Manual Lathe Operator

Avantus Aerospace USA; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Avantus Aerospace USA is seeking a Manual Lathe Operator to set up, adjust, and operate manual lathes, turning, drilling, threading, and finishing parts to close tolerances. You will work from engineering drawings, install tooling, optimize speeds and feeds, and inspect finished components with precision measuring equipment.

The role requires strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to work independently in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year of general production machining experience.
• 1-2 years of experience setting up and operating manual lathes or similar equipment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual lathes to perform turning, knurling, drilling, tapping, reaming, counter-boring, and deep drilling operations.
• Install and secure tooling, collets, tool holders, stops, and indexing mechanisms.
• Adjust tooling clearances, speeds, feeds, and timing to achieve required tolerances.
• Perform test runs to verify setup and make necessary corrections.
• Monitor machining processes and make adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy.
• Regulate cutting oil flow, remove chips, and maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Perform basic machine maintenance, including oil changes and routine upkeep.
• Diagnose machine malfunctions or setup issues and implement corrective actions.
• Work from blueprints, specifications, and work instructions to produce conforming parts.
• Inspect finished components using precision measuring equipment.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Close tolerances

Manual lathe setup

Troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Independent work

Shop math

Reading blueprints

Education

High school diploma/GED

1-2 years lathe experience

Job description

Position Summary
The Manual Lathe Operator is responsible for setting up, adjusting, and operating manual lathes to machine precision components to close tolerances. This role supports the production of both standard and custom parts by performing turning, drilling, threading, and finishing operations in accordance with engineering drawings and specifications.
Success in this position requires strong mechanical aptitude, blueprint reading skills, and the ability to independently set up and troubleshoot machining operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual lathes to perform turning, knurling, drilling, tapping, reaming, counter-boring, and deep drilling operations.

• Install and secure tooling, collets, tool holders, stops, and indexing mechanisms.

• Adjust tooling clearances, speeds, feeds, and timing to achieve required tolerances.

• Perform test runs to verify setup and make necessary corrections.

• Monitor machining processes and make adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy.

• Regulate cutting oil flow, remove chips, and maintain a clean and safe work area.

• Perform basic machine maintenance, including oil changes and routine upkeep.

• Diagnose machine malfunctions or setup issues and implement corrective actions.

• Work from blueprints, specifications, and work instructions to produce conforming parts.

• Inspect finished components using precision measuring equipment.

Inspection & Measurement Tools

• Optical comparator

• Calipers and micrometers

• Dial indicators

• Verniers and gauge blocks

• Thread gauges

• Fixed plug and limit gauges

Qualifications
Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Minimum 1 year of general production machining experience.

• 1-2 years of experience setting up and operating manual lathes or similar equipment preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of manual lathe setup and operation.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.

• Solid shop math skills.

• Experience working to close tolerances.

• Strong troubleshooting and mechanical problem-solving skills.

• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing/shop environment.

• Exposure to moving mechanical parts, cutting fluids, and metal chips.

• PPE required in accordance with company safety standards.

Pay Range:

$21/hr - $24/hr with 15% Shift Differential