CNC LATHE MACHINIST

Ferpa Precision Machine Inc; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 54,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company parties

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Health insurance

Advancement opportunities

PTO

Training & development

Vision insurance

Wellness resources

Job summary

FERPA Precision Machine, Inc. is seeking an experienced CNC Lathe Machinist to support aerospace and space manufacturing. Set up, operate, and optimize multi-axis turning centers with Y-axis, live tooling, C-axis, and sub-spindles, including our DN Solutions PUMA 2600SY II.

The ideal candidate will independently develop machining strategies, improve cycle times, troubleshoot issues, and produce precision parts with tight tolerances and complex profiles in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience setting up and operating CNC lathes.
• Experience with multi-axis turning centers featuring live tooling, Y-axis, C-axis, and sub-spindles.
• Experience machining precision metal components in aerospace/space environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate multi-axis CNC turning centers with Y-axis, live tooling, C-axis, and sub-spindles (DN Solutions PUMA 2600SY II).
• Prove out new programs, optimize machining processes for efficiency, quality and tool life.
• Configure tooling, offsets, and work offsets per job specs.
• Read and interpret drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and customer specs.
• Perform detailed inspections with micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, indicators, thread gauges, etc.
• Design and build fixtures/workholding for production.
• Troubleshoot machining and process issues to improve cycle times.
• Maintain routine machine maintenance and safe working environment.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production to meet schedules and quality goals.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Tolerance interpretation

Precision measuring

Shop math

Troubleshooting

Independence

AS9100/ISO9001 familiarity

Education

High school diploma or equivalent; machining ed preferred

Tools

DN Solutions PUMA 2600SY II

Live tooling

Y-axis turning

C-axis

Sub-spindles

Job description

Benefits:

• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources

About Us

Founded in 1990, FERPA Precision Machine, Inc. is a family-owned business with over 36 years of experience in outsourced manufacturing. We specialize in high-performance seals and components, offering innovative, reliable, and on-time solutions as a single-source machining provider. Our collaborative work environment values each team member’s contribution as we continue our tradition of manufacturing excellence. We look forward to partnering with you!

Position Summary

FERPA Precision Machine is seeking an experienced CNC Lathe Machinist to support our growing aerospace and space manufacturing business. This position is responsible for setting up, operating, and optimizing multi-axis CNC turning centers equipped with Y-axis, live tooling, C-axis, and sub-spindles, including our new DN Solutions PUMA 2600SY II.

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled setup machinist who can independently take apart from print to production by developing efficient machining strategies, optimizing cycle times, troubleshooting machining issues, and producing precision components with tight tolerances and complex profile requirements.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate multi-axis CNC turning centers equipped with Y-axis, live tooling, C-axis, and sub-spindles, including the DN Solutions PUMA 2600SY II.
• Perform first-piece setups, prove out new programs, and optimize machining processes for efficiency, quality, and tool life.
• Configure tooling, tool offsets, work offsets, and cutter compensation as required by job specifications.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and customer specifications.
• Perform detailed inspections using micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, indicators, thread gauges, and other precision measuring equipment to verify part conformity.
• Verify machine setup and ensure compliance with quality standards and customer requirements.\
• Design and build custom fixtures and workholding solutions to support efficient production.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, inserts, holders, feeds, speeds, and machining strategies for a variety of materials.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and process issues to maintain productivity and improve cycle times.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and maintain equipment in safe working condition.
• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production to meet delivery schedules and quality objectives.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support business and production needs.

Job Requirements/ Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent; technical or vocational machining education preferred.

• 5+ years of experience setting up and operating CNC lathes.
• Experience with multi-axis turning centers featuring live tooling, Y-axis, C-axis, and sub-spindles.
• Experience machining precision metal components from:
  • 300 Series Stainless Steel
  • Nitronic 50 / Nitronic 60
  • 15-5 PH & 17-4 PH Stainless Steel
  • Aluminum
  • Bronze
  • MP35N
  • Inconel
• Experience in aerospace, space, or other precision manufacturing environments preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Blueprint reading and tolerance interpretation.
• Knowledge of tooling, materials, and cutting parameters.
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments.
• Strong shop math and troubleshooting skills.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to work independently.
• AS9100 and ISO 9001 experience or familiarity is a plus.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires U.S. Person status as defined by applicable law for authorized access to data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). A U.S. Person includes U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, lawful permanent residents, and workers granted refugee or asylum status in the United States.