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

Helios-Technologies-5; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Helios-Technologies-5 seeks a skilled CNC Lathe Setup Operator to set up and run single turret lathes with live tooling, reading blueprints and applying GD&T, and maintaining part quality through first article and in-process inspections.

Responsibilities include establishing offsets, selecting tooling, verifying materials, and documenting production. Requires 2–3 years CNC machining, with 1–2 years in lathe setup, strong attention to detail and troubleshooting.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years CNC machining, incl. 1–2 years lathe setup.
• Experience with live tooling and close-tolerance machining.
• Ability to read blueprints and GD&T.
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate single turret CNC lathes with live tooling.
• Inspect parts with micrometers, gages, and indicators.
• Read blueprints and determine tooling, feeds, speeds, and offset values.
• Verify first article and perform in-process inspections.
• Document production and quality records accurately and timely.
• Maintain tooling, offsets, and machine setups throughout runs.

Skills

CNC Lathe Setup

Live Tooling

Reading Blueprints

GD&T

Measuring Tools

First Article Inspection

Education

High School Diploma

Post-secondary CNC/Manufacturing Certificate

Tools

Micrometers

Calipers

Gages

Height Gauges

Indicators

Comparators

Job description

Incentives:401K: 100% Matching 6%Tuition Reimbursement: 100% of In-State Accredited Approved ProgramHealth, 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 capabilitiesInspect 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 operationsSelect, position and secure tools in tool holdersMove controls to position tool and workpiece in relation to each other and to set specified feeds, speeds, and depth of cutObserve the operation of the machine and verify conformance of machined workpiece to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as fixed gauges, calipers, and micrometersPerforming routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is neededIndependently set up and operate single turret CNC lathe machines with live tooling capabilitiesReview blueprints, job travelers, setup documentation, and work instructions to determine product specifications, dimensions, tolerances, tooling requirements, and sequence of operationsVerify the correct raw material, tooling, workholding, programs, and other required resources are available prior to beginning setupSelect, install, position, and secure cutting tools, inserts, tool holders, workholding, and fixtures required for the machining operationEstablish and adjust tool offsets, work offsets, feeds, speeds, and depths of cut to achieve required specificationsLoad and verify approved CNC programs and ensure proper machine setup prior to beginning productionPerform machine prove-out activities and safely produce the initial part for first article inspectionMake necessary setup and machining adjustments based on inspection results to bring parts into specificationInspect 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 requiredRead and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and other technical documentationMonitor machine operation and inspect completed workpieces to verify conformance to dimensional, quality, and customer requirementsMake appropriate tooling, offset, feed, and speed adjustments throughout the production run to maintain dimensional accuracy and process stabilityIdentify and troubleshoot common machining issues, including tooling wear, dimensional variation, surface finish concerns, workholding issues, and other process-related problemsReplace worn or damaged tooling and make adjustments necessary to maintain production and quality requirementsComplete required production paperwork, inspection documentation, job travelers, and other manufacturing records accurately and timelyIdentify and communicate nonconforming product, equipment concerns, tooling issues, and process problems to appropriate personnelPerform routine machine care and basic preventative maintenance activities and communicate when additional maintenance support is requiredMaintain a clean, organized, and safe work areaFollow all company safety, quality, manufacturing, and work proceduresCollaborate with Production, Quality, Engineering, Programming, and Maintenance personnel to resolve machining and production issuesPerform other duties as assignedRequired Skills/Abilities:Demonstrated ability to independently set up and operate CNC single turret lathesWorking knowledge of CNC turning operations, live tooling, cutting tools, inserts, workholding, feeds, speeds, and machining principlesAbility to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, job travelers, setup documentation, and manufacturing specificationsWorking 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 toolsAbility to establish and adjust tool offsets, work offsets, feeds, speeds, and other machining parametersAbility to identify and troubleshoot common machining, tooling, workholding, and dimensional issuesKnowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and shop mathematics as applicable to precision machiningStrong mechanical aptitude and understanding of machines, tooling, and manufacturing processesStrong attention to detail with the ability to consistently produce parts within specified tolerancesEffective problem-solving and troubleshooting skillsStrong interpersonal and communication skillsAbility to work independently while effectively collaborating with Production, Quality, Engineering, Programming, and Maintenance personnelEducation and Experience:High School Diploma, GED, or High School Equivalency Certificate requiredPost-secondary technical education or certificate in CNC machining, manufacturing technology, precision machining, NIMS certification, or a related field preferredMinimum of 2–3 years of CNC machining experience, including at least 1–2 years of CNC lathe setup experience, preferredPrevious experience independently performing CNC lathe setups in a precision machining environment strongly preferredExperience with live tooling and close-tolerance machining preferredExperience manufacturing components for aerospace, defense, medical, or other highly regulated industries is a plusPhysical 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.