Swiss Lathe Operator - 1st Shift

Colonial Group; Mentor (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group seeks an experienced CNC Swiss Lathe Machinist to set up, operate, and maintain Citizen/Tsugami lathes for precision medical instruments. You will deburr, inspect, troubleshoot, and support NPI through program debugging and setup optimization.

You will read blueprints, use calipers and micrometers, document quality checks, and drive improvements to meet on-time delivery and quality standards while training teammates as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience operating Swiss-style lathes in manufacturing.
• Experience with Citizen or Tsugami Swiss machines preferred.
• Reading blueprints and inspection sheets; strong measurement skills.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing concepts.
• Ability to follow setup instructions and participate in NPI.

Responsibilities

• Perform machine setups, changeovers, and CNC program debugging.
• Operate Swiss-style machines, finishing tools, and fixtures; burr removal.
• Read blueprints and inspection check-sheets accurately.
• Use calipers, micrometers, height stands, and comparators for quality checks.
• Document quality checks electronically and monitor work orders in ERP.
• Provide feedback to CNC programmers and maintain setup documentation.
• Coach team members to maximize CNC utilization and production.
• Assist in training teammates as needed.
• Drive continuous improvements for quality and on-time delivery.
• Execute production plan to ensure on-time delivery to customers.

Skills

Swiss-style lathe operation

Blueprint reading

Quality inspection

Lean manufacturing

Cross-functional communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Citizen Swiss-style lathe

Tsugami Swiss-style lathe

Calipers & micrometers

Job description

The CNC Swiss Lathe Machinist is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining CNC Swiss-style lathe machines for the production of medical instruments and implants. This role includes part fabrication, deburring, inspection, and troubleshooting, as well as supporting new product introductions (NPI) through program debugging and setup optimization. The position requires proactive problem-solving to address production gaps, ensure on-time delivery, and uphold quality standards.

What You’ll Do:

• Perform machine setups, changeovers, and CNC program debugging, including necessary machine adjustments and tool changes.
• Operate and maintain CNC Swiss-style machines, finishing machines, hand tools, and fixtures; perform burr removal as required.
• Read and interpret blueprints, inspection check-sheets, and work instructions.
• Use inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, height stands, and comparators.
• Utilize ERP and machine monitoring systems to manage work orders, monitor production, and document quality checks electronically.
• Provide detailed feedback to CNC programmers and ensure setup documentation is current, following change control procedures.
• Provide guidance to team members within assigned areas to maximize the utilization and production attainment of the CNC equipment.
• Support the training of other team members in your area of responsibility as needed.
• Drive continuous improvements towards quality and delivery within the work area.
• Execute the production plan to ensure on-time delivery to customers

What You’ll Need:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; advanced technical training preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience operating Swiss-style lathes in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Citizen, Tsugami, or similar Swiss-style machines preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of machinery, tooling, measuring, and gauging equipment relevant to assigned areas, with a deep understanding of production processes.
• Expertise in machinery setups, blueprint reading, routers, and setup files.
• Understanding of part requirements to ensure quality assembly, both functionally and cosmetically.
• Understanding basic CNC programming.
• Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively across all levels of the organization, including production, management, and technical professionals.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing concepts and objectives.
• Ability to follow instructions and execute tasks as directed by the Supervisor.
• Commitment to upholding the company’s core values and professional behaviors.
• Understanding of Avalign's Quality System, including a strong familiarity with Measurement Instruction Sheet layout and purpose, and Avalign's Compliance Policies.