Lathe Machinist

Lathe Machinist – CNC Lathe Setup Specialist

This role focuses on setting up and operating CNC lathes in a precision machining environment, primarily producing small stainless-steel components for aerospace applications. You will handle all aspects of CNC lathe setup, including tool changes, offsets, and G&M code edits, and will run the machine when setups are not required. The position offers the opportunity to work in a clean, well-organized facility with significant upcoming work and ongoing investment in new machinery.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC lathe equipment with minimal supervision, including tooling, offsets, and program selection.
• Perform multiple setups per day (0–5 setups), and run the machine when there are no new setups to complete.
• Machine aircraft and aerospace-related parts while consistently holding tight tolerances down to 0.0005 inches.
• Perform critical measurements using supplied gauges and personal precision measuring tools to verify part quality.
• Conduct in-process and final quality inspections on small components, primarily in stainless steel, to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Read, interpret, and translate engineering prints and blueprints, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), into effective machining strategies.
• Apply strong shop math skills to calculate dimensions, speeds, feeds, and offsets for efficient and accurate machining.
• Use a wide variety of precision measuring tools, including micrometers, calipers, indicators, and other inspection instruments, to validate dimensions.
• Edit G&M code directly at the machine, adjusting speeds, feeds, and tool paths as needed to optimize performance and maintain part accuracy.
• Perform tool changes, offsets, and minor program edits to support prototype and short-run production (typically 30–500 piece runs).
• Maintain proper documentation and paperwork associated with each planned job, including setup sheets and inspection records.
• Work with tight tolerances and GD&T requirements to ensure parts meet all dimensional and quality standards.
• Assist in running production on the CNC lathe during periods when setups are complete, ensuring consistent throughput.
• Support machining of small stainless-steel components (approximately 90% stainless steel) and other metals as required.
• Contribute to a clean, organized, and safe machine shop environment by following shop procedures and best practices.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of experience as a CNC lathe setup machinist.
• Proven ability to perform CNC lathe setups, including tool changes and offsets, with minimal supervision.
• Experience with prototype and short-run production, typically 30–500 piece runs, rather than high-volume production.
• Hands-on experience editing G&M code, including adjusting speeds and feeds and making minor program edits at the machine.
• Demonstrated ability to machine small components to tight tolerances, including holding dimensions to 0.0005 inches.
• Strong blueprint reading skills, including the ability to interpret GD&T (geometric dimensioning and tolerancing).
• Proficiency in shop math for calculating dimensions, offsets, and machining parameters.
• Experience performing quality inspections on machined parts using precision measuring tools.
• Ability to work primarily with stainless steel (approximately 90% of work) and other metals as required.
• Proficiency with a wide variety of precision measuring tools, such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, and gauges.
• Capability to manage multiple setups per day (0–5 setups) while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
• Ownership of basic hand tools and a personal toolbox, including standard measuring tools and indicators.
• Comfort working with CNC lathe controls and making on-the-fly adjustments to ensure part quality and process stability.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Okuma CNC lathes and OSP2000 controllers.
• Experience in aerospace machining or working under aerospace contracts.
• Exposure to Haas or DMG CNC lathes.
• Experience with Mastercam programming for lathe operations.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM workflows in a machine shop environment.
• Experience with 4-axis or 3+2 axis machining.
• Knowledge of tooling selection and optimization for stainless steel and small-component machining.
• Understanding of machine shop best practices, including setup reduction and process improvement.
• Interest in future growth into lead or programming responsibilities as opportunities arise.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a clean, well-maintained facility focused on high-quality aerospace work, providing a stable pipeline of projects for the coming years. Recent investment and ownership changes are driving significant growth, including plans to expand capacity and add new machinery. Team members benefit from opportunities for advancement, including potential progression into lead or programming roles over time. A comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as paid time off and vacation days, supports a healthy work-life balance. The culture emphasizes long-term stability, continuous improvement, and investing in modern equipment to support skilled machinists in doing their best work.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean, organized machine shop environment focused on aerospace contracts and precision machining. The facility is actively investing in new equipment and technology to support growth and modern machining practices. The primary material is stainless steel, and work centers around CNC lathes, including exposure to Okuma machines with OSP2000 controllers and other modern CNC platforms. Standard precision measuring tools, gauges, and inspection equipment are used daily to maintain tight tolerances and high quality. The position follows a first-shift schedule, typically Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to approximately 3:30–4:30 p.m., with Saturday work from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. as needed. Overtime is available and begins after 8 hours per day. The environment supports hands-on machining, frequent setups, and close collaboration within the machine shop, while maintaining professional standards of cleanliness, organization, and safety.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wixom, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/hr. 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 Wixom, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 2026.