CNC Lathe

C-Hawk Technology Int'l; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

C-Hawk Technology Int'l in Hayward, CA is seeking an experienced CNC Lathe III to independently set up and run CNC lathes for plastic components. You will program, adjust tooling, inspect parts, and work with process engineers on new part launches.

This role requires strong G-code skills, GD&T knowledge, and a commitment to quality under ISO standards. Opportunity to mentor junior operators and contribute to continuous improvement in a fast-paced shop.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on CNC lathe operation experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 2 years of experience machining plastic materials (thermoplastics, engineering plastics, or composites).
• Demonstrated experience with G-code programming and editing at machine control.
• Prior experience in a quality-controlled environment (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or similar) preferred.
• Reading engineering drawings and GD&T symbols with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC lathes (2-axis, 3-axis, and live-tooling configurations) for turning, boring, threading, and facing of plastic parts.
• Load and verify CNC programs; make offsets and parameter adjustments as required.
• Select, install, and change cutting tools, inserts, and workholding fixtures for plastic materials.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, and work orders with minimal supervision.
• Set up and run first-article inspections; complete dimensional and visual checks before production runs.
• Write, edit, and optimize G-code programs directly at the machine control or via CAM software (Mastercam, Fusion 360, or equivalent).
• Identify opportunities to reduce cycle time, improve surface finish, and minimize scrap through toolpath optimization.
• Collaborate with process engineers on new part launches and design for manufacturability (DFM) reviews.
• Perform in-process inspections using calipers, micrometers, CMM, and optical comparators to verify dimensional accuracy to tolerances of ±0.001" or better.
• Record and analyze SPC data; respond to out-of-control conditions by adjusting process parameters.
• Identify and segregate non-conforming material; complete NCR documentation per ISO 9001 procedures.

Skills

G-code programming

Tooling selection

Quality control

CAM software

GD&T

Lean / 5S

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or technical certificate in Machine Tool Technology

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

Mastercam

Fusion 360

Fanuc

Haas

Mazak

Job description

The CNC Lathe is a machining professional responsible for the independent setup and operation of CNC lathe equipment used in the precision manufacturing of plastic components and assemblies. This role requires advanced proficiency in G-code programming, tooling selection, and quality control for thermoplastic and thermoset materials. The CNC Lathe III serves as a technical resource for less experienced operators and plays a key role in continuous improvement and production efficiency initiatives.

Key Responsibilities (but not limited to):

Machine Setup & Operation

• Set up and operate CNC lathes (2-axis, 3-axis, and live-tooling configurations) for turning, boring, threading, and facing of plastic parts
• Load and verify CNC programs; make offsets and parameter adjustments as required
• Select, install, and change cutting tools, inserts, and workholding fixtures appropriate for plastic materials (e.g., PVC, Delrin, UHMW, nylon, PTFE, polycarbonate)
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, and work orders with minimal supervision
• Set up and run first-article inspections; complete dimensional and visual checks before production runs

Programming & Process Improvement

• Write, edit, and optimize G-code programs directly at the machine control or via CAM software (Mastercam, Fusion 360, or equivalent)
• Identify opportunities to reduce cycle time, improve surface finish, and minimize scrap through toolpath optimization
• Collaborate with process engineers on new part launches and design for manufacturability (DFM) reviews

Quality Assurance

• Perform in-process inspections using calipers, micrometers, CMM, and optical comparators to verify dimensional accuracy to tolerances of ±0.001" or better
• Record and analyze SPC data; respond to out-of-control conditions by adjusting process parameters
• Identify and segregate non-conforming material; complete NCR documentation per ISO 9001 procedures
• Maintain traceability of materials and finished parts per customer and regulatory requirements

Preventive Maintenance & Housekeeping

• Report equipment malfunctions and safety hazards to maintenance and supervision promptly
• Maintain a clean, organized work area consistent with 5S/lean manufacturing standards
• Mentor and train CNC Lathe Operator I and II personnel on machine operation, setup procedures, and quality standards
• Serve as lead operator or acting supervisor in the absence of the Machining Supervisor
• Participate in safety training, toolbox talks, and Kaizen/continuous improvement events
• Proficiency with Fanuc, Haas, or Mazak CNC controls
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T symbols
• Strong working knowledge of cutting tool geometry, speeds, feeds, and toolpath strategies for plastics
• Experience with precision measurement instruments (micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, CMM)
• Familiarity with CAM software (Mastercam, Fusion 360, or equivalent) is a plus
• Knowledge of SPC, FMEA, and basic lean/Six Sigma tools is an asset

Qualifications:

Education

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate degree or technical certificate in Machine Tool Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or related field preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on CNC lathe operation experience in a manufacturing environment
• Minimum 2 years of experience machining plastic materials (thermoplastics, engineering plastics, or composites)
• Demonstrated experience with G‑code programming and editing at machine control
• Prior experience in a quality‑controlled environment (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or similar) preferred
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance for all Full-Time employees

Other:

• Exposure to machine noise, cutting fluids, plastic dust/chips, and varying temperatures.
• Personal protective equipment (safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, hearing protection) is required.
• The role involves prolonged standing, repetitive hand and arm movements, and occasional bending and lifting.