Lead CNC Lathe Setup Machinist (Aerospace & Defense)

Arena Family of Companies; Morgan Hill (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Four-Day Workweek (Fridays Off)

Friday Overtime

Medical benefits paid by company

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Arena Family of Companies in Morgan Hill, CA, seeks an experienced Lead Lathe Setup to oversee CNC lathe and mill-turn setups, troubleshoot processes, inspect parts, and guide a small team of three operators. You will ensure parts meet engineering drawings, GD&T, and tight tolerances while driving production efficiency.

The role offers strong hands-on leadership, training responsibilities, and opportunities to influence continuous improvement in a precision manufacturing environment serving

Qualifications

• 5+ years of CNC lathe setup experience
• Experience with DMG Mori CNC lathes or mill-turn equipment
• Ability to read engineering drawings and GD&T

Responsibilities

• Lead CNC lathe and mill-turn setup activities including machine preparation, tooling installation, workholding, tool offsets, and production changeovers.
• Set up and troubleshoot CNC turning equipment to ensure accurate, efficient production.
• Establish tooling, cutting parameters, jaws, fixtures, and bar-feed systems to meet dimensions and surface finishes.
• Run first pieces, inspect parts for conformance to drawings and tolerances, and document results.
• Lead three operators, provide hands-on training, troubleshoot issues, and support continuous improvement.

Skills

CNC lathe setup

DMG Mori lathes/mill-turn

GD&T interpretation

Team leadership

Troubleshooting

Tools

DMG Mori CNC lathes

Mill-turn equipment

Tooling & offsets

Job description

Join a well-established, privately owned precision machining company with more than 38 years of manufacturing experience. The company partners with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers in the medical device and aerospace industries, along with GPS and industrial markets, to develop and manufacture high-precision components. With established customer relationships, a clean manufacturing environment, and a growing presence in aerospace, the organization offers skilled machinists the opportunity to make a direct impact on production, quality, and business performance.

As Lead Lathe Setup, you will take a hands‑on leadership role overseeing CNC lathe and mill‑turn setups, troubleshooting machining processes, verifying part quality, and supporting production efficiency. You will lead three operators, perform inspections, train team members, and ensure components meet engineering drawings, dimensional tolerances, and customer requirements.

Why This Role?

• Compensation & Benefits: Competitive pay, comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match.
• Four-Day Workweek (Fridays Off): Work Monday through Thursday, with three‑day weekends.
• Friday Overtime: Additional earning opportunities, with team leads typically working a half day when needed.
• Medical Benefits: The company pays 100% of the employee premium for the medical plan.
• Career Growth: Make a direct impact with visibility to the CEO and opportunities to develop future executive leadership skills.
• Employee Retention: Join a stable team where employees have been there for 20+ years.
• Internal Career Advancement: Strong track record of internal promotions, creating opportunities for professional growth.
• Relocation Assistance: Relocation reimbursement may be available for qualified candidates.
• Privately Owned Business: Contribute directly to company performance in an entrepreneurial manufacturing environment.
• Established Manufacturing Experience: Join a precision manufacturing business with more than 38 years of industry experience.
• Advanced CNC Technology: Work with DMG Mori CNC lathes and mill‑turn equipment to produce complex, tight‑tolerance components.
• Growing Aerospace Market: Contribute to expanding aerospace manufacturing opportunities alongside established medical device customers.
• Precision Manufacturing: Produce high‑precision components for medical device, GPS, aerospace, and industrial applications.
• Quality‑Driven Environment: Perform precision inspections and ensure components meet strict dimensional tolerances and customer specifications.
• Meaningful End Products: Help manufacture components used in medical applications that can make a difference in people's lives.
• Clean Work Environment: Work in a clean, organized facility focused on quality, safety, and reliable production.
• Technical Leadership Development: Lead three operators while developing skills in performance reviews, ERP systems, training, and employee development.

What You'll Do:

• Lead CNC lathe and mill‑turn setup activities, including machine preparation, tooling installation, workholding, tool offsets, and production changeovers.
• Set up and troubleshoot CNC turning equipment, including DMG Mori machines and comparable platforms, ensuring machines are ready for accurate, efficient production.
• Establish and adjust tooling, cutting parameters, jaws, fixtures, and bar‑feed systems to achieve required dimensions and surface finishes.
• Run first pieces, inspect your own parts using precision measuring instruments, and verify compliance with engineering drawings, GD&T, and dimensional tolerances.
• Lead approximately three CNC operators, provide hands‑on training, troubleshoot machining issues, maintain production documentation, and support continuous improvement and employee development.

What You'll Bring:

• 5+ years of CNC lathe setup experience, with strong hands‑on knowledge of production machining and machine changeovers.
• Experience with DMG Mori CNC lathes and mill‑turn equipment, or comparable platforms such as DMG Mori Seiki.
• Strong understanding of CNC tooling, tool offsets, cutting tools, inserts, workholding, jaws, fixtures, and bar feeders.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, interpret GD&T, inspect tight‑tolerance parts, and troubleshoot machining issues to maintain quality and production efficiency.
• Ability to lead and train CNC operators, with strong communication and problem‑solving skills.