Lathe Operator

Kaney, Inc.; Tittabawassee Township (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaney, Inc. in Tittabawassee Township, Michigan, is seeking a skilled Lathe Operator to support complex turning operations for precision ball screw manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have extensive CNC programming experience and must understand how outside processing affects part geometry.

Your role includes developing machining processes, interpreting engineering drawings, and mentoring junior machinists. A strong focus on quality assurance and continuous improvement is expected.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of CNC programming and process development.
• Experience machining tight‑tolerance precision components.
• Advanced blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation skills.

Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate CNC lathes for precision manufacturing.
• Develop complete machining processes from print review through final inspection.
• Create and optimize CNC programs for efficiency and repeatability.

Skills

CNC programming

Precision machining

Troubleshooting

Blueprint reading

Tools

Precision inspection equipment

Job description

Description

The Lathe Operator to support complex turning operations for precision ball screw manufacturing. This role requires expertise in CNC programming, process planning, and precision machining of high-tolerance components. The ideal candidate will understand how outside processing operations affect part geometry and will develop machining strategies accordingly.

• Program, set up, and operate CNC lathes and turning centers for precision component manufacturing
• Develop complete machining processes from print review through final inspection
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and customer specifications
• Plan machining operations to compensate for dimensional changes caused by heat treating, coating, grinding, and other outside processing
• Establish workholding methods and tooling strategies for complex precision parts
• Create and optimize CNC programs to maximize efficiency and repeatability
• Perform in-process inspections and final dimensional verification
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and quality issues
• Work closely with engineering and quality teams on new product introduction and process improvement
• Maintain setup documentation, tooling records, and process standards
• Mentor junior machinists and assist with technical training
• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement efforts

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong understanding of CNC programming and process development
• Experience machining tight‑tolerance precision components
• Advanced blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation skills
• Knowledge of material movement and dimensional change from outside processing operations
• Experience with precision inspection equipment and measurement techniques

Minimum Competencies

• 5+ years of advanced CNC turning experience in precision manufacturing
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving abilities
• Ability to independently manage setups, programming, and process validation
• Ball screw, aerospace, or high‑precision manufacturing experience preferred