Lathe Operator II

Shift Information

2nd Shift | Monday - Friday | 1:30PM - 10:00PM

JOB SUMMARY
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Lathe Operator 2 is responsible for the operation of CNC lathes, including more advanced live-tooling machines such as Doosan and KIA models, in addition to standard Haas lathes. This position requires elevated skill in handling complex components, understanding multi-axis operations, and executing precision work per blueprint and customer specifications. Duties include loading/unloading materials, monitoring tool wear, performing in-process inspections, making minor tooling adjustments, and completing routine machine maintenance. The operator is also responsible for maintaining accurate production documentation, communicating potential quality or equipment issues, and supporting continuous improvement efforts.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
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- High school diploma or equivalent (preferred)
- 2+ years of experience operating CNC lathes in a manufacturing environment (preferred)
- Prior experience running live-tooling or multi-axis lathes such as Doosan or KIA strongly preferred

KNOWLEDGE
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- Lathe Operation – Basic understanding of how CNC live-tooling or multi-axis lathes function, including loading, cycle start, and safe tool change practices

- Inspection Practices – Experienced using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, thread gauges, and visual standards for in-process verification

- Tool Wear Recognition – Ability to identify signs of insert wear, chipped tools, or performance degradation affecting quality

- Routine Maintenance – Understanding of standard maintenance such as chip removal, cleaning, lubrication, and basic troubleshooting

- Work Order Interpretation – Ability to read job travelers, part numbers, and dimensional requirements

- English Language – Capability to read and understand verbal and written work instructions, safety signs, and inspection forms

SKILLS
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- Safe and efficient operation of live-tooling or multi-axis CNC lathes in a production setting
- Strong attention to detail when performing measurements and inspections
- Basic problem-solving skills for identifying machining issues and initiating corrective action
- Accurate and legible recordkeeping of production activity and inspection results
- Mechanical aptitude for minor tooling adjustments or insert replacements
- Effective communication with leads, programmers, and quality team to escalate concerns or share improvement ideas
- Time management and ability to stay on task with minimal supervision

WORK CONTEXT
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Responsibility for Others
- Responsible for maintaining a safe workspace and following procedures to avoid injury to self or others
- No direct supervisory responsibilities

Work Setting
- Shop floor machining environment
- Assigned to Haas, Doosan, or KIA CNC lathes depending on shift needs
- Routine exposure to cutting fluids, metal chips, and moderate noise levels
- Daily interaction with set-up technicians and quality inspectors

Job Hazards
- Potential for contact with rotating machinery, sharp tooling, and hot chips if proper safety procedures are not followed
- Risk of repetitive motion fatigue, wrist strain, or lifting-related discomfort if ergonomic practices are neglected
- Exposure to cutting fluids and airborne particulates, mitigated through use of PPE and proper ventilation
- All hazards are controlled through required training, machine guarding, PPE usage, and adherence to company safety protocols

Body Positioning
- Approximately 85% standing or walking, 15% lifting
- Frequent bending, reaching, and manual loading of bar stock or part blanks
- Occasional lifting of parts or raw material up to 50 lbs; team lift required
for heavier items

Basic Work Attire
- Shop-appropriate work shirt and pants
- Steel-toe shoes or boots
- Safety glasses are always required in machining areas
- Gloves, ear protection, and high-visibility gear as required by area policy

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES
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1. Operate both standard (Haas) and live-tooling (Doosan, KIA) CNC lathes in accordance with instructions provided by supervisors and production travelers
2. Load raw material or part blanks, verify correct tooling is installed, and initiate machining cycles
3. Monitor operation for tool wear or abnormal sounds and adjust offsets or change inserts as needed
4. Perform in-process inspections with various inspection equipment including calipers, micrometers, and thread gauges; document results clearly
5. Replace worn or damaged tooling components as instructed by the setup person or lead
6. Conduct routine machine maintenance including cleaning, chip removal, lubrication, and coolant checks
7. Maintain accurate documentation of production counts and inspection results
8. Communicate with the lead and/or supervisory team if dimensional issues, machine errors, or safety concerns arise
9. Support 5S and continuous improvement practices by keeping work area clean, organized, and audit-ready
10. Assist other machinists, setup personnel, or secondary operations when required
11. Follow all safety procedures and wear required PPE at all times in designate areas

NOTE
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This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 1 - 3 years
Salary: $20 - $23 Hourly
Bonus/Commission: No