High Precision CNC Lathe Machinist

Kadon Precision Machining; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Company-paid life insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Career advancement opportunities

Ongoing training and professional dev

Job summary

Kadon Aerospace in Rockford, IL is seeking a highly skilled High Precision CNC Lathe Machinist to join our aerospace manufacturing team. You will set up and operate Hardinge CNC lathes, read drawings, and ensure parts meet strict tolerances in an AS9100 environment.

The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, quality‑driven, and experienced with GD&T, tooling selection, and process optimization. This full‑time role offers competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience setting up and operating CNC lathes in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Hardinge, Fanuc, and/or GT CNC controls is a plus.
• Ability to independently perform complete machine setups is preferred.
• Blueprint reading experience.
• Understanding of GD&T.
• Experience maintaining tight tolerances.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‐solving skills.
• Aerospace manufacturing experience is a plus.
• Experience working in an AS9100 environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform complete machine setups on Hardinge CNC lathes.
• Select, install, and adjust tooling, jaws, collets, fixtures, and work holding devices.
• Touch off tooling and establish accurate work offsets.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, process sheets, and customer specifications.
• Interpret and apply Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Make program edits and offset adjustments to maintain quality and optimize production.
• Perform first‑piece, in‑process, and final inspections using precision measuring equipment.
• Troubleshoot machining issues including tooling, surface finish, size variation, taper, concentricity, and setup concerns.
• Consistently maintain tolerances.
• Complete required inspection and production documentation.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all AS9100 quality procedures and company safety policies.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and assist with other duties as assigned.

Skills

CNC lathe setup

CNC lathe operation

GD&T

Blueprint reading

Troubleshooting

Quality focus

Tools

Hardinge CNC controls

Fanuc controls

GT controls

Job description

Kadon Aerospace is seeking a skilled High Precision CNC Lathe Machinist to join our aerospace manufacturing team. This position is responsible for setting up and operating Hardinge CNC lathes to manufacture high‑precision aerospace components. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, committed to quality, and capable of maintaining close tolerances while producing repeatable, high‑quality parts in an AS9100 manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform complete machine setups on Hardinge CNC lathes.
• Select, install, and adjust tooling, jaws, collets, fixtures, and work holding devices.
• Touch off tooling and establish accurate work offsets.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, process sheets, and customer specifications.
• Interpret and apply Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Make program edits and offset adjustments to maintain quality and optimize production.
• Perform first‑piece, in‑process, and final inspections using precision measuring equipment.
• Troubleshoot machining issues including tooling, surface finish, size variation, taper, concentricity, and setup concerns.
• Consistently maintain tolerances.
• Complete required inspection and production documentation.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all AS9100 quality procedures and company safety policies.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and assist with other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience setting up and operating CNC lathes in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Hardinge, Fanuc, and/or GT CNC controls is a plus.
• Ability to independently perform complete machine setups is preferred.
• Blueprint reading experience.
• Understanding of GD&T.
• Experience maintaining tight tolerances.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Aerospace manufacturing experience is a plus.
• Experience working in an AS9100 environment is a plus.

Preferred Skills

• Complete CNC lathe setup.
• Tool selection and installation.
• Work holding and fixture setup.
• Tool offsets and work offsets.
• Blueprint interpretation.
• GD&T.
• Precision inspection techniques.
• Program and offset adjustments.
• Root cause troubleshooting.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Attention to detail.

Why Join Kadon Aerospace?

At Kadon Aerospace, we manufacture high‑precision components for the aerospace industry where quality and precision are critical. We invest in our employees, advanced manufacturing technology, and continuous improvement while providing opportunities for career growth in a team‑oriented environment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company‑paid life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Career advancement opportunities
• Ongoing training and professional development

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kadon Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.