Manual Lathe Operator 2nd shift

Express Employment Professionals - Cincinnati East; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan

Holiday Raffles for a $100 gift card

Employee Referral Program

Job summary

Express Employment Professionals - Cincinnati East is seeking a Manual Lathe Operator for 2nd shift. You will set up and operate manual lathes to produce precision components in accordance with drawings, with a focus on quality and safety.

The role requires basic blueprint reading, shop math, and meticulous attention to tolerances. The position offers benefits through an Employment Associate arrangement, with pay $24.00/hour plus a 15% shift differential ($27.60/hour).

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 and related operations.
• Install and secure tooling, stops, and indexing mechanisms.
• Adjust speeds, feeds, and clearances to achieve tolerances.
• Perform test runs and verify setup, making corrections as needed.
• Inspect finished parts using precision measuring equipment.

Skills

Manual lathe setup

Blueprint reading

Shop math

Close tolerances

Troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or GED

1 year general production machining experience

1–2 years setting up and operating manual lathes

Tools

Optical comparator

Calipers and micrometers

Dial indicators

Vernier scales and gauge blocks

Thread gauges

Fixed plug and limit gauges

Job description

Immediate need forManual Lathe Operator

Shift: 2nd Shift (2 Openings)

Pay: $24.00/hour + 15% shift differential ($27.60/hour)

Benefits available as an Express Employment Associate on an Evaluation to Hire:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Raffles for a $100 gift card!
• Employee Referral Program!

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 Used

• 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.