Lathe Set Up Machinist - 1st Shift

Award Staffing; Ramsey (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 paid holidays

Up to 48 hours sick time per year

401(k) with company match

MEC health plan

Job summary

Award Staffing in Ramsey, MN is seeking a Lathe Set Up Machinist for 1st shift (6:00 AM–4:30 PM). You will set up manual and CNC lathes, read engineering blueprints, select tooling, and optimize speeds and feeds to achieve precision.

This temp-to-hire role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, experience with lathes, the ability to stand for long hours, and the habit of working safely with limited supervision. A toolbox and knowledge of Doosan lathes is a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; trade training is a plus.
• Experience setting up or operating lathes, manual or CNC.
• Ability to read engineering blueprints and specs.
• Proficient in shop mathematics and geometric calculations.
• Strong hand–eye coordination and dexterity.
• Own toolbox and reliable work habits.

Responsibilities

• Set up manual and CNC lathes for turning, facing, boring, and threading.
• Read blueprints and specs to plan setup and tooling needs.
• Install tooling, fixtures, and chucks for precise machining.
• Adjust speeds, feeds, and depths of cut for quality parts.
• Perform routine lathe maintenance and keep machines clean.
• Inspect parts with calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
• Troubleshoot production issues and maintain safety compliance.
• Work independently or with a team with strong problem solving.

Skills

Lathe setup

CNC lathe experience

Blueprint reading

Machining math & geometry

Tool selection & setup

Independent / supervised work

Manual dexterity

Own toolbox

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Trade school or apprenticeship a plus

Tools

Doosan lathe experience

Job description

About the Opportunity

Lathe Set Up Machinist – $30.00 per hour – Ramsey, MN – 1st Shift, Monday‑Thursday 6AM‑4:30PM – Temp to Hire

Requirements and Qualifications

• High school or equivalent – experience valued over education.
• Experience setting up or operating lathes.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and move light objects (up to 25 lbs) safely.
• Manual dexterity and good hand‑eye coordination.
• Must have own toolbox.
• High school diploma or equivalent; trade school or apprenticeship a plus.
• Expected to work with little to no supervision.
• Proficiency reading engineering blueprints, schematics, and job specifications.
• Experience with machine shop mathematics and geometry.
• Strong knowledge of different lathes (engine, turret, CNC).
• Doosan lathe experience is a plus.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up manual and CNC lathes for machining operations such as turning, facing, boring, and threading.
• Read and interpret engineering blueprints, schematics, and job specifications to determine setup procedures and tooling requirements.
• Select and install appropriate tooling—chucks, cutting tools, fixtures—to ensure precise and efficient machining.
• Adjust machine settings and controls (speed, feed rate, depth of cut) to optimize performance and product quality.
• Perform routine maintenance on lathes, including cleaning and lubricating, to keep machines in good working order.
• Conduct in‑process and final inspections of machined parts using precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges to verify conformance to specifications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues that arise during the production process.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all company safety protocols and procedures.
• Work independently and as part of a team with excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.

Benefits

• May be eligible for 5 paid holidays.
• May accrue up to 48 hours of paid sick time per year.
• 401(k) with company match after 1 year of employment.
• Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) health plan.

AAP/EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Award Staffing Inc. is a Drug‑Free Workplace/EEO Employer.