Lathe Machinist

CNC Lathe Machinist

This role focuses on independently setting up and operating CNC lathes to produce precision aerospace components to tight tolerances and exact specifications. You will handle multiple short-run jobs each day, interpret detailed engineering documentation, and ensure the highest quality standards through rigorous inspection and adherence to geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).

Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate CNC lathes for short-run production, typically manufacturing 4060 parts per run.
• Perform 15 CNC lathe setups per day, selecting appropriate cutting tools, installing tools, touching off tools, installing soft jaws and boring them true, loading collets, and setting chuck pressure.
• Load, edit, and proofread CNC programs using G&M code, including adjusting feeds and speeds, modifying depths of cut, adding tool offsets, and changing toolpaths as needed.
• Interpret computer-generated setup sheets, blueprints, and job orders to determine proper tooling, fixtures, feeds, speeds, and machining sequences.
• Read and apply GD&T requirements from engineering drawings, correctly interpreting feature control frames, datums, and the differences between form, orientation, profile, and location tolerances.
• Perform first-piece and last-piece inspections to verify conformance to specifications and maintain process consistency throughout the production run.
• Conduct in-process and final quality inspections using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, gages, and indicators.
• Hold and maintain tight dimensional tolerances, including tolerances less than 0.0005 inch, on flight-critical aerospace components.
• Identify and resolve machining issues by adjusting programs, tooling, and setup to improve part quality and process efficiency.
• Work with Fanuc-based CNC controls to load programs and optimize machine performance during production.
• Operate various CNC lathe brands, including Mori Seki, Fortune (Mori), Haas lathes, Okuma, and DMC machines, as needed.
• Follow established shop practices, safety procedures, and quality standards in a precision aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by providing feedback on programs, tooling, and setups to enhance production flow and operator support.

Essential Skills:

• Proven experience operating CNC lathes in a production or prototype environment, preferably in aerospace or similar high-precision industries.
• Strong proficiency in CNC lathe setup, with the ability to perform up to five complete setups per day while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
• Ability to select appropriate cutting tools, install and touch off tools, install soft jaws and bore them true, load collets, and set chuck pressure independently.
• Hands-on experience working with Fanuc controls using G&M code, including loading CNC programs, editing feeds and speeds, adjusting depths of cut, and managing tool offsets and toolpaths.
• Solid understanding of GD&T principles, including the purpose and application of symbols, feature control frames, datums, and the distinction between form, orientation, profile, and location tolerances.
• Demonstrated ability to perform quality inspection with tight tolerances, ideally less than 0.0005 inch, on precision components.
• Proficiency using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, gages, and indicators.
• Background in aerospace or prototype machining, with familiarity working on flight-critical or high-value components.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, job orders, and computer-generated setup sheets accurately.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high quality standards in a regulated aerospace manufacturing environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience programming CNC lathes from scratch, ideally using Mastercam or similar CAM software.
• Familiarity with specific control systems such as Fanuc Oi, Fanuc 21i, Haas, and Okuma controls.
• Experience working with a variety of CNC lathe brands, including Mori Seki, Fortune (Mori), Haas lathes, Okuma, and DMC machines.
• Exposure to precision gear and gearbox manufacturing for aerospace, defense, or high-tech industries.
• Comfort working with digital tools, data-driven processes, and smart factory concepts such as digital twins and embedded systems.

Why Work Here?

You will join a highly innovative organization that follows a smart factory roadmap, leveraging data, digital twins, and embedded systems to enhance operator support and streamline production flow. The facility is climate-controlled, clean, and well lit, providing a comfortable and professional environment for precision work. The company produces niche, flight-critical components for high-end aerospace programs, offering stability and long-term opportunities due to its specialized position in the aerospace industry. Team members benefit from competitive wages, full benefits, and the chance to contribute to advanced aerospace, defense, and high-tech applications within a well-established operation.

Work Environment:

This position is based in a climate-controlled, well-lit, and clean aerospace manufacturing facility that serves as the U.S. headquarters for a broader aerospace operation. It is a first-shift role, with typical hours from 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and voluntary Saturday work available. The site specializes in precision gear and gearbox manufacturing for aerospace and supplies flight-critical components to major aerospace original equipment manufacturers. The operation has been long-standing since 2007 and employs roughly 100 people, offering a close-knit yet professionally run environment. The facility provides broad in-house capabilities, including machining, heat treat, plating, and inspection, and uses a range of CNC lathes such as Mori Seki, Fortune (Mori), Haas lathes, Okuma, and DMC, along with Fanuc-based controls and other advanced technologies. Standard shop attire appropriate for a precision machining environment is expected, with an emphasis on safety and professionalism.

Job Type & Location:

This is a Permanent position based out of Fraser, MI.

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $52000.00 - $72800.00/yr. 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.

1st Shift position: 6am - 5:30pm Monday - Friday Saturday's voluntary Its the U.S. headquarters for BMT Aerospace operations Climate Controlled, Well Lit and Clean Facility Specializes in precision gear and gearbox manufacturing for aerospace Roughly 100 employees Longstanding operation since 2007 Provides broad capabilities: machining, heat treat, plating, inspection Supplies flightcritical components to major aerospace OEMs Industry: Aerospace, Defense and High-Tech Industries

Workplace Type:

This is a fully onsite position in Fraser, MI.

Application Deadline:

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026.