Lathe Operator

Job Title: Lathe Operator Job Description

The Lathe Operator sets up and operates CNC and manual lathes to produce precision metal components in a clean, modern machine shop environment. This role involves interpreting engineering drawings, performing accurate measurements, and maintaining close tolerances while working independently across day, swing, or weekend shifts.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints to understand part specifications and machining requirements.

• Start, monitor, and observe machine operations to ensure proper performance and part quality.

• Calculate and set machine controls to regulate machining factors such as speed, feed, and depth of cut.

• Perform process offset changes independently to maintain dimensional accuracy and part quality.

• Set up jobs on assigned lathes, including preparing tools, fixtures, and materials, and running the first part to verify setup.

• Check parts using micrometers, calipers, and other precision measuring devices to confirm dimensions and tolerances.

• Verify conformance of completed work to specifications and make necessary adjustments to programs or machine settings.

• Operate CNC lathes such as DMG Mori (NLX3000, NLX4000, NZX2000) and Hitachi Seiki, as well as Haas TL-2 and manual lathes.

• Use vice grips and other appropriate tools to safely load and secure parts at Level 1 machine operation.

• Apply Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures as required to ensure safe operation and maintenance of equipment.

• Work comfortably with close tolerances in the thousandths of an inch and handle decimal-based measurements accurately.

• Adjust CNC programs when required to optimize machining processes and maintain quality standards.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety guidelines within the machine shop.

Essential Skills

• 3–5+ years of industrial machine operating experience in a machine shop or metalworking environment.

• Level 1 CNC Operator experience with machine operation and part loading using vice grips.

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints and engineering drawings.

• Hands-on experience with Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.

• Ability to operate CNC lathes, including DMG Mori models (NLX3000, NLX4000, NZX2000) and Hitachi Seiki lathes.

• Experience operating Haas TL-2 and manual lathes.

• Strong machine operating skills, including setup and running of first parts.

• Working knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).

• Proficient use of precision measurement tools such as calipers and micrometers.

• Extensive machine shop and metalworking skills.

• Ability to work with decimals and perform accurate measurements.

• Comfort working with close tolerances in the thousandths of an inch.

• Ability to adjust CNC programs when required to maintain part quality and efficiency.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to set up own jobs and run first article parts with minimal supervision.

• Experience verifying conformance of completed work to specifications using precision measuring equipment.

• Comfort working across different shifts (day, swing, weekend) as needed.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, precise components.

• Ability to follow safety protocols consistently in a machine shop environment.

• Effective problem-solving skills when addressing machining or dimensional issues.

Why Work Here?

Join a clean, well-organized machine shop that values precision, safety, and professional craftsmanship. You will work with modern CNC and manual equipment, benefit from shift differentials on swing and weekend schedules, and have the opportunity to use and expand your skills in a supportive, quality-focused environment.

Work Environment

This role is based in a clean machine shop environment with modern CNC and manual lathes, including DMG Mori, Hitachi Seiki, and Haas TL-2 equipment. Available schedules include a day shift from Monday through Thursday, 6:00 am to 4:30 pm, a swing shift from Monday through Thursday, 3:30 pm to 2:00 am with a 10% differential, and a weekend shift from Friday through Sunday, 6:00 am to 6:30 pm with a 10% differential. The work involves standing at machines, handling metal components, and using precision measuring tools while adhering to all safety and Lockout/Tagout procedures.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tualatin, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $29.70/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 Tualatin,OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 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.