Lathe Operator

Kitagawa NorthTech, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Kitagawa NorthTech, Inc. is seeking a Lathe Operator for its Greater Chicago Area site. You will set up and operate CNC and manual lathes, interpret drawings, select tooling, and perform quality checks to ensure precise output.

Maintain equipment, document processes, and uphold safety and delivery standards. The role requires attention to detail and the ability to work with engineering and production teams to meet specifications and schedules.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret Technical Drawing and Engineering Drawings for machining operations.
• Proficiency in Machine Operation on CNC and/or manual lathes, with Milling considered beneficial.
• Skills in routine Maintenance of machining equipment, including basic troubleshooting and preventive care.
• Prior experience in precision machining, metalworking, or manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges) and quality inspection practices.
• Strong attention to detail, safety awareness, and ability to follow standardized work procedures.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and handle materials and tooling safely.
• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or vocational training in machining or related fields is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor CNC and/or manual lathes to produce components per drawings.
• Interpret technical drawings, select tooling, and perform measurements for accuracy.
• Document work, maintain safety standards, and keep work area clean and organized.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and troubleshoot minor issues with production partners.

Skills

Reading technical drawings

CNC/manual lathe operation

Machine maintenance & troubleshooting

Precision machining

Measurement & quality inspection

Safety awareness

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical/vocational machining training (a plus)

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Gauges

Job description

Company Description

Kitagawa NorthTech, Inc., part of the Industrial and Infrastructure division of Nippon Steel Trading, is a global leader in workholding solutions for lathes and turning centers. The company offers industry-standard products such as the B200 series, along with engineered custom workholding solutions tailored to diverse applications. Supported by a team of expert engineers, Kitagawa NorthTech provides design and implementation services to help customers optimize their machining processes. Its extensive portfolio includes chucks, actuators, fixturing devices, indexers, rotary tables, vises, mandrels, and custom workholding systems, serving a broad range of manufacturing industries.

Role Description

The Lathe Operator is a full-time, on-site role based in the Greater Chicago Area. This position is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring CNC and/or manual lathes to produce precision components according to engineering drawings and specifications. Daily tasks include interpreting technical drawings, selecting appropriate tooling, performing measurements and quality checks, and making necessary adjustments to ensure accurate and consistent output. The Lathe Operator will also carry out routine machine maintenance, troubleshoot minor issues, and collaborate with engineering and production teams to meet safety, quality, and delivery standards. Accurate documentation of work, adherence to safety protocols, and maintaining a clean and organized work area are essential aspects of the role.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret Technical Drawing and Engineering Drawings for machining operations.
• Proficiency in Machine Operation on CNC and/or manual lathes, with experience in Milling considered beneficial.
• Skills in routine Maintenance of machining equipment, including basic troubleshooting and preventive care.
• Prior experience in precision machining, metalworking, or manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges) and quality inspection practices.
• Strong attention to detail, safety awareness, and ability to follow standardized work procedures.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and handle materials and tooling safely.
• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or vocational training in machining or related fields is a plus.