Roughing Operator / CNC Lathe Trainee

FERPA Precision Machine, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 24,796 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Weekly pay

Employee discounts

Company parties

Opportunity for advancement

Job summary

FERPA Precision Machine Inc in Houston, TX is seeking a skilled Manual Lathe Roughing Operator to join our machining team. You will set up and operate manual lathes to remove excess material while meeting tolerances and timelines in a fast-paced shop.

This hands-on role requires strong math, blueprint reading, and the ability to work with gauges and calipers. We offer a climate-controlled shop, competitive salary, weekly pay, and opportunities for advancement in a growing aerospace and precision

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 pounds.
• U.S. Person status per ITAR regulations.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual lathes for rough machining operations.
• Interpret blueprints, work orders and technical drawings.
• Perform heavy material removal (rough cuts) on metal and/or plastic components.
• Select tooling, speeds and feeds for roughing applications.
• Measure part dimensions with calipers, micrometers and gauges.
• Maintain tolerances and safety standards in production.

Skills

Positive attitude

Strong work ethic

Attention to detail

Blueprint reading

Mathematical accuracy

Team collaboration

Manual machining basics

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Gauges

Job description

About FERPA Precision Machine

Founded in 1990, FERPA Precision Machine, Inc. is a family-owned precision machining company with over 35 years of manufacturing excellence. We produce precision components for the aerospace, space, industrial, and energy industries using state‑of‑the‑art CNC equipment in a clean, air‑conditioned facility.

Benefits

• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources

About the Role

FERPA Precision Machine Inc is looking for a skilled Manual Lathe Roughing Operator to join our machining team in Houston, TX. The Roughing Operator is responsible for setting up and operating manual lathes to remove excess material from raw stock, preparing parts for finishing operations. This role focuses on high‑efficiency material removal while maintaining dimensional tolerances, safety standards, and production timelines. This is a hands‑on opportunity to work with precision equipment in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment where craftsmanship and accuracy are valued every day. If you take pride in your work and love the craft of machining, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual lathes for rough machining operations
• Interpret blueprints, work orders, and technical drawings
• Perform heavy material removal (rough cuts) on metal and/or plastic components
• Select appropriate tooling, speeds, and feeds for roughing applications
• Measure and verify part dimensions using calipers, micrometers, and gauges
• Maintain proper tolerances as specified in job documentation
• Monitor machine performance and adjust as needed for optimal output
• Deburr and clean parts prior to next operation
• Perform routine maintenance on machines and tooling
• Follow all shop safety procedures and PPE requirements
• Collaborate with machinists and supervisors to ensure workflow efficiency
• Support additional tasks and job‑related duties as assigned to meet business and production needs

Job Requirements / Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Demonstrated strong basic math skills (fractions, decimals, tolerances)
• Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 pounds.
• This position requires U.S. Person status as defined under applicable ITAR regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with roughing operations preferred
• Familiarity with measuring tools and inspection processes

What You’ll Learn

• Blueprint reading
• Precision measuring tools
• Quality inspection
• Tool offsets and wear adjustments
• Basic G‑code concepts
• CNC machining

Skills We’re Looking For

• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and dependable attendance
• Team‑oriented mindset
• Strong attention to detail and ability to stay focused, organized, and follow detailed instructions
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort using basic hand tools
• Interest in learning and building a long‑term career in manufacturing
• Previous manufacturing or machine shop experience is preferred
• Basic understanding of machining fundamentals (feeds, speeds, tooling)
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and shop drawings

Why Work at FERPA

• Family‑owned company with over 35 years of success
• Weekly pay
• Direct hire, full‑time position
• Clean, climate‑controlled shop
• Modern CNC equipment
• Growing aerospace and precision manufacturing company
• On‑the‑job training and career advancement opportunities
• Opportunity to learn highly valuable skills