Senior Lathe Machinist – CNC Programmer

Trendsetter Engineering, Inc.; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Trendsetter Engineering, Inc. is seeking a Senior Lathe Machinist – CNC Programmer in Houston to set up and operate CNC equipment, including lathes, and to write NC programs while running machines.

The role requires interpreting drawings, determining tolerances, and ensuring quality parts while following safety standards. Expect collaboration with operators and maintenance of tooling, setups, and calibrations.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in precision machining with CNC lathes and specialty controls.
• Ability to perform soft edits at the control and read detailed drawings.
• Knowledge of precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, indicators).
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation.
• Advanced knowledge of tooling, fixtures, inserts, and accessories.
• Follow written and oral instructions with accuracy and safety.
• Willing to train others and share expertise.
• Able to work in a team and communicate effectively in English.
• Proficient in shop math including geometry and trigonometry.
• Experience with Fanuc and Mazatrol controls; CNC programming a must.

Responsibilities

• Promote safety awareness and comply with all procedures.
• Maintain current safety knowledge and practices.
• Set correct speeds/feeds to meet productivity goals.
• Interpret drawings and determine dimensions and tolerances.
• Assist in loading parts, proving programs, and basic edits.
• May operate more than one machine or write NC programs while running.
• Detect malfunctions and adjust machines within capabilities.
• Maintain strong setup skills and keep work area clean.
• Rotate to other positions to meet production needs.
• Communicate with management and shop personnel to resolve issues.
• Support teamwork and meet customer service requirements.
• Provide basic preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Adhere to schedule, overtime, and weekend requirements.
• Follow Company HSE policies and share best practices.
• All other duties as assigned by management.

Skills

CNC programming

Blueprint reading

GD&T interpretation

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Strong math skills

English communication

Troubleshooting

Quality focus

Attention to detail

Tools

Fanuc controls

Mazatrol controls

Mazak lathes

Job description

Trendsetter Engineering, Inc. | Full time

Senior Lathe Machinist – CNC Programmer

Houston, United States | Posted on 08/25/2026

Under limited supervision, the individual is responsible for setting up and operating CNC equipment whichmay include Horizontal Lathes to manufacture metallic and non-metallic parts. Producing quality partsand following all safety standards. CNC programming, performing in-process dimensional inspections,and maintaining equipment.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Promote safety awareness and comply with all applicable safety procedures and regulations.
  
• Maintain current knowledge of safety standards.
  
• Responsible for ensuring correct speeds and feeds to ensure productivity goals are met.
  
• Studies and interprets drawings, specifications or sample parts to determine dimensions andtolerances of finished work pieces, sequence of operations and set up requirements.
  
• Responsible for supporting operators in the training of loading parts, proving programs, operatingcontrols, setting offsets, simple edits, deburring and inspections of quality parts for conformanceto requirements.
  
• May have to operate more than one machine at the same time.
  
• May have to write NC programs while running machine at the same time.
  
• Detects equipment malfunctions or out of tolerance machining and adjusts machine withincapabilities.
  
• Strong part set up skills.
  
• May rotate into other positions within the team as required to meet production requirements.
  
• Communicates with management, production control, quality and other shop personnel forassignments and to resolve machining or quality issues.
  
• Promote teamwork and take an active part in meeting customer service requirements.
  
• Responsible for keeping equipment and work area clean and organized. Perform basic preventivemaintenance on equipment.
  
• Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential for this position; must be willing to workovertime hours and weekends as required to meet deliveries and customer expectations.
  
• Be familiar with Company HSE policies and procedures.
  
• Share knowledge & best practice across the company.
  
• All other duties as assigned by management.
  

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in precision machining, utilizing CNC lathes, vertical turning latheswith Fanuc and Mazatrol (EIA) controls.
  
• Be able to perform soft edits at the control
  
• Knowledge in use of precision measuring instruments and the application of such instruments.Instruments should include but not limited to calipers, ID and OD micrometers, depth gages,indicators and scales.
  
• Strong understanding of blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation.
  
• Advanced knowledge of tool holders, cutting tools, boring bars, fixtures, inserts and otheraccessories used on various machines.
  
• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
  
• Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity;Works quickly.
  
• Listens, gets clarification and communicates cordially and positively with supervisors and fellowemployees.
  
• Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills, Shares expertise with others.
  
• Must be willing to train others.
  
• Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback.
  
• Must be able to get along with others and be able to work in a team environment.
  
• Must be able to communicate in English (both written and oral) as it relates to the job.
  
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills, both verbal and written.
  
• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality;Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
  
• Must be adaptable to a changing work environment, competing demands and is able to deal withfrequent change, delays or unexpected events.
  
• Must be willing and able to work flexible shifts and changing work schedules on short notice.
  
• Must possess strong shop math skills including geometry and trigonometry.
  
• Experience on Fanuc and Mazatrol controls a must.
  
• Canned cycle programming a plus.
  
• Experience on Mazak lathes a plus.
  
• Ability to demonstrate strong decision-making skills, initiative and assertiveness, the ability toplan.
  
• Must be able to operate jib cranes safely.