CNC Lathe Operator

Standard Locknut; Westfield (IN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Standard Locknut is seeking a CNC Lathe Operator in our Production department. This role involves setting up, programming, and operating CNC equipment to meet quality and productivity standards while delivering exceptional service.

You will read blueprints, program mills and lathes, edit CNC programs, and monitor processes. The position supports continuous improvement and requires commitment to safety and accuracy in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Proficiency with decimals, fractions, geometry, and basic math.
• Experience using precision measuring tools (micrometers, calipers, gauges).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Strong reading, writing, and English language skills.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC and auxiliary equipment to produce high-quality parts.
• Make minor edits to CNC programs to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Read blueprints and job instructions to meet specifications.
• Program mills and lathes with precise instructions, tool data, and offsets.
• Monitor processes to maintain specifications during drilling, grooving, turning, and other operations.
• Troubleshoot malfunctions and adjust controls or reprogram as needed.
• Maintain and sharpen tools; replace worn components as required.
• Participate in continuous improvement and project work.
• Adhere to SOPs and safety procedures; keep area clean and organized.

Skills

CNC programming

Blueprint reading

Precision measurement

Geometry & math

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Micrometers

Calipers

Gauges

Job description

Job Title: CNC Lathe Operator Department: Production

Reports To: Production Shift Supervisor(s) EEO Code: 6- Craft Worker FLSA: Hourly

Position Summary

The CNC Lathe Operator performs a wide range of duties involving the setup, programming, and operation of CNC equipment. This role ensures manufacturing, quality, and performance standards are consistently met while delivering exceptional service to exceed customer expectations in a timely manner. Operators embody our POWER culture—Positive, Open, Winning, Energetic, and Resilient—creating an environment where excellence thrives.

Essential Functions

• Sets up and operates various types of CNC and auxiliary equipment to produce high-quality products at an acceptable productivity level.
• Performs minor edits to CNC programs as needed to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
• Reads and interprets blueprints, technical drawings, and job instructions to meet specifications.
• Programs mills and lathes by entering precise instructions, including zero and reference points, tool registers, offsets, and other parameters using basic math, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Monitors and maintains specifications during operations, including drilling, grooving, cutting, turning, facing, knurling, and thread chasing processes.
• Troubleshoots process malfunctions and adjusts controls or reprograms as necessary.
• Maintains and sharpens tools, replacing worn components as needed to uphold quality standards.
• Participates in continuous improvement initiatives and team problem-solving efforts.
• Assists with special projects, such as prototype development or process optimization.
• Keeps work area and equipment clean, safe, and orderly in alignment with our POWER values.
• Strictly adheres to safety procedures and quality standards, including standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Engages in training and development sessions to stay current with industry best practices.

Minimum Job Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Proficiency in decimals, fractions, geometry, and basic math.
• Experience using precision measuring tools (e.g., micrometers, calipers, gauges).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical documents.
• Strong basic reading, writing, and English language skills.
• Prior experience with CNC programming and operating (preferred).

Physical Requirements

• Regularly lifts, pushes, pulls, or carries 25 pounds or more.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during a full shift.
• Frequently bends, squats, or reaches below and overhead.
• Ability to move freely within the machine shop environment.

Physical Work Environment

• Exposure to consistent machine noise, HVAC systems, dust, oil, and chemicals.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE), including steel-toe shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, and gloves, is required at all times.
• Commitment to maintaining a clean, organized workspace in adherence to safety standards.

Our POWER Culture

At Standard Locknut, we foster a culture rooted in our core POWER values:

• Positive: We strive to see the best in every situation while remaining realistic.
• Open: We value everyone's contributions and foster open communication.
• Winning: Together, we succeed by improving daily and achieving exceptional outcomes.
• Energetic: We tackle challenges head‑on with enthusiasm and perseverance.
• Resilient: We adapt and persevere through tough situations to deliver outstanding results.

Standard Locknut is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.