Experienced CNC Lathe Setup Operator / Machinist

Harper-Engineering-Company; Renton (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Harper-Engineering-Company in Renton, WA is seeking a CNC Operator in the Turning Department to set up, operate, monitor, and support CNC turning equipment for precision machined components. This role covers Levels 1–3, with duties increasing with experience and training, including basic operation, setup assistance, and mentoring as appropriate.

You will inspect parts with micrometers and gauges, interpret drawings, and maintain records while following safety and 5S guidelines.

Qualifications

• Experience, training, or demonstrated aptitude in CNC machining, turning operations, manufacturing, mechanical work, or related technical fields.
• Ability to safely operate CNC turning equipment and follow written and verbal work instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, travelers, inspection plans, and manufacturing documentation at a level appropriate to the position.
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments and understand basic inspection practices.
• Working knowledge of machine offsets, tooling, feeds and speeds, G and M codes, and CNC controls, with depth of knowledge increasing by level.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, communication skills, and commitment to producing quality work.
• Ability to work independently or with supervision depending on assigned level, task complexity, and training status.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC turning equipment, which may include turning centers, screw machines, and multi-axis turning equipment, in accordance with work instructions, drawings, and production requirements.
• Load and unload parts, materials, fixtures, tooling, and programs as assigned.
• Monitor machine operation to detect abnormal conditions, tool wear, dimensional variation, or machine alarms.
• Perform tool changes, offset adjustments, and basic machine adjustments within level of training and authorization.
• Assist with or independently perform machine setups, including workholding, tooling, offsets, and machine parameters, based on assigned level.
• Support first-piece verification, production start-up, and repeat production runs to ensure parts meet drawing and quality requirements.
• Inspect machined components using appropriate precision inspection tools, including micrometers, calipers, indicators, bore gauges, thread gauges, and other shop measurement equipment.
• Read and interpret work instructions, engineering drawings, specifications, and inspection requirements appropriate to the assigned level.
• Verify part dimensions, surface finish, and workmanship throughout production and document results as required.
• Identify and communicate out-of-tolerance conditions, nonconforming material, equipment issues, or process concerns.
• Make corrective adjustments or elevate issues to the appropriate lead, programmer, supervisor, or quality representative based on skill level and authorization.
• Perform routine machine care, cleaning, chip removal, fluid checks, and preventative maintenance activities as assigned.
• Maintain accurate production records, labor reporting, inspection documentation, and traceability records as required.
• Follow all safety rules, quality procedures, company policies, and department standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area using established housekeeping and 5S practices.
• Work with operators, leads, programmers, maintenance, engineering, and quality personnel to support safe and efficient production.
• Communicate machine status, production issues, quality concerns, and shift turnover information clearly and accurately.
• Support training, cross-training, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities as appropriate to assigned level.

Skills

CNC machining

Turning operations

Manufacturing

Mechanical work

Technical fields

Reading drawings

Precision measuring

G&M codes

CNC controls

Job description

Description

Job Summary

The CNC Operator – Turning Department is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and supporting CNC turning equipment used to produce precision machined components. This job description is intended to cover CNC Operator Levels 1 through 3, with responsibilities increasing based on experience, demonstrated skill, training, and business need. Operators may perform basic machine operation, in-process inspection, setup assistance, independent setup, troubleshooting, process support, and mentoring duties as appropriate to their assigned level.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Machine Operation and Setup:
  • Operate CNC turning equipment, which may include turning centers, screw machines, and multi-axis turning equipment, in accordance with work instructions, drawings, and production requirements.
  • Load and unload parts, materials, fixtures, tooling, and programs as assigned.
  • Monitor machine operation to detect abnormal conditions, tool wear, dimensional variation, or machine alarms.
  • Perform tool changes, offset adjustments, and basic machine adjustments within level of training and authorization.
  • Assist with or independently perform machine setups, including workholding, tooling, offsets, and machine parameters, based on assigned level.
  • Support first-piece verification, production start-up, and repeat production runs to ensure parts meet drawing and quality requirements.
• Precision Inspection and Quality Control:
  • Inspect machined components using appropriate precision inspection tools, including micrometers, calipers, indicators, bore gauges, thread gauges, and other shop measurement equipment.
  • Read and interpret work instructions, engineering drawings, specifications, and inspection requirements appropriate to the assigned level.
  • Verify part dimensions, surface finish, and workmanship throughout production and document results as required.
  • Identify and communicate out-of-tolerance conditions, nonconforming material, equipment issues, or process concerns.
  • Make corrective adjustments or elevate issues to the appropriate lead, programmer, supervisor, or quality representative based on skill level and authorization.
• Maintenance, Safety, and Documentation:
  • Perform routine machine care, cleaning, chip removal, fluid checks, and preventative maintenance activities as assigned.
  • Maintain accurate production records, labor reporting, inspection documentation, and traceability records as required.
  • Follow all safety rules, quality procedures, company policies, and department standards.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area using established housekeeping and 5S practices.
• Support and Collaboration:
  • Work with operators, leads, programmers, maintenance, engineering, and quality personnel to support safe and efficient production.
  • Communicate machine status, production issues, quality concerns, and shift turnover information clearly and accurately.
  • Support training, cross-training, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities as appropriate to assigned level.

Requirements

Skills and Qualifications

• Experience, training, or demonstrated aptitude in CNC machining, turning operations, manufacturing, mechanical work, or related technical fields.
• Ability to safely operate CNC turning equipment and follow written and verbal work instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, travelers, inspection plans, and manufacturing documentation at a level appropriate to the position.
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments and understand basic inspection practices.
• Working knowledge of machine offsets, tooling, feeds and speeds, G and M codes, and CNC controls, with depth of knowledge increasing by level.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, communication skills, and commitment to producing quality work.
• Ability to work independently or with supervision depending on assigned level, task complexity, and training status.

Level Guidelines

• Level 1: Entry-level or developing operator who performs basic machine operation, part loading and unloading, routine inspection, documentation, and housekeeping under supervision or with established work instructions.
• Level 2: Intermediate operator who performs routine operation and setup support, makes basic offsets and tool changes, verifies parts, troubleshoots common issues, and works with limited supervision on repeat production.
• Level 3: Advanced operator who performs complex setups, supports first-piece or first-article verification, troubleshoots machine and process issues, supports process improvements, and may assist in training or mentoring lower-level operators.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating CNC turning centers, screw machines, Swiss-style machines, or multi-axis turning equipment.
• Experience machining tight-tolerance components in aerospace, defense, medical, or other precision manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with GD&T, CNC program verification, setup documentation, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement practices.

Additional Hiring Requirement

• Candidates may be required to complete a technical machining assessment, practical machine evaluation, blueprint reading exercise, or precision measurement assessment appropriate to the level being considered.