CNC Lathe Operator

CNC Lathe Operator / Turning Machinist – 1st Shift

Pay: $20.00–$21.00 per hour (Based on Experience)
Location: Claremore, OK
Shift: 1st Shift | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Job Type: Temp-to-Hire
Job Order #: 140115

Position Overview

Stand-By Personnel is seeking an experienced CNC Lathe Operator / Turning Machinist to join a precision manufacturing operation in Claremore. This position is responsible for setting up and operating CNC lathes and turning centers to manufacture high-precision components for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications.

The ideal candidate has previous CNC turning experience, understands lathe operations such as turning, facing, boring, grooving, and threading, and is comfortable making tooling and offset adjustments while maintaining tight dimensional tolerances.

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum 1 year of CNC turning or lathe operation experience
• Experience setting up and operating CNC lathes or turning centers
• Strong understanding of turning, facing, boring, grooving, and threading operations
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings
• Familiarity with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
• Experience making tool and wear offset adjustments
• Ability to perform basic G-code/M-code adjustments
• Proficiency with precision measuring equipment
• Strong shop math and dimensional inspection skills
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality
• High school diploma or GED required
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC lathes and turning centers
• Work with 2-axis through multi-axis CNC turning equipment as assigned
• Review job travelers, blueprints, and setup sheets before machining
• Load and verify pre-programmed turning files
• Load raw bar stock, castings, or chucked materials into equipment
• Set up and adjust workholding and chucking systems
• Select and install appropriate cutting tools
• Monitor machining operations throughout production runs
• Make necessary adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy
• Perform tool wear corrections and offset adjustments
• Troubleshoot basic machining and tooling issues
• Maintain established production and quality requirements
• Perform routine machine maintenance
• Follow all company machining, quality, and safety procedures

Tooling & Offset Responsibilities

Candidates should be comfortable working with:

• Cutting inserts
• Boring bars
• Chuck jaws
• Turning tools
• Grooving tools
• Threading tools
• Tool touch-offs
• Work offsets
• Tool wear corrections
• G-code/M-code adjustments

Operators must be able to recognize tool wear and make appropriate corrections to maintain required dimensions and surface quality.

Lathe Operations

Candidates should understand common CNC turning processes including:

• Turning
• Facing
• Boring
• Grooving
• Threading
• Chamfering
• Diameter control
• Radius machining
• Internal and external machining operations

Blueprint & GD&T Responsibilities

• Read and interpret engineering prints and customer drawings
• Identify required diameters, radii, chamfers, and thread callouts
• Review tolerances and dimensional requirements
• Apply applicable GD&T requirements
• Verify machined components against engineering specifications
• Identify dimensional discrepancies and make appropriate machine adjustments

Precision Inspection & Quality

Operators are responsible for performing first-piece and in-process inspections using equipment such as:

• Micrometers
• OD calipers
• Dial calipers
• Bore gauges
• Pitch micrometers
• Height gauges
• Optical comparators
• Other precision measuring instruments

Candidates must be capable of maintaining tight tolerances and identifying dimensional concerns before parts continue through production.

Production & Machine Maintenance

• Load raw materials into machines and bar feeders
• Monitor production cycles and machine performance
• Maintain proper coolant levels
• Remove chips and maintain clean machine areas
• Perform routine daily equipment maintenance
• Record production and completion information as required
• Maintain an organized and safe workstation

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace machining experience
• Defense manufacturing experience
• Precision job shop experience
• Multi-axis CNC lathe experience
• Advanced CNC setup experience
• Strong GD&T knowledge
• Threading and precision boring experience
• Experience using optical comparators
• Machine Tool Technology certification or related technical training
• Experience maintaining tight aerospace or defense tolerances

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for 8–10 hours per day
• Ability to regularly lift and move 40–50 lbs
• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, positioning, and material handling
• Manual dexterity required for tooling, machine setup, and precision measurement
• Ability to safely handle raw materials and finished machined components
• Comfortable working around CNC machinery, tooling, metal chips, coolant, and production equipment
• Ability to safely perform assigned duties while wearing required PPE

Work Environment

• Precision CNC machining and manufacturing environment
• Production of components for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications
• Regular operation of CNC lathes and turning centers
• Hands-on work involving tooling, raw materials, machine controls, blueprints, and precision measuring equipment
• Quality-intensive environment requiring consistent dimensional accuracy
• Strong emphasis on safety, precision, productivity, and quality workmanship

Why You'll Want This Opportunity

• Competitive pay of $20.00–$21.00/hour, based on experience
• Stable Monday–Friday | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM schedule
• Long-term temp-to-hire opportunity
• Weekly pay
• Hands-on CNC turning and machining experience
• Work with precision aerospace and defense components
• Develop experience with multi-axis CNC turning centers
• Utilize blueprint reading, GD&T, tooling, offsets, and precision measurement skills
• Excellent opportunity for continued growth as a CNC Turning Machinist

Ready to Apply?

Apply today for immediate consideration or call/text 918-576-7117 for more information.

You can also apply in person at:

Stand-By Personnel – Claremore
507 E. Will Rogers Blvd.
Claremore, OK 74017
Monday–Friday | 8 AM – 4 PM