Lathe Machinist

Gelock; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) Retirement Plan with employer 5

Paid time off

Job summary

Gelock in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Lathe Machinist for our full-time shop. You will set up, operate, and maintain manual and CNC lathes to produce high-precision components used in our industrial repairs.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years CNC lathe experience, reads blueprints, programs with Visi, and uses precision measuring tools. You’ll train teammates, support shop productivity, and uphold safety and workmanship standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least 5 years CNC Lathe Machining experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of components in assemblies.
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments and basic electrical tools.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow drawings, diagrams, and text instructions.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain manual and CNC lathes and related equipment to produce high-quality components.
• Program CNC equipment using Visi software to create toolpaths and G-code, supporting shop productivity.
• Inspect parts with precision measuring tools and ensure adherence to specs.
• Read blueprints, indicate and secure parts, and maintain proper documentation of repairs.
• Assist Shop Manager with tooling selection, sourcing, and inventory management.

Skills

CNC lathe machining

CNC programming

Reading blueprints

Precision measurement

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical or trade school / apprenticeship

Tools

Visi software

Job description

Who We Are:

GELOCK is located in Grand Rapid, MI, delivering the best in turnkey repairs for large scale industrial machines. With our rigging, repair, and full machine shop, we control the repair process from start to finish, serving West Michigan companies and beyond! We are a local, family-owned business that's been in the industry for over 130 years. Our team of millwrights has the capacity to offer emergency industrial machine repairs right away so our customers can get back up and running as quickly as possible. With about 65 employees and into our peak season, we’re seeking a Lathe Machinist to join our growing team! We’re a fun company who provides flexibility, access to cool and challenging projects and support for our team to continue to be recognized leaders in the heavy duty industrial moving and machine repair industry. Our success is made possible through our skilled team, who are guided by our two tenants: Safety – Everyone goes home safely. Customer Service – We take care of customers.

What You'll Do:

This full-time role safely and accurately measures, sets up, and machines components to precise specifications using manual and CNC equipment, ensuring parts are produced efficiently, meet quality standards, and are properly documented. The Lathe Machinist also maintains equipment, assists with tooling selection, and supports team members in achieving shop productivity and safety goals. In this role, you’ll:

• Set up, operate, and maintain manual and CNC machine tools, including mills, lathes, boring mills, grinders, and related equipment to produce high-quality components that meet precise specifications to complete customer equipment repairs.
• Use your 5+ years of CNC lathing machinist experience to program CNC equipment using Visi software to create toolpaths and G-code for bridge mills and boring mills, and support CNC programming efforts.
• Apply your knowledge of CNC programming principles to perform a variety of machining operations, including drilling, facing, threading, keyway machining, broaching, surface grinding, and rotary grinding, while inspecting parts using precision measuring tools.
• Operate lathes and turning equipment to machine multiple outside diameters (OD) and inside diameters (ID), ensuring accurate dimensions and quality part creation. You'll be an expert in CNC operation and be able to help train team members in CNC programming principles as needed.
• Have a knack for working with machines and enjoy bringing precision components to life. You'll read and interpret blueprints and design sketches; properly indicate and secure parts; and perform machining operations that ensure critical features are accurately located and maintained.
• Use your machining expertise to assist the Shop Manager with tooling selection, sourcing, and inventory management to ensure the team has the right tools and resources to complete quality work.
• Enjoy working with your hands and have a natural curiosity for how things work. You'll thrive in a role that requires multitasking across multiple repair projects, building strong relationships with internal teams and customers, and helping keep the shop organized and running smoothly.

Our ideal candidate will have/be:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical or trade school coursework and/or apprenticeship preferred.
• At least 5 years CNC Lathe Machining experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of how components fit and operate within assemblies.
• Proficiency using precision measuring instruments and basic electrical tools.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow written instructions, diagrams, and pictures.
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to document and track repairs accurately.
• Problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn new skills and processes.
• Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills with both customers and internal teams.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and job conditions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with both customers and internal teams.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, efficient, and respectful work environment.

What You'll Get:

We offer incredibly competitive benefits including:

• Competitive wages and benefits including medical, dental, and vision with a contribution to your health reimbursement arrangement or health savings account
• Employer paid short-term disability, long-term disability & life insurance for employees
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with a 5% employer contribution
• Paid time off