CNC Lathe Machine Setup Operator

SCHUNK USA; Morrisville (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Flexible spending account

Job summary

SCHUNK USA in Morrisville, NC, seeks a CNC Lathe Setup Operator for the 2nd shift (Mon–Thu, 2:45pm–1:20am) to independently set up and run CNC turning centers with bar feeders in a climate-controlled production area.

You will prepare jobs from drawings, select tooling, set offsets and machine parameters, inspect parts, and collaborate with programmers and machinists to maximize quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years CNC turning experience.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience adjusting offsets and editing CNC data.
• Proficiency with micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, indicators.
• Knowledge of feeds and speeds and material characteristics.
• Strong problem-solving, organization, and communication.
• Commitment to safety and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Independently set up and operate CNC lathes using drawings, work instructions, and programs.
• Configure and monitor bar feeders for safe, efficient production.
• Load programs, set tooling, adjust offsets, and change machine parameters for part quality.
• Support new product introductions and prove-outs with test runs.
• Perform in-process and final inspections using precision measuring equipment.

Skills

CNC turning

Reading drawings

GD&T knowledge

Troubleshooting

Measurement skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Safety focus

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in Machining Technology

Tools

Okuma CNC lathes

Job description

2nd shift - M-TH 2:45pm - 1:20am At SCHUNK, we drive innovation in automation, clamping technology, and precision engineering worldwide. We have a burning passion for everything that has anything to do with technology! We are fascinated by the way it will change the world of tomorrow. Based on this understanding, we are developing the solutions for today and tomorrow. SCHUNK products stand for quality. Our products are built on all of the expertise and experience we have amassed for generations. Our goal is to get a little bit better every single day as a team.

Job Type

Full-time

Description

CNC Lathe Setup Operator

Shift: 2nd shift - M-TH 2:45pm - 1:20am

At SCHUNK, we drive innovation in automation, clamping technology, and precision engineering worldwide. We have a burning passion for everything that has anything to do with technology! We are fascinated by the way it will change the world of tomorrow. Based on this understanding, we are developing the solutions for today and tomorrow. SCHUNK products stand for quality. Our products are built on all of the expertise and experience we have amassed for generations. Our goal is to get a little bit better every single day as a team.

Primary Purpose

The CNC Lathe Machine Setup Operator independently sets up, operates, and optimizes CNC turning centers with bar feeders to manufacture SCHUNK's precision workholding and tooling products. Working in a modern, climate-controlled production environment, this role is responsible for preparing jobs from technical drawings and established programs, selecting tooling, setting machine parameters, and ensuring consistent production of high-quality components.

Success in this role requires strong machining knowledge, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality. The CNC Lathe Machine Setup Operator takes ownership of machine performance, process improvements, troubleshooting, and in-process inspections while collaborating with programmers, supervisors, and fellow machinists to maximize efficiency and minimize scrap.

What You Will Do

• Independently set up and operate CNC lathes using technical drawings, work instructions, and existing CNC programs.
• Configure and monitor bar feeders to ensure safe, efficient, and uninterrupted production.
• Load programs, set tooling, adjust offsets, and make machine parameter changes as required to maintain part quality.
• Support new product introductions and prove-outs by assisting with test runs and validating machine setups.
• Perform in-process and final inspections using precision measuring equipment to verify conformance to specifications.
• Analyze machining performance and make adjustments to improve cycle times, consistency, and product quality.
• Troubleshoot machine, tooling, program, and process issues to minimize downtime and scrap.
• Maintain organized tooling, workholding, gauges, and raw material inventory at the machine.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and report repair needs to ensure equipment reliability.
• Complete production and quality documentation accurately and communicate issues proactively.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum three years of CNC turning experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to independently set up and operate CNC lathes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, dimensions, and tolerances.
• Experience adjusting offsets, editing CNC data, and troubleshooting machining processes.
• Proficiency using precision measurement equipment including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and indicators.
• Working knowledge of machining mathematics, geometry, feeds and speeds, and material characteristics.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Commitment to workplace safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical certification or Associate Degree in Machining Technology or a related field.
• Experience with Okuma CNC lathes and controls.
• Experience machining high-precision, thin-walled components.
• Experience with bar-fed production environments.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.

Our Benefits

• 401(k) & matching option
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off