2nd Shift Lathes Machine Setup & Operator

Harken, Inc.; City of Pewaukee (WI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Four-day work week (Fridays off)

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Paid time off after 90 days

On-site gym

Job summary

Harken, Inc. in Pewaukee, WI seeks a 2nd Shift Lathes Machine Setup & Operator to set up, operate, and adjust CNC lathes and related equipment.

You will read blueprints, verify tolerances with precision instruments, and help prove out new programs while maintaining a safe, organized work area. This role offers a competitive pay, ESOP benefits, and a four-day work week.

Qualifications

• 2 years CNC lathe setup experience or equivalent education/training
• High School diploma or GED or equivalent
• Twin spindle experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and adjust CNC lathe machines and numerically controlled equipment
• Run routine programs and perform machining operations to meet close tolerance specs
• Recognize proper tooling and fixtures and follow program formats
• Read and interpret detailed part drawings and blueprints
• Monitor machine performance and report variations
• Assist in proving out new programs or variations under supervision
• Recommend tooling, fixtures, and operation sequences to improve efficiency
• Use precision measuring instruments to inspect parts
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized work area
• Follow all safety procedures and quality standards

Skills

Machine shop knowledge

CNC lathe operation

CNC milling setup

Blueprint reading

Precision measuring instruments

Mathematical tolerance calculations

Team collaboration

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

CNC milling machine

CNC lathe

Precision measuring instruments

Job description

2nd Shift Lathes Machine Setup & Operator

TITLE: 2nd Shift Lathes Machine Setup & Operator
BASED AT: Harken, Inc., Pewaukee, WI
STATUS: Non-exempt, full-time

Join the Harken Team: Innovating for Over 50 Years

Harken, Inc. is a global leader in innovative solutions for the marine and safety industries. Headquartered in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, with manufacturing facilities in the USA and Italy, we take pride in our world-class engineering, craftsmanship, and dedication to excellence.

Our global footprint spans 48 countries, supported by group offices in exciting locations like Australia, France, Italy, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, the UK, and across the United States—from Rhode Island to Washington.

For over half a century, Harken's Marine Division has set the industry standard for pulley blocks, deck hardware, winches, and hydraulics, serving sailboats ranging from 8 to over 300 feet. Building on this strong foundation, Harken is charting new courses with our Safety and Rescue Division, unlocking opportunities for innovation and growth.

The Opportunity:

Harken, Inc. is searching for a skilled Machine Set Up with experience setting up, operating, and adjusting CNC milling machine and numerically controlled machining equipment. This position requires proficiency in reading blueprints, a strong understanding of tooling and fixtures, and experience performing quality inspections using precision measuring instruments. This candidate will assist with proving out new programs and recommending process improvements to enhance efficiency and quality while maintaining a safe and organized work environment.

What you will do:

• Set up, operate, and adjust CNC lathe machines and numerically controlled machining equipment
• Run routine programs and perform machining operations to meet close tolerance and finish specifications
• Recognize proper tooling and fixture applications and follow proven program formats
• Read and interpret detailed part drawings, blueprints, and specifications
• Monitor machine performance and report any variations from specifications
• Assist in proving out new programs or critical program variations under supervision
• Recommend tooling arrangements, fixtures, and operation sequences to improve efficiency and quality
• Use a variety of precision measuring instruments to inspect and verify parts
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment
• Follow all company safety procedures and quality standards
• Other duties and projects as assigned

What you bring:

Education and Experience:

• 2 years of CNC lathe setup experience, or equivalent education/training
• High School diploma, General Education Degree (GED) or equivalent
• Twin spindle experience preferred

Key Skills for Success include:

• General knowledge of machine shop practices, machining techniques, tooling, and CNC machine operation
• Experience using precision measuring instruments
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment

Why you will love working at Harken:

What truly sets Harken apart is our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and the unique culture of ownership it fosters. Every team member is empowered to think and act like an owner, driving a workplace culture built on drive, humility, ingenuity, integrity, and ownership. At Harken, you’re not just an employee—you’re a valued stakeholder in our future.

At Harken, our work is guided by five core values:

• Drive – Taking initiative, setting ambitious goals, and pursuing excellence
• Humility – Welcoming feedback, learning from others, and prioritizing team success
• Ingenuity – Solving complex problems with practical, elegant solutions
• Integrity – Delivering honest work and upholding the highest standards
• Ownership – Taking pride in our products, our people, and our future

Why join Harken:

• Employee-owned company (ESOP)
• Growing global organization
• Modern, clean, and organized manufacturing environment
• Opportunity to work with advanced CNC equipment and precision components
• Enjoy 4-day work week with Fridays off — this results in an additional 52 days off per year while maintaining a full-time career
• Strong culture of craftsmanship, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Internal growth opportunities and ongoing skills development
• 401(k) that includes a company match
• Competitive medical, dental and vision insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account and health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off after 90 day probationary period
• Employee referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• On-site Gym
• Climate controlled work environment

Harken is an equal opportunity employer.