CNC Lathe Operator

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Alicat Scientific, Inc. is seeking a CNC Lathe Operator to set up, operate, and monitor CNC lathes for precision parts in our on-site Tucson machine shop. You will load materials, tool the machine, run production cycles, and inspect finished parts using calipers and micrometers.

Responsibilities include performing tool offsets, maintaining equipment, and ensuring blueprints are followed. A high school diploma or GED with CNC experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Education: 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.

Responsibilities

• Machine Operation: Safely operate CNC lathes to perform turning, boring, threading, and facing tasks.
• Setup: Load programs, set tools, perform tool touch-offs, and adjust jaws or collets.
• Quality Inspection: Measure parts with micrometers and calipers to verify tolerances.
• Adjustments: Monitor output and adjust offsets, speeds, and feeds.
• Maintenance & Cleanliness: Daily lubrication, coolant checks, keep area clean.
• Safety Adherence: Wear PPE and follow safety protocols.

Skills

High attention to detail

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Fast-paced environment

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical training or apprenticeship

Tools

G-code / M-code

Job description

Help grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.

Job Description: CNC Lathe Operator

Location: Tucson, AZ (On-site)

Department: Machine Shop

Schedule: Weekend or Evening Shift Availability

Pay Range: $22.00-$24.00 per hour

Report To: Machine Shop Manager

About Alicat Scientific

Alicat 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. #Alicat

Position Summary

A 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 Responsibilities

• Machine 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 Qualifications

• Education: 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 Competencies

• High attention to detail.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Strong troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, noisy environment

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement