Position Summary
The Lathe Operator (CNC) is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring single-spindle, computer-programmed turret lathes to manufacture centrifugal pump components in accordance with company standards, engineering drawings, and specifications. This position performs rough and finish machining operations on a variety of materials, inspects parts, documents results, and supports production efficiency, quality objectives, and safe manufacturing practices.
Because this role involves operating production machinery, handling large and irregular parts, and using powered industrial equipment such as forklifts, it is classified as a safety-critical while performing those duties. The operator must work safely at all times, maintain situational awareness, and comply with all company safety policies and OSHA regulations to prevent injury, equipment damage, or product nonconformance.
This role plays a key part in maintaining production flow, meeting established production schedules and efficiency expectations, supporting on-time delivery, and sustaining quality performance within a safe, organized manufacturing environment.
Essential Functions and Basic Duties
1. Machining Operations and Equipment Use
- Set up, operate, and monitor CNC turret lathes and related production equipment in accordance with drawings, specifications, process sheets, and production requirements.
- Perform rough and finish machine rotating parts using continuous path and point-to-point machining operations on a variety of materials used in centrifugal pump manufacturing.
- Perform machine setups ranging from routine to complex, including positioning, aligning, and securing fixtures in chucks or on faceplates using blocking, clamping, shims, supports, and other holding devices.
- Assemble, preset, and install tooling using preset fixtures or optical tool-setting equipment; install tools into tool posts and turrets to predetermined dimensions.
- Load programs into machine control systems, verify programs, and work from program instructions, blueprints, and setup documentation.
- Monitor machining operations, observe control panel indicators and digital displays, and make necessary adjustments within job scope to maintain quality, efficiency and adherence to established production goals.
- Operate multiple machines simultaneously as required.
- Remove chips using air or coolant hoses and maintain proper chip control.
2. Inspection, Measurement, and Documentation
- Visually inspect machined parts and use precision measuring instruments to verify compliance with engineering drawings and specifications.
- Document inspection results, production data, and required records accurately and in a timely manner.
- Perform re-inspections and re-work as requested by supervision or Quality.
- Identify nonconformances and promptly notify supervision of quality or process concerns.
3. Material Handling and Forklift Operation
- Safely operate powered industrial trucks (PIT), including forklifts, to move raw materials, castings, tooling, work-in-progress, and finished parts throughout the Machine Shop.
- Load, unload, stage, and position materials at machines, workstations, and designated storage locations.
- Ensure materials are properly secured and handled in a manner that prevents damage, instability, or unsafe conditions.
- Maintain constant awareness of pedestrian traffic, equipment movement, and changing floor conditions while performing material-handling activities.
- Follow all company procedures and OSHA regulations related to forklift operation and material handling.
4. Quality, Safety, and Compliance
- Perform all machining and material-handling activities in accordance with company quality standards, safety policies, and production procedures.
- Maintain safe operation of machinery, tooling, forklifts, and related equipment at all times.
- Use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow established safe work practices.
- Maintain cleanliness, organization, and readiness of machines, tools, and work areas.
- Report unsafe conditions, equipment issues, or process concerns promptly to supervision.
5. Communication and Team Collaboration
- Coordinate with supervisors, programmers, manufacturing engineers, quality personnel, and other production employees to support production schedules and resolve issues.
- Obtain programs from programmers or approved electronic storage, review process sheets, gather tooling and fixtures, and determine setup sequences and dimensional requirements.
- Assist with proving out new programs and tooling as directed.
- Keep supervision informed of machine status, production progress, and material needs.
- Participate in meetings and training sessions as required.
- Work to meet established production schedules, throughput expectations and efficiency objectives while maintaining safety and quality standards.
6. Additional Responsibilities
- Perform routine cleaning and basic maintenance of machines and equipment within job scope.
- Complete reports and documentation accurately and on time.
- Assist with special projects or assignments as directed.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support production and operational needs.
Education / Certification
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain company forklift certification required.
Experience
· Minimum of one (1) year of experience operating CNC or manufacturing equipment required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Machining Knowledge: Understanding of CNC lathe operation, tooling, setups, and production processes.
- Inspection & Measurement: Ability to use precision measuring instruments and interpret drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
- Safety Awareness: Ability to safely operate machinery and forklifts while following safety procedures, machine guarding, and PPE requirements.
- Attention to Detail: Strong focus on quality, accuracy, and consistency to meet production and quality standards.
- Communication & Teamwork: Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and work effectively with supervisors and team members.
- Manual Dexterity & Mechanical Aptitude: Good hand–eye coordination and mechanical aptitude for operating machinery, tooling, and handling parts.
Physical Requirements, Work Conditions, and Schedule
- Standing/Walking: Frequently required to stand and walk for extended periods while operating machinery, monitoring machining processes, loading and unloading parts, and performing inspections.
- Lifting/Carrying: Regularly lifts, carries, pushes, and pulls materials and tooling. Typical lifting ranges up to 50 lbs occasionally, 20 lbs frequently, and 10 lbs continuously. Heavier or awkward loads are moved using hoists, cranes, forklifts, or team assistance.
- Bending/Reaching/Climbing: Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, twisting, and reaching. Occasional climbing on platforms or steps may be required.
- Vision/Hearing: Requires close vision for reading blueprints, instructions, and measuring devices; hearing required to detect machine sounds and alarms.
- Powered Industrial Equipment: Ability to safely operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment in accordance with company and OSHA requirements.
- Work Environment: Machine shop environment with exposure to moving machinery, metal chips, lubricants, coolants, noise, dust, fumes, vibration, and varying temperatures.
- Protective Equipment: Required use of PPE such as safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and other PPE as designated.
- Work Schedule: Based on production requirements; overtime or weekend work may be required.
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
