VTL Machinist

VTL Machinist

Eleven Recruiting is hiring an experienced VTL Machinist to set up and operate vertical turning lathes (VTLs) and related CNC machinery for one of our largest Aerospace Manufacturing clients sitting onsite in El Monte, CA. We are hiring for both 1st shift 5am-5pm M-Sat and 2nd shift 5pm-5am M-Sat. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of machining principles, geometric tolerancing, and tooling practices. This position requires a hands-on professional who can troubleshoot, adapt to changing production demands, and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.

Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate CNC vertical and horizontal turning lathes, mills, and grinders to cut and shape raw materials.
• Adjust machine offsets daily based on work orders and changing production requirements.
• Troubleshoot machinery and programming issues to minimize downtime and exceed production goals.
• Monitor machining processes to improve part quality, productivity, and tool life.
• Interpret and follow blueprints, process planning, and written instructions.
• Perform precision measurements using thickness gauges, micrometers, calipers, and other metrology tools to ensure conformance to specifications.
• Select and install proper cutting tools, boring bars, tool holders, and inserts for each job.
• Maintain clean and organized work area and adhere to all safety protocols.
• Work collaboratively with quality, engineering, and production teams to meet tight tolerances and delivery schedules.
• Adapt to changing priorities, schedules, and production needs as required by management.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in the setup and operation of CNC vertical and horizontal lathes.
• Proficiency in precision measuring equipment and thickness gauge instruments.
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering blueprints and apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Working knowledge of cutting tools, boring bars, inserts, and tool holders and their proper applications.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, flexible manufacturing environment with changing demands and tight deadlines.
• Solid mathematical skills, including basic geometry and algebra used in machining operations.
• Experience with Fanuc controls is required.
• Willingness to work varied shifts, including potential overtime and weekends as production demands require.
• Flexibility to take on additional duties and assignments as directed by management.
• CNC programming experience (G-code, M-code) is a plus.
• Experience operating Giddings & Lewis (G&L), Mori Seiki, Shibaura, and Haas turning equipment.
• Aerospace manufacturing background or experience machining critical tolerance components.