CNC Lathe Machinist

CNC Lathe Machinist

The CNC Lathe Machinist independently takes precision parts from engineering print to finished product. This role sets up CNC lathes, selects tooling and materials, downloads and runs appropriate programs, and ensures parts meet tight tolerances through careful inspection. Typical work involves stainless steel components ranging from approximately 2 inches to 24 inches in size, with frequent collaboration with engineering to refine and improve machining processes.

Responsibilities

• Take parts from engineering drawings to completed, production-ready components independently.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and engineering documentation accurately.
• Work directly with engineering to improve machining processes and optimize part production.
• Perform full CNC lathe setups, including changing jaws, indicating vises and fixtures, touching off tools, and building tool offsets.
• Select appropriate tooling and materials for each job and download the correct CNC program to run the part.
• Set up lathes by installing and adjusting three- and four-jaw chucks, tools, and attachments.
• Troubleshoot machines when parts are out of specification, making necessary adjustments and offsets to bring parts into tolerance.
• Work within tight geometric tolerances using GD&T principles to ensure dimensional accuracy.
• Conduct first-piece inspections using CMM equipment and a variety of gauging tools, including air gauges, height gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
• Use measuring and inspection tools to verify dimensions and ensure parts meet all quality requirements.
• Perform gauging and inspection of parts throughout production to maintain consistent quality.
• Operate and manage work through an autocrib system for tooling and supplies.
• Complete approximately three setups per week while typically running two machines at a time.
• Find and set work coordinates such as G54 and G55 and verify proper work offsets.
• Apply knowledge of machining speeds and feeds to optimize cutting conditions and tool life.
• Use G and M codes to perform basic CNC programming and make program edits as needed for setup and operation.
• Interpret blueprints and pass a machining test focused on math and fundamental CNC knowledge.
• Maintain the ability to hold tight tolerances on machined parts consistently.
• Follow written and verbal instructions that incorporate Geometrical Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Support changeovers efficiently to minimize downtime between jobs.
• Multitask effectively while operating more than one machine at once, typically two machines.
• Contribute to a clean, organized, and safe production environment.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of CNC machine setup experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with CNC lathes and lathe setup.
• Proficiency in setting up machines, including changeovers and full lathe setups.
• Ability to find and set work coordinates such as G54 and G55.
• Experience working with micrometers, calipers, and other precision measuring tools.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Capability to operate and typically run more than one machine at a time, often two concurrently.
• Solid understanding of geometric tolerances and GD&T.
• Familiarity with G and M codes and the ability to perform basic CNC programming and edits.
• Knowledge of machining speeds and feeds and how to apply them in production.
• Experience with gauging and inspection of machined parts.
• Ability to consistently hold tight tolerances on machined parts.
• Experience reading blueprints and following written and verbal instructions involving GD&T.
• Proficiency in indicating vises and fixtures for accurate setups.
• Experience setting up lathes with three- and four-jaw chucks, tools, and attachments.
• Hands-on experience with measuring and inspection tools such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and air gauges.
• Ability to perform first-piece inspections using CMM equipment and traditional gauging tools.
• Strong troubleshooting ability to correct dimensional issues and machine problems.
• Comfort working with CNC controls and systems such as Mazatrol, Siemens, Fanuc, and Haas.
• Ability to work with tolerances common to precision aerospace machining.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Mazak lathes and Mazatrol controls.
• Experience with Siemens CNC controls.
• Familiarity with Fanuc-controlled CNC lathes.
• Exposure to Haas CNC machines and vertical milling centers.
• Knowledge of Mastercam or similar CAM software for programming support.
• Experience working with GD&T in an aerospace or precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience in CNC setup for both lathes and milling machines.
• Experience working with autocrib or similar tooling management systems.
• Strong troubleshooting experience on CNC equipment is a plus.
• Comfort working with 3- to 5-axis turning centers and milling centers with live tooling.
• Ability to adapt to different machine platforms and controls in a multi-cell environment.

Why Work Here?

Employees work in a modern, growing aerospace production environment with a clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated facility featuring advanced robotics and newer CNC equipment. The organization offers clear opportunities for growth across multiple machine cells, structured pay raises over the course of a career, and regular overtime opportunities. Benefits include matching 401(k), health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as two weeks of paid vacation for permanent employees after six months, supporting long-term stability, professional development, and work-life balance.

Work Environment

This is a first-shift role, typically running from 5:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with opportunities for overtime. The production floor is extremely clean, organized, smoke-free, and well lit, with strong ventilation and a modern feel enhanced by futuristic robots and newer CNC equipment. The facility includes multiple machine cells with five vertical milling centers (including Haas and advanced milling centers with live tooling) and five 3- to 5-axis turning centers (including Haas and Mori machines). Machinists primarily work with stainless steel parts ranging from approximately 2 inches to 24 inches in size and operate in a professional environment designed to support precision work and employee comfort.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Addison, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $32.00/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 Addison,IL.

Application Deadline

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