CNC Lathe Operator

FERPA Precision Machine; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company parties

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Training & development

Tuition assistance

Vision insurance

Wellness resources

Job summary

FERPA Precision Machine, Inc. is hiring a CNC Lathe Operator to join our manufacturing team. In this hands-on role, you will operate CNC lathes to produce precision parts in accordance with blueprints, work instructions, and quality requirements.

You will load materials and machine programs, monitor equipment, perform basic tooling adjustments, and verify finished parts using precision instruments. This position is ideal for someone with a strong mechanical aptitude who enjoys hands-on work and

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience operating CNC lathe machines in a production or manufacturing environment.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Basic shop math skills.
• Ability to read and understand simple blueprints.
• This position requires U.S. Person status as defined by ITAR for access to data controlled under ITAR.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC lathes to produce parts per production schedules and work instructions.
• Monitor machine operation and adjust as needed.
• Load raw materials and unload finished parts.
• Read blueprints and job specifications to understand requirements.
• Load machine programs into CNC controls and verify tooling.
• Use calipers, micrometers, and gauges to verify finished parts meet specs.
• Perform basic in-process inspections and document production records.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area.

Skills

CNC lathe operation

Blueprint reading

Basic shop math

ITAR US Person compliance

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Benefits:

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

Founded in 1990, FERPA Precision Machine, Inc. is a family-owned business with more than 35 years of precision manufacturing expertise. Known for our high-performance plastic seals and oilfield components, we have expanded our capabilities to include small- to medium-sized precision metal parts, with a growing focus on aerospace manufacturing.

At FERPA, we combine advanced manufacturing technology with a client-focused, quality-driven approach. We value each team member’s contribution and take pride in continuing our tradition of quality, craftsmanship, and excellence.

Learn more about FERPA here: https://ferpa-pmi.com/about-us

About the Role

We’re hiring a CNC Lathe Operator to join our manufacturing team. In this hands-on role, you will operate CNC lathes to produce precision parts in accordance with blueprints, work instructions, and quality requirements.

You will load materials and machine programs, monitor equipment during production, perform basic tooling and machine adjustments, and use precision measuring instruments to verify finished parts. This position is a great opportunity for someone with a strong mechanical aptitude who enjoys hands‑on work and wants to continue developing their CNC machining skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate CNC lathes to produce parts in accordance with production schedules, work instructions, and supervisor direction.
• Monitor machine operation, control panels, and displays to ensure equipment is running properly.
• Load raw materials into machines and unload completed parts.
• Read and follow blueprints, work instructions, and job specifications to understand setup and part requirements.
• Load machine programs into CNC controls as provided.
• Select, measure, install, and secure tooling under appropriate guidance.
• Calculate or verify machine speeds, feeds, and other operating parameters as instructed.
• Make minor machine control or offset adjustments, as authorized, to maintain part quality and correct minor variances.
• Use calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other measuring instruments to verify that finished parts meet specified requirements.
• Perform and document basic in-process inspections, part counts, and other required production records.
• Assist with routine machine maintenance and the replacement of worn or damaged tooling as needed.
• Identify and promptly report machine, tooling, production, or quality concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
• Assist with moving raw materials, finished parts, tooling, and other production materials as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all Company safety procedures, work practices, and PPE requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience operating CNC lathe machines in a production or manufacturing environment.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Basic shop math skills.
• Ability to read and understand simple blueprints.
• 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.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the facility as needed.
• Ability to visually inspect materials and documentation with a high level of accuracy.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience operating CNC lathes in a production environment.
• Familiarity with engineered plastics is a plus.
• Ability to read and understand GD&T symbols is a plus.
• AS9100 and ISO 9001 experience or familiarity is a plus.