CNC Lathe Programmer / Machinist

Senior CNC Lathe Programmer / Machinist

Location: Leander, TX

Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire

Pay: $32.00 - $42.00 per hour, based on experience

Schedule: Day Shift | Four 10-Hour Days or Five 8-Hour Days | Overtime Available

Position Overview:

Tree Top Staffing is partnering with a rapidly growing precision CNC manufacturer in Leander, Texas to hire an experienced Senior CNC Lathe Programmer / Machinist.

This is not an operator-level position. We are looking for an accomplished CNC turning professional who can independently program, set up, prove out, troubleshoot, and run complex lathe work while helping develop and grow the company’s turning department.

The primary machine is an Okuma LB3000 equipped with Y-axis, live tooling, and sub-spindle capability. The shop also operates a Haas ST-20. Mastercam programming experience is strongly preferred, with direct Okuma experience especially valuable.

The right person will be given significant autonomy and ownership of the lathe department. You will have input into tooling, workholding, programming strategies, process improvements, automation, and the development of less-experienced machinists.

For an experienced machinist who wants to make an impact rather than become another number inside a large manufacturing organization, this is a unique opportunity.

Responsibilities:

• Program, set up, prove out, and operate CNC lathes
• Primarily support an Okuma LB3000 with Y-axis, live tooling, and sub-spindle capability
• Program parts using Mastercam
• Take jobs from print or model through completed part
• Select tooling, inserts, workholding, speeds, feeds, and machining strategies
• Troubleshoot programs, setups, tooling, and machining processes
• Optimize cycle times, tool life, quality, and spindle utilization
• Develop reliable and repeatable processes for prototype and production work
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspection
• Interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, and GD&T
• Document setups, tooling, inspection results, and manufacturing processes within a digital ERP environment
• Help develop and improve tooling and workholding standards
• Support automation and lights-out machining initiatives
• Train and mentor developing machinists
• Provide feedback on manufacturability, quoted times, tooling, and process improvements
• Help establish best practices as the lathe department continues to grow

Qualifications:

• Strong CNC lathe programming, setup, and machining experience
• Ability to independently take a part from print or model through finished product
• Mastercam programming experience strongly preferred
• Okuma CNC lathe experience strongly preferred
• Experience with advanced CNC turning applications, including Y-axis machining, live tooling, sub-spindle operations, or mill-turn processes
• Strong understanding of cutting tools, inserts, workholding, speeds, and feeds
• Ability to independently troubleshoot machining and programming issues
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T knowledge
• Experience with precision inspection and standard machinist measuring equipment
• Ability to work effectively in a high-mix precision manufacturing environment
• Strong problem-solving, accountability, and continuous-improvement mindset
• Willingness to document processes, share knowledge, and mentor less-experienced machinists

Direct experience with the exact machine model is preferred but not required for an otherwise highly qualified CNC turning professional. Candidates with strong Okuma and Mastercam experience are especially encouraged to apply.

Preferred Industry Experience:

Experience within precision manufacturing environments supporting industries such as:

• Aerospace
• Defense
• Semiconductor
• Advanced technology
• Data center infrastructure
• Other complex, tight-tolerance manufacturing

Experience with both prototype/high-mix machining and repeat production is especially valuable.

Why This Opportunity:

This is a small, growing manufacturing organization where an experienced machinist can have a meaningful impact.

You will be trusted to take substantial ownership of the lathe department rather than simply run someone else’s process. If you identify better tooling, workholding, programming, or manufacturing methods, your ideas will be heard and supported.

The shop has invested in:

• Modern CNC equipment
• Mastercam and advanced manufacturing software
• Automation and lights-out manufacturing
• Paperless manufacturing systems
• Digital setup and inspection documentation
• Modern tooling and workholding
• Employee training and development
• Continuous process improvement

The environment is approximately 14 people today, giving the right individual an opportunity to join at an important stage of growth and develop into a technical leader as the department expands.

Compensation & Benefits:

• $32.00 - $42.00 per hour, based on experience and technical capability
• Overtime opportunities
• Choice of four 10-hour days or five 8-hour days
• Company contribution toward health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Paid lunch periods
• Monthly company lunches
• Employee vending stipend
• Training and professional development
• Potential relocation assistance for an exceptional candidate
• Significant advancement opportunity as the organization grows

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is an experienced CNC turning professional who takes ownership of their work, enjoys solving difficult machining problems, and does not need to be micromanaged.

You should be capable of working independently while also documenting your processes, sharing knowledge, and helping develop the machinists around you.

If you are looking for greater autonomy, modern equipment, challenging work, and an opportunity to help build and eventually lead a growing CNC lathe department, we would like to speak with you.