CNC Lathe Operator

Alicat-Scientific; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Alicat Scientific in Tucson, AZ is seeking a CNC Lathe Operator on-site. You will set up and operate CNC lathes to produce precision parts from blueprints, load programs, and perform routine maintenance.

You will inspect parts with gauges and adjust tool offsets to sustain tolerances while maintaining a clean, safe work area. Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, 1–3+ years in manufacturing (CNC turning preferred), and ability to read engineering drawings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED, technical training preferred.
• 1-3+ years manufacturing experience, CNC turning ideal.
• Able to read/interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD designs.
• Basic knowledge of G-code/M-code and tool offsets.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC lathes to turn, bore, thread, and face parts per blueprints.
• Set up machines, load programs, set tools, touch-offs, change jaws/collets.
• Inspect parts with calipers, micrometers, and optical comparator for tolerances.
• Adjust tool offsets, speeds, and feeds to maintain part quality.
• Perform daily maintenance and keep work area clean and safe.
• Follow PPE and safety protocols in a noisy, fast-paced environment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Reading blueprints

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical training or apprenticeship preferred

Tools

CNC turning equipment

Job description

Help grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.Job Description: CNC Lathe OperatorLocation: Tucson, AZ (On-site)Department: Machine ShopSchedule: Weekend or Evening Shift AvailabilityPay Range: $22.00-$24.00 per hourReport To: Machine Shop ManagerAbout Alicat ScientificAlicat manufactures mass flow and pressure instrumentation that is used in a wide range of industries. Our customers use our devices for a vast list of applications, including hydrogen energy research, space programs, vaccine development, and anywhere science is seeking out new answers to the world’s problems. #AlicatPosition SummaryA CNC Lathe Operator sets up, operates, and monitors computer-controlled lathes to machine precision parts based on blueprints. Key duties include loading raw materials, tooling the machine, setting offsets, running production cycles, inspecting finished parts using measuring tools (calipers/micrometers, and optical comparator), and performing routine maintenance.Core ResponsibilitiesMachine Operation: Safely operate CNC lathes to perform tasks such as turning, boring, threading, and facing.Setup: Perform machine setups, including loading programs, setting tools, tool touch-offs, and changing jaws or collets.Quality Inspection: Measure parts using precision tools (micrometers, calipers) to ensure compliance with blueprint tolerances.Adjustments: Monitor machine output and adjust tool offsets, speeds, and feeds to correct for wear or out-of-tolerance conditions.Maintenance & Cleanliness: Perform daily maintenance (lubrication, coolant checks) and keep the machine and work area clean.Safety Adherence: Wear required PPE (safety glasses, steel-toed boots) and follow all safety protocols.Requirements and QualificationsEducation: High school diploma or GED; technical training or apprenticeship is preferred.Experience: Ideally 1–3+ years of experience in manufacturing, specifically with CNC turning equipment.Technical Skills: Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and CAD designs. Basic understanding of G-code/M-code and tool offsets.Mathematical Skills: Proficiency in basic math.Key CompetenciesHigh attention to detail.Mechanical aptitude.Strong troubleshooting skills.Ability to work in a fast-paced, noisy environmentBenefits401(k) matchingDental insuranceFlexible scheduleFlexible spending accountHealth insuranceLife insurancePaid time offParental leaveTuition reimbursementNot the right fit? Let us know you're interested in a future opportunity by clicking Introduce Yourself in the top-right corner of the page or create an account to set up email alerts as new job postings become available that meet your interest!