Cnc Lathe Set Up Machinist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: CNC Lathe Set Up Machinist
Job Description

This role focuses on leading CNC lathe setups in a growing machining department. You will handle all aspects of CNC lathe setup, including tool changes, offsets, and program edits, while also operating the machines when setups are not required. The position centers on machining precision aircraft components to tight tolerances in a clean, well-organized aerospace environment with strong long-term work stability.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC lathe equipment with minimal supervision.
• Perform complete setups, including tooling selection, tool changes, offsets, and verification of programs.
• Machine aircraft components while consistently holding tolerances as tight as 0.0005 inches.
• Run CNC lathes to produce small components when no new setups are required.
• Perform edits to G and M code, including adjusting speeds and feeds as needed for quality and efficiency.
• Translate and interpret engineering prints and blueprints to determine machining processes and requirements.
• Apply shop math skills to calculate dimensions, offsets, and adjustments.
• Use a wide variety of precision measuring tools, including micrometers, calipers, indicators, and gauges, to perform in-process and final quality inspections.
• Maintain accurate and complete paperwork associated with each planned job and work order.
• Follow geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) requirements to ensure parts meet specifications.
• Work primarily with stainless steel and other metals while maintaining surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
• Handle prototype and short-run production jobs, typically ranging from approximately 30 to 500 pieces.
• Perform 0–5 setups per day, depending on workflow, and keep machines running efficiently between setups.
• Assist with basic inventory awareness related to tooling and setup needs.
• Collaborate with team members in the machine shop to support continuous improvement and consistent production quality.

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience as a CNC lathe set up machinist.
• Strong ability to perform full CNC lathe setups, including tool changes and offsets, with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated experience machining small components to very tight tolerances, down to 0.0005 inches.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Ability to work with GD&T and hold tight tolerances based on blueprint requirements.
• Solid shop math skills for calculating dimensions, offsets, and adjustments.
• Proficiency in using precision measuring tools, including micrometers, calipers, indicators, and other gauges.
• Experience performing G and M code edits and adjusting speeds and feeds directly at the machine control.
• Background in prototype or short-run machining, typically in the 30–500 piece range.
• Experience performing quality inspections on machined parts.
• Ability to work primarily with stainless steel and other metals while maintaining high-quality finishes.
• Capability to manage multiple setups per day and transition to machine operation when setups are complete.
• Ownership of a basic toolbox with personal measuring tools, including indicators.

• Experience with Okuma lathes and OSP2000 controllers.
• Prior aerospace machining experience.
• Familiarity with Mastercam programming for CNC operations.
• Exposure to 4-axis and 3+2 axis machining environments.
• Experience working in a machine shop focused on high-precision work.
• Understanding of CAD/CAM workflows and how they relate to setup and machining.
• Comfort working with G code and G&M codes for program review and modification.
• Familiarity with Haas equipment and other common CNC machine tool brands.
• Experience with tooling selection and optimization for various metals and part geometries.
• Basic understanding of inventory control as it relates to tooling and setup materials.

You will join a clean, well-organized aerospace-focused facility with a strong backlog of work secured for the coming years, providing stability and long-term opportunity. The company is actively investing in new machinery and looking to grow significantly, creating room for professional advancement, including potential promotion into lead roles over time. Team members benefit from comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, along with paid time off and vacation days, supporting a healthy work-life balance. The culture emphasizes growth, modernization, and continuous improvement, giving you the chance to expand your skills while contributing to a high-quality, precision-driven operation.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean, modern machine shop that supports aerospace contracts and high-precision machining work. The facility is investing in new machinery and technology, including CNC lathes and related CAD/CAM and programming tools such as Mastercam, Okuma lathes with OSP2000 controllers, and other common CNC platforms. You will primarily work with stainless steel and other metals, focusing on small, tight-tolerance components. The standard schedule is first shift, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to approximately 3:30–4:30 p.m., with optional Saturday work from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Overtime is paid after 8 hours per day, providing additional earning potential during busy periods. The environment supports steady work volume, clear processes, and a professional shop culture centered on quality and safety.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wixom, MI.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Wixom,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on May 19, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.