CNC Horizontal Lathe (Afternoon)

Job Title: CNC Horizontal Lathe Machinist / Operator (Afternoon Shift)

Job Description

This role focuses on operating and setting up CNC horizontal lathes in a high-volume production environment that manufactures pipes, valves, flanges, and relatedfittings. You will primarily run pre-loaded programs, indicate parts, touch off tools, and make minimal G-code edits while machining mostly carbon steel and occasional stainless steel components. The position involves working with Mazak horizontal lathes using Mazatrol controls on small to medium flange parts, as well as handling larger parts with longer run times and wide open tolerances.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC horizontal lathes in a production shop environment using pre-loaded programs to machine pipes, valves, flanges, and related components.

• Set up Mazak horizontal lathes to machine small to medium flange parts ranging from approximately 2" to 6" outside diameter in carbon steel and stainless steel.

• Indicate parts, touch off tools, and verify proper workholding and alignment before running production.

• Perform minimal G-code edits as needed to optimize part quality, tool life, and cycle times while staying within specified tolerances.

• Run longer cycle-time jobs on larger parts with wide open tolerances, monitoring machines and making adjustments when necessary.

• Work with Mazatrol controls on horizontal lathes to run shorter production runs of similar parts in varying sizes.

• Interpret and work from blueprints and shop drawings to ensure parts meet dimensional and quality requirements.

• Use overhead cranes and jib cranes at the machining stations to safely move and position large and heavy workpieces.

• Monitor machine performance, inspect parts during and after machining, and ensure adherence to quality standards.

• Collaborate with other CNC machinists, forklift drivers, and shop personnel to maintain efficient workflow and product movement.

• Follow all shop safety procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment and safe material-handling practices.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area and report any equipment issues or maintenance needs promptly.

• Work assigned shifts and be available for additional hours or occasional weekend work depending on production demands.

Essential Skills

• At least 5+ years of experience as a CNC machinist or CNC operator in a production or machine shop environment.

• Hands-on experience operating CNC horizontal lathes, including setup, part indication, and tool touch-off.

• Proficiency with Mazak horizontal lathes and Mazatrol controls.

• Ability to make minimal edits in G code to adjust programs for quality and efficiency.

• Experience machining carbon steel and stainless steel components.

• Strong understanding of machining tolerances and how to achieve them consistently.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.

• Comfort working with large and heavy parts, including flanges and components up to approximately 48" in size.

• Experience working in a busy machine shop environment with multiple machines and material-handling activities.

• Commitment to following safety procedures and using appropriate personal protective equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with vertical turret lathes (VTL) and horizontal boring mills (HBM).

• Experience working with vertical mills and boring mills in a machine shop setting.

• Familiarity with Fanuc controls and Siemens controls on CNC equipment.

• Experience machining parts for the pipeline, oil, and gas or related heavy industrial sectors.

• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, multilingual environment with colleagues who may speak English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

• Comfort working with a variety of fittings, pipes, valves, and flanges in different sizes and materials.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable, established manufacturer that stays busy and offers consistent hours when business is strong, providing the opportunity to earn substantial experience and income through steady production work. The company invests in its people and culture by organizing regular employee events, such as snow cone days and catered lunches, fostering a sense of community and appreciation on the shop floor. You will work in a diverse environment alongside a large team of experienced machinists, where collaboration, respect, and shared learning are part of everyday operations.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large, older manufacturing facility that has been renovated and includes dedicated shipping, receiving, and a sizable machining shop. Each machining station is equipped with overhead cranes and jib cranes to handle large and heavy parts safely. The machine shop is loud and open-air, and it is not climate controlled, although large fans help circulate air throughout the area. The workforce is diverse, and team members commonly communicate in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. On day shift, there are approximately 40 machinists (about 90% CNC and 10% manual) and 10–15 forklift drivers constantly moving product; night shift typically has around 8 CNC machinists and no manual machinists. The standard first shift runs from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the second (afternoon) shift runs from 4:00 p.m. to approximately 1:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, with additional hours or occasional weekends depending on production needs. The dress code requires steel-toe footwear, jeans, a work shirt, and safety glasses at all times on the shop floor.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $35.00/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 Houston,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 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.