CNC Lathe Machinist / Programmer
Department: Manufacturing / Machine Shop
Reports To: Manufacturing Supervisor / Machine Shop Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time
Classification: Hourly / Non-Exempt
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced CNC Lathe Machinist / Programmer to set up, program, operate, and troubleshoot CNC turning equipment used to manufacture precision components. This position is responsible for producing parts that meet engineering drawings, dimensional requirements, quality standards, and production schedules.
The ideal candidate has strong CNC lathe setup and programming experience, understands machining processes and tooling, and is comfortable independently taking a part from drawing through programming, setup, first-article inspection, and production.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Program, set up, and operate CNC lathes and turning centers.
- Create and modify CNC programs using G-code and M-code.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, work instructions, and manufacturing specifications.
- Determine appropriate machining sequences, cutting tools, workholding methods, speeds, feeds, and cutting parameters.
- Perform complete machine setups, including installation and alignment of tooling, inserts, jaws, fixtures, and workholding devices.
- Set tool offsets, work coordinates, and machining parameters.
- Perform first-article machining and verify dimensions before releasing parts for production.
- Inspect finished components using micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, thread gauges, optical comparators, and other precision measuring equipment.
- Make program and tooling adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy and process capability.
- Troubleshoot machining, tooling, programming, workholding, and dimensional problems.
- Monitor tool wear and replace or adjust cutting tools as required.
- Optimize CNC programs and machining processes to improve cycle time, tool life, quality, and productivity.
- Machine components to close tolerances and maintain consistent part quality.
- Document program revisions, tooling information, setup requirements, and process changes.
- Follow established quality procedures and properly identify and report nonconforming material.
- Perform routine machine maintenance, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting.
- Maintain an organized and safe work area.
- Follow all company safety policies, manufacturing procedures, and quality requirements.
- Work closely with engineering, quality, production, and other machinists to resolve manufacturing issues.
- Assist in training CNC operators and less-experienced machinists when required.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent technical experience.
- Minimum 3–5 years of CNC lathe machining experience preferred.
- Demonstrated experience programming and setting up CNC turning equipment.
- Strong knowledge of G-code and M-code CNC programming.
- Ability to independently perform CNC lathe setups and program modifications.
- Strong understanding of machining fundamentals, including speeds, feeds, cutting tools, inserts, materials, and workholding.
- Ability to read and interpret complex mechanical drawings and machining specifications.
- Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Experience machining parts to tight tolerances.
- Proficiency with precision inspection equipment, including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, height gauges, and thread gauges.
- Ability to perform shop mathematics, including decimals, fractions, geometry, and basic trigonometry.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining production and quality requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with CNC controls such as Fanuc, Haas, Mazak, Okuma, or similar systems.
- Experience with live tooling, sub-spindles, Y-axis turning centers, or multi-axis CNC equipment.
- Experience with CAM programming software such as Mastercam, GibbsCAM, Esprit, Fusion, or similar software.
- Experience machining stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper alloys, plastics, and other engineered materials.
- Experience working in a precision manufacturing environment.
- Experience manufacturing components for aerospace, medical, semiconductor, electronics, defense, or other high-precision industries.
- Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality management systems.
- Experience performing first-article inspections.
Knowledge and Skills
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- CNC turning and machining expertise
- CNC programming and program optimization
- Blueprint and GD&T interpretation
- Tool selection and workholding
- Precision measurement and inspection
- Root-cause troubleshooting
- Attention to detail
- Quality awareness
- Good documentation practices
- Time management and production planning
- Effective communication and teamwork
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and work at CNC machines for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and move materials, tooling, and fixtures up to approximately 40–50 pounds with appropriate assistance when required.
- Ability to perform repetitive hand and arm movements.
- Ability to safely use hand tools, measuring equipment, and manufacturing machinery.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment where exposure to machine noise, coolant, oils, metal chips, and moving equipment may occur.
Performance Expectations
The CNC Lathe Machinist / Programmer is expected to:
- Produce components that consistently meet drawing and quality requirements.
- Complete machine setups accurately and efficiently.
- Maintain accurate CNC programs and setup documentation.
- Minimize scrap, rework, tooling costs, and machine downtime.
- Identify and resolve machining problems before they affect production.
- Continuously improve machining processes, cycle times, and tooling performance.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
About Us
High Precision EDM/CNC manufacturing
At Sematool Precision Mfg Inc, most of our business comes from repeat customer and customer referrals. That is because we develop long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with our customers.