Roughing Operator / CNC Lathe Trainee

Benefits:

• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources

JOB DESCRIPTION – Roughing Operator / CNC Lathe Trainee


About the Role
FERPA Precision Machine, Inc. is seeking a motivated Roughing Operator / CNC Lathe Trainee to join our machining team in Houston, Texas.


The employee will begin in our Roughing Department, learning to set up and operate manual lathes to remove excess material from raw stock and prepare parts for finishing operations. The position also includes hands-on CNC lathe training under the guidance of experienced machinists.


As the employee demonstrates proficiency, reliability, and readiness, additional CNC responsibilities may be assigned. This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop valuable machining skills and work toward advancement into a CNC lathe operator or machinist role. The pace of training and advancement will depend on individual performance, demonstrated skills, and business needs.


Key Responsibilities
· Set up and operate manual lathes for rough machining operations
· Perform rough cuts and remove excess material from metal and plastic components
· Read and follow blueprints, work orders, job travelers, and technical drawings
· Select appropriate tooling, speeds, and feeds for roughing operations
· Measure and verify part dimensions using calipers, micrometers, and gauges
· Maintain required tolerances according to job specifications
· Monitor machine performance and make adjustments as needed
· Deburr, clean, and prepare parts for the next operation
· Assist experienced machinists with CNC lathe setups and operations
· Learn to load and unload parts, monitor machining cycles, and recognize tool wear
· Learn basic tool offsets, G-code concepts, and CNC machine controls
· Complete required production and inspection documentation
· Perform routine machine maintenance and maintain a clean, organized work area
· Follow all safety procedures and PPE requirements
· Collaborate with machinists and supervisors to support production workflow
· Perform additional job-related duties as assigned


Job Requirements
· High school diploma or GED preferred
· Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 pounds
· This position requires U.S. Person status as defined under applicable ITAR regulations

Preferred Qualifications
· Previous manufacturing or machine shop experience, especially with manual machining or roughing operations
· Prior experience with precision measuring tools, inspection processes and machining fundamentals


What You’ll Learn
· Manual lathe setup and operation
· CNC lathe operation and basic setups
· Blueprint and technical drawing interpretation
· Precision measuring and quality-inspection techniques
· Tool selection, offsets, and wear adjustments
· Machining speeds and feeds
· Basic G-code concepts
· Production documentation and shop procedures


Skills We’re Looking For
· Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and dependable attendance
· Team-oriented mindset
· Strong attention to detail
· Willingness to accept feedback
· Mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability
· Commitment to safety and quality
· Interest in learning and building a long-term machining career


Why Work at FERPA?
· Family-owned company with over 35 years of success
· Weekly pay
· Direct-hire, full-time position
· Clean, climate-controlled shop
· Modern CNC equipment
· Hands-on training with experienced machinists
· Structured CNC lathe training and career-development opportunities
· Opportunity to develop highly valuable manufacturing skills
· Growing aerospace and precision manufacturing company