CNC Setup Operator (Lathe) | Direct Hire | 1st Shift

Lofton Staffing Services; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Lofton Staffing Services is seeking a CNC Machinist for a direct hire in Southeast Houston. The role focuses on setup and operation of CNC lathes with some milling, ensuring tight tolerances and quality across first-piece to production runs.

The position offers first-shift hours, overtime as needed, and opportunities for long-term employment with competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years CNC machining experience.
• Ability to read blueprints and basic GD&T.
• Experience using calipers, micrometers, and precision inspection tools.
• Ability to make offsets and minor G-code edits.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Reliable and able to work independently after training.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC lathes, with occasional CNC milling.
• Load tooling, set work and tool offsets, and prepare workholding.
• Read and make minor edits to G-code programs as needed.
• Bore and modify soft jaws for machining setups.
• Perform first-piece inspection and adjust offsets to maintain tight tolerances.
• Monitor tool wear and perform basic tool changes.
• Maintain consistent production quality and meet production goals.
• Complete basic production documentation.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

Skills

CNC Machining

G-code Editing

Mechanical Aptitude

Independent Work

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

GD&T Knowledge

Job description

Title: CNC Setup Operator (Lathe) | Direct Hire | 1st Shift

Location: Houston, TX

Salary Range: 25.00-28.00

Position: Machinist

Description:

DIRECT HIRE – CNC MACHINIST (SE HOUSTON)

Pay: $52k - $60k DOE

Shift: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM (OT available as needed, occasional Saturdays)

Location: Southeast Houston

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Lofton Staffing is hiring a CNC Machinist for a direct hire opportunity with a manufacturing client in Southeast Houston. This is a stable, long-term position offering competitive pay, strong benefits, steady first shift hours, and overtime opportunities. Ideal candidates are dependable, detail-oriented, and experienced in CNC lathe operations within a production environment.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Set up and operate CNC lathes, with occasional CNC milling
• Load tooling, set work and tool offsets, and prepare workholding
• Read and make minor edits to G-code programs as needed
• Bore and modify soft jaws for machining setups
• Perform first-piece inspection and adjust offsets to maintain tight tolerances
• Monitor tool wear and perform basic tool changes
• Maintain consistent production quality and meet production goals
• Complete basic production documentation
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment

REQUIREMENTS

• 1–3 years CNC machining experience
• Ability to read blueprints and basic GD&T
• Experience using calipers, micrometers, and precision inspection tools
• Ability to make offsets and minor G-code edits
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail
• Reliable and able to work independently after training

BONUS EXPERIENCE (HIGHLY DESIRED)

• Vertical Turret Lathe (VTL) experience
• Large part machining or heavy industrial machining experience