Aerospace CNC Lathe Machinist: Setup & Operator

CMI Group; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, disability, &

Job summary

CMI Group – Systems 3 in Tempe, AZ is seeking an experienced CNC Lathe Machinist to set up and operate CNC lathes to produce precision aerospace and defense components.

The role requires complete setups, program and tooling adjustments, in-process inspection, and collaboration with engineers and quality teams. Ideal candidates have 3+ years in CNC lathe work, read drawings and GD&T, and can work 2nd shift with safety and quality focus, with knowledge of AS9100/ITAR desirable.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of CNC lathe setup and operation experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience machining close-tolerance aerospace/defense components.
• Ability to independently perform complete CNC lathe setups.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, manufacturing documentation, and inspection requirements.
• Experience loading, verifying, and editing CNC programs.
• Strong knowledge of CNC turning operations, including facing, turning, boring, drilling, grooving, threading, and parting.
• Understanding of tooling selection, inserts, workholding, jaw preparation, offsets, feeds and speeds, and cutting parameters.
• Proficiency using precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, thread gauges, indicators, and related inspection equipment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC lathes and turning centers to manufacture precision parts according to engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Produce components that meet tight dimensional tolerances, surface-finish requirements, and aerospace quality standards.
• Read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, manufacturing routings, job travelers, work instructions, and customer specifications.
• Load, verify, and edit CNC programs as needed to ensure accurate and efficient part production.
• Install, qualify, and adjust tooling, toolholders, inserts, workholding, jaws, fixtures, and related setup components.
• Monitor machining operations; set and adjust work offsets, tool offsets, wear offsets, feeds, speeds, and cutting parameters to maintain dimensional accuracy and process stability.
• Perform first-piece setup verification before releasing production.
• Perform in-process inspections using precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, thread gauges, height gauges, manual CMM, indicators, and other inspection equipment.
• Operate multiple CNC machines when cycle times and production requirements allow while maintaining quality and productivity expectations.
• Communicate and collaborate with CNC Programmers, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production leadership to resolve manufacturing concerns.
• Identify opportunities to reduce setup time, improve cycle time, extend tooling life, improve process capability, and increase overall manufacturing efficiency.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and daily equipment checks.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area following 5S principles.
• Follow all company safety procedures, quality standards, manufacturing processes, and work instructions.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 quality requirements and ITAR regulations where applicable.

Skills

CNC lathe setup

CNC lathe operation

GD&T

Blueprint reading

Quality inspection

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Tools

Haas controls

Mazak turning centers

Fanuc controls

Job description

CMI Group – Systems 3 in Tempe, AZ is seeking an experienced CNC Lathe Machinist to set up and operate CNC lathes to produce precision aerospace and defense components.

The role requires complete setups, program and tooling adjustments, in-process inspection, and collaboration with engineers and quality teams. Ideal candidates have 3+ years in CNC lathe work, read drawings and GD&T, and can work 2nd shift with safety and quality focus, with knowledge of AS9100/ITAR desirable.