1st Shift - CNC Lathe Setup Operator (6:30A-2:30P)

Helios Technologies; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K matching 6%

Tuition reimbursement

Health, dental, and vision benefits

ESPP 15% stock discount

Job summary

Helios Technologies is seeking a CNC lathe setup operator to manufacture precision components from raw material in Buffalo Grove, IL. You will set up and operate single-turret lathes with live tooling, verify dimensions, and ensure parts meet tight tolerances.

Responsibilities include reading blueprints, selecting tools, setting offsets, performing first article and in-process inspections, and documenting production data to sustain quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; post-secondary CNC training preferred.
• Minimum 2–3 years CNC machining, with lathe setup experience preferred.
• Ability to read blueprints and GD&T for tolerances and dimensions.
• Experience with live tooling and precision measurement instruments.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate single-turret CNC lathe with live tooling.
• Inspect parts using micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
• Read blueprints, GD&T, and process documents to determine operations.
• Maintain tooling, offsets, feeds, speeds, and tool life.
• Ensure first article inspection and in-process checks meet specs.
• Document production results and report nonconformities.

Skills

CNC lathe setup

Live tooling

Reading blueprints

GD&T knowledge

Education

High School Diploma

CNC training/certification

Tools

Micrometers

Calipers

Bore gauges

Thread gauges

Height gauges

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Schultes Precision - Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, Salary Range: $28.00 - $33.00 Hourly, Incentives:

• 401K: 100% Matching 6%
• Tuition Reimbursement: 100% of In-State Accredited Approved Program
• Health, Dental, and Vision: Extremely affordable and market leading health benefits.
• ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan): 15% discount on purchased stock at the lowest price of the quarter.

Job Summary

The CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Single Turret Lathe Setup Operator is responsible for setting up and operating CNC lathes with live tooling capabilities to manufacture precision components from raw material through completion in accordance with blueprints, specifications, and quality requirements. The Setup Operator will independently prepare machines for production, including verifying raw materials, selecting and installing tooling and workholding, establishing offsets, and making necessary machining adjustments.

The Setup Operator will produce and verify parts for first article inspection, perform in-process inspections using precision measuring equipment, troubleshoot machining and tooling issues, and complete required production and quality documentation. This position is responsible for maintaining part quality and process stability throughout the production run.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Operate & set up single turret CNC Lathe Machines with Live Tooling capabilities
• Inspect parts using precision measuring tools (e.g., Micrometers, Pin gages, bore gages, Thread gages, Plug gages, Drop Indicators, Height gages, Comparators)
• Read blueprints or job orders for product specifications, such as dimensions & tolerances, tooling instructions such as fixtures, feed rates, cutting speeds and depth of cut and determine sequence of operations
• Select, position and secure tools in tool holders
• Move controls to position tool and workpiece in relation to each other and to set specified feeds, speeds, and depth of cut
• Observe the operation of the machine and verify conformance of machined workpiece to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as fixed gauges, calipers, and micrometers
• Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed
• Independently set up and operate single turret CNC lathe machines with live tooling capabilities
• Review blueprints, job travelers, setup documentation, and work instructions to determine product specifications, dimensions, tolerances, tooling requirements, and sequence of operations
• Verify the correct raw material, tooling, workholding, programs, and other required resources are available prior to beginning setup
• Select, install, position, and secure cutting tools, inserts, tool holders, workholding, and fixtures required for the machining operation
• Establish and adjust tool offsets, work offsets, feeds, speeds, and depths of cut to achieve required specifications
• Load and verify approved CNC programs and ensure proper machine setup prior to beginning production
• Perform machine prove-out activities and safely produce the initial part for first article inspection
• Make necessary setup and machining adjustments based on inspection results to bring parts into specification
• Inspect parts using precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, pin gauges, bore gauges, thread gauges, plug gauges, drop indicators, height gauges, comparators, calipers, and other inspection equipment as required
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and other technical documentation
• Monitor machine operation and inspect completed workpieces to verify conformance to dimensional, quality, and customer requirements
• Make appropriate tooling, offset, feed, and speed adjustments throughout the production run to maintain dimensional accuracy and process stability
• Identify and troubleshoot common machining issues, including tooling wear, dimensional variation, surface finish concerns, workholding issues, and other process-related problems
• Replace worn or damaged tooling and make adjustments necessary to maintain production and quality requirements
• Complete required production paperwork, inspection documentation, job travelers, and other manufacturing records accurately and timely
• Identify and communicate nonconforming product, equipment concerns, tooling issues, and process problems to appropriate personnel
• Perform routine machine care and basic preventative maintenance activities and communicate when additional maintenance support is required
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area
• Follow all company safety, quality, manufacturing, and work procedures
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Engineering, Programming, and Maintenance personnel to resolve machining and production issues
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to independently set up and operate CNC single turret lathes
• Working knowledge of CNC turning operations, live tooling, cutting tools, inserts, workholding, feeds, speeds, and machining principles
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, job travelers, setup documentation, and manufacturing specifications
• Working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• Proficiency using precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, thread gauges, indicators, height gauges, comparators, and other inspection tools
• Ability to establish and adjust tool offsets, work offsets, feeds, speeds, and other machining parameters
• Ability to identify and troubleshoot common machining, tooling, workholding, and dimensional issues
• Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and shop mathematics as applicable to precision machining
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of machines, tooling, and manufacturing processes
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to consistently produce parts within specified tolerances
• Effective problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with Production, Quality, Engineering, Programming, and Maintenance personnel

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma, GED, or High School Equivalency Certificate required
• Post-secondary technical education or certificate in CNC machining, manufacturing technology, precision machining, NIMS certification, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 2–3 years of CNC machining experience, including at least 1–2 years of CNC lathe setup experience, preferred
• Previous experience independently performing CNC lathe setups in a precision machining environment strongly preferred
• Experience with live tooling and close-tolerance machining preferred
• Experience manufacturing components for aerospace, defense, medical, or other highly regulated industries is a plus

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, feel/reach with hands/arms, talk, and hear.

The employee frequently is required to sit and walk. The employee is occasionally required to bend and stop, push and pull, reach above shoulder level, kneel, squat, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job to include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.