CNC Lathe Programmer – St. Johns Area

The Pivot Group Careers; St. Johns (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Careers seeks a skilled CNC Lathe Programmer in St. Johns, MI, to join a network of manufacturing partners. This role focuses on writing and editing CNC lathe programs, setting up lathes, and improving cycle times and yield with machinists and engineers.

The position is tied to a network of opportunities across Michigan. Ideal candidates have a high school diploma or equivalent with hands-on machining experience, proficiency in tooling selection and G-code/CAM, and strong

Qualifications

• Knowledge of tooling selection, speeds, and feeds.
• High school diploma or equivalent plus hands-on machining experience.
• Experience programming CNC lathes in a machine shop.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and GD&T callouts.
• Familiarity with G-code and CAM software for turning.
• Skill with precision measuring tools and tolerance checks.

Responsibilities

• Inspect first articles and in-process parts to confirm dimensions.
• Maintain program files and revision records for repeat jobs.
• Work with machinists and engineers to improve cycle times and yield.
• Follow safety rules and keep machines and work area clean.
• Write and edit CNC lathe programs from drawings and specifications.
• Set up lathes with tooling, fixtures, and offsets for each job.
• Prove out new programs and adjust speeds and feeds as needed.
• Troubleshoot program errors and machining problems during runs.

Skills

Tooling selection, speeds & feeds

Reading drawings & GD&T

G-code & CAM software for turning

Precision measuring tools

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Fanuc controls

Okuma controls

Job description

Job Description:

CNC Lathe Programmer | St. Johns, MI

Salary Range: $60,000 – $95,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for excelling as a cnc lathe programmer? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We collaborate with leading companies in the St. Johns area seeking CNC Lathe Programmers to lead and enhance their operations.

We are building our network of talent in this field across Michigan’s manufacturing regions. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

This posting covers CNC Lathe Programmer opportunities with manufacturers based in and around St. Johns in Clinton County, within about 45 minutes of the city, including Owosso, Ithaca, Ovid, and Ashley.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the St. Johns region seeking CNC Lathe Programmers. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates – not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Usual Responsibilities

• Inspect first articles and in-process parts to confirm dimensions.
• Maintain program files and revision records for repeat jobs.
• Work with machinists and engineers to improve cycle times and yield.
• Follow safety rules and keep machines and work area clean.
• Write and edit CNC lathe programs from drawings and specifications.
• Set up lathes with tooling, fixtures, and offsets for each job.
• Prove out new programs and adjust speeds and feeds as needed.
• Troubleshoot program errors and machining problems during runs.

Recommended Qualifications

• Knowledge of tooling selection, speeds, and feeds.
• High school diploma or equivalent plus hands-on machining experience.
• Experience programming CNC lathes in a machine shop.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and GD&T callouts.
• Familiarity with G-code and CAM software for turning.
• Skill with precision measuring tools and tolerance checks.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with lean or continuous improvement projects.
• Ability to program mills as well as lathes.
• Experience with live tooling and multi-axis lathes.
• Familiarity with Fanuc or Okuma controls.
• Formal machining certificate or apprenticeship.

Job Titles That Should Apply

CAM Programmer, Machine Shop Supervisor, CNC Programmer, CNC Machinist, Lathe Operator, CNC Lathe Setup Operator, Machining Technician, Manufacturing Technician, Tool and Die Machinist, Production Machinist

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who’ve been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic – they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.