% to monitoring machines, inspecting parts, and maintaining a clean and organized work area.

• Perform 1 to 3 setups per shift, with production runs ranging from approximately 20 to 200 parts.

• Operate Okuma-Howa CNC lathes, including bar feeder lathes, single spindle twin turret lathes, indexing lathes, and custom-thread lathes, as assigned.

• Run two CNC lathe machines simultaneously, ensuring both machines operate efficiently and safely throughout the shift.

• Use micrometers, calipers, gauges, and other precision measurement tools to verify that parts meet specified tolerances and customer requirements.

• Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, and fixtures on machines using appropriate hand tools and precision instruments.

• Read, understand, and edit CNC programs for bar feeder operations to ensure accurate and efficient production.

• Interpret complex blueprints, including those with a high number of dimensions, to verify part accuracy and compliance with specifications.

• Maintain and hold tight tolerances up to +/- 0.001 inches on all assigned parts.

• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on CNC lathes in accordance with the work schedule and maintenance guidelines.

• Apply knowledge of G and M codes to adjust programs, troubleshoot issues, and optimize machining operations.

• Lift and handle materials and components weighing up to 50 pounds as part of normal daily duties.

• Communicate effectively with team members and support staff to resolve production issues and maintain workflow.

• Follow all safety procedures, housekeeping standards, and quality requirements to support a safe and efficient manufacturing environment.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience in setup, changeouts, offsets, and operation of CNC lathe machinery; experience with Okuma equipment preferred.

• Proven ability to read and interpret blueprints, including complex prints with numerous dimensions that must be checked.

• Proficient use of precision measurement tools such as micrometers, calipers, and gauges to verify part dimensions.

• Demonstrated experience working with tight tolerances up to +/- 0.001 inches.

• Solid understanding of G and M codes and their application in CNC lathe programming and operation.

• Ability to safely lift and move up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.

• Experience operating CNC lathes in a production or job shop environment.

• Capability to run multiple CNC machines simultaneously while maintaining quality and efficiency.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality parts.

• Ability to maintain cleanliness and organization in the work area while adhering to safety and quality standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to perform touch-off adjustments on tools and workpieces to achieve correct dimensions.

• Mechanical aptitude and critical thinking skills to adjust shims, screws, and other components to bring parts into specification.

• Experience troubleshooting machining issues and making on-the-fly adjustments to maintain quality.

• Prior experience with Fanuc-driven CNC Okuma lathes.

• Experience operating single spindle twin turret lathes.

• Background in a job shop environment, indicating familiarity with frequent changeouts and varied part runs.

• Comfort working with older and newer CNC equipment as the facility continues to upgrade machinery.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package and a stable, long-term manufacturing environment. Team members are eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits, with coverage beginning on the first day of the month following hire. A 401(k) plan is available after 90 days, including a 50% employer match up to 6%. Paid time off begins after 90 days and is prorated based on a 40-hour workweek, with two weeks of PTO provided as of January 1. The company provides nine paid holidays, including one floating holiday, and offers a yearly boot allowance of $150. Raises are based on performance, rewarding strong contributions and continuous improvement. The facility operates as a union shop with the option—but not the requirement—to join the union, giving employees flexibility in how they engage. The business has a reputation for stability, continuing production even when certain market segments slow down, and offers flexible overtime opportunities for those who want to increase their earnings.

Work Environment

The position is based in a machining facility that includes a foundry attached to the main machining building. The environment is industrial, oily, and dirty, reflecting a heavy manufacturing setting with a mix of older equipment and machines that are gradually being upgraded. You will work primarily with Okuma-Howa CNC lathes, including bar feeder lathes, single spindle twin turret lathes, indexing lathes, and custom-thread lathes, many of which are driven by established CNC control systems. The role is available on 2nd or 3rd shift. The 2nd shift schedule is Monday through Friday from 2:55 p.m. to 10:55 p.m., with Saturday hours from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. as needed. The 3rd shift schedule is Sunday through Thursday from 10:55 p.m. to 6:55 a.m., with Friday hours from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. as needed. The work involves standing, monitoring machines, and occasionally sitting on stools while overseeing production, as well as lifting up to 50 pounds. Employees are expected to wear appropriate industrial work attire and safety gear suitable for an oily, dirty, and foundry-adjacent environment, in line with company safety policies.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elkhart, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $26.50 - $29.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Elkhart,IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.