Precision CNC Lathe & Screw Machine Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Shape critical parts. Solve complex setups. Elevate the cell.

As a Precision CNC Lathe & Screw Machine Specialist, you’ll own advanced setups, operations, and on-the-fly troubleshooting for a mix of conventional screw machines and CNC turning centers. You’ll be the person others count on to keep quality tight, throughput steady, and processes improving—while mentoring teammates along the way.

A day in the life

• Open the cell: perform safe machine start-ups, load materials, verify tooling presets, and review the day’s schedule and prints.
• Dial it in: set up tooling and fixtures, adjust speeds/feeds and other parameters, and modify part programs as needed to hit spec and takt.
• Run production: operate equipment efficiently, respond to alarms, and keep parts moving with clean handoffs and accurate documentation.
• Hold tolerance: conduct visual and dimensional inspections, using micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, comparators, and gauges to verify conformance.
• Protect uptime: identify and escalate machine or part nonconformances, perform preventive maintenance, and assist with minor mechanical repairs.
• Improve the process: recommend scheduling tweaks, fixture/tooling updates, and method changes to reduce cost and lead time.
• Grow the team: train and coach less-experienced machinists on setup techniques, inspection methods, and safe, efficient operations.

Core responsibilities

• Advanced setup, operation, and troubleshooting across assigned machines.
• Material loading/unloading; complete and maintain production records.
• Tooling/fixture changes and pre-setting; resolve non-routine issues.
• Diagnose and react to CNC program alarms; assist with equipment repairs.
• Modify part programs to correct non-conformance and improve performance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Advanced understanding of machining processes, equipment, and tooling.
• Proven problem-solver; self-directed in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear, effective communicator and collaborative team member.
• Hands-on experience operating machines, including part loading/unloading and in-process inspection.
• Strong with precision metrology: micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, comparators, and gauges.
• Able to diagnose/correct tooling and machining issues (tool holders, collets, chucks, etc.).
• Capable of resolving minor mechanical malfunctions.
• Conventional screw machines: Acme-Gridley, New Britain, and Warner & Swasey (Brands) "Trucker".
• CNC focus: roughly 90% lathes, with openness to milling work.

Proficiencies you’ll draw on

• Troubleshooting production equipment
• Reading a tape measure accurately
• CNC setups and changeovers
• Precision measurement with hand metrology tools
• Advanced inspection and gauge-based measurement
• Understanding machine geometry and alignment
• Background in aerospace manufacturing
• Setting up machines for production runs
• Solid manual machining skills

Machines and technologies in our shop

• CNC Mill (3–4 axis VMC): Fanuc, Bridgeport, Mazak, Haas, Okuma, Kitamura, Makino, ProtoTRAK, Brother, Dmg Mori Seiki
• CNC Lathe (2–4 axis): Mazak, Samsung, Murata, Haas, Okuma, Fuji, Doosan, Nakamura, Takisawa, Hyundai - Wia, Dmg Mori Seiki, Hwachon
• CNC Swiss Lathe

If you’re energized by complex setups, exacting inspection, and continuous improvement, you’ll thrive here—and help others level up too.