1st Shift - CNC Lathe Setup Operator (6:30A-2:30P)

Job Details: Job Location: Schultes Precision - Buffalo Grove, IL, Salary Range: $28.00 - $33.00Hourly, Incentives:

401K: 100% Matching 6%

Tuition Reimbursement: 100% of In-State Accredited Approved Program

Health, Dental, and Vision: Extremely affordable and market leading health benefits.

ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan): 15% discount on purchased stock at the lowest price of the quarter.

Job Summary: 

The CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Single Turret Lathe Setup Operator is responsible for setting up and operating CNC lathes with live tooling capabilities to manufacture precision components from raw material through completion in accordance with blueprints, specifications, and quality requirements. The Setup Operator will independently prepare machines for production, including verifying raw materials, selecting and installing tooling and workholding, establishing offsets, and making necessary machining adjustments. 

The Setup Operator will produce and verify parts for first article inspection, perform in-process inspections using precision measuring equipment, troubleshoot machining and tooling issues, and complete required production and quality documentation. This position is responsible for maintaining part quality and process stability throughout the production run. 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

Operate & set up single turret CNC Lathe Machines with Live Tooling capabilities 

Inspect parts using precision measuring tools (e.g., Micrometers, Pin gages, bore gages, Thread gages, Plug gages, Drop Indicators, Height gages, Comparators) 

Read blueprints or job orders for product specifications, such as dimensions & tolerances, tooling instructions such as fixtures, feed rates, cutting speeds and depth of cut and determine sequence of operations 

Select, position and secure tools in tool holders 

Move controls to position tool and workpiece in relation to each other and to set specified feeds, speeds, and depth of cut 

Observe the operation of the machine and verify conformance of machined workpiece to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as fixed gauges, calipers, and micrometers 

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed 

Independently set up and operate single turret CNC lathe machines with live tooling capabilities 

Review blueprints, job travelers, setup documentation, and work instructions to determine product specifications, dimensions, tolerances, tooling requirements, and sequence of operations 

Verify the correct raw material, tooling, workholding, programs, and other required resources are available prior to beginning setup 

Select, install, position, and secure cutting tools, inserts, tool holders, workholding, and fixtures required for the machining operation 

Establish and adjust tool offsets, work offsets, feeds, speeds, and depths of cut to achieve required specifications 

Load and verify approved CNC programs and ensure proper machine setup prior to beginning production 

Perform machine prove-out activities and safely produce the initial part for first article inspection 

Make necessary setup and machining adjustments based on inspection results to bring parts into specification 

Inspect parts using precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, pin gauges, bore gauges, thread gauges, plug gauges, drop indicators, height gauges, comparators, calipers, and other inspection equipment as required 

Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and other technical documentation 

Monitor machine operation and inspect completed workpieces to verify conformance to dimensional, quality, and customer requirements 

Make appropriate tooling, offset, feed, and speed adjustments throughout the production run to maintain dimensional accuracy and process stability 

Identify and troubleshoot common machining issues, including tooling wear, dimensional variation, surface finish concerns, workholding issues, and other process-related problems 

Replace worn or damaged tooling and make adjustments necessary to maintain production and quality requirements 

Complete required production paperwork, inspection documentation, job travelers, and other manufacturing records accurately and timely 

Identify and communicate nonconforming product, equipment concerns, tooling issues, and process problems to appropriate personnel 

Perform routine machine care and basic preventative maintenance activities and communicate when additional maintenance support is required 

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area 

Follow all company safety, quality, manufacturing, and work procedures 

Collaborate with Production, Quality, Engineering, Programming, and Maintenance personnel to resolve machining and production issues 

Perform other duties as assigned 

Required Skills/Abilities:  

Demonstrated ability to independently set up and operate CNC single turret lathes 

Working knowledge of CNC turning operations, live tooling, cutting tools, inserts, workholding, feeds, speeds, and machining principles 

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, job travelers, setup documentation, and manufacturing specifications 

Working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) 

Proficiency using precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, thread gauges, indicators, height gauges, comparators, and other inspection tools 

Ability to establish and adjust tool offsets, work offsets, feeds, speeds, and other machining parameters 

Ability to identify and troubleshoot common machining, tooling, workholding, and dimensional issues 

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and shop mathematics as applicable to precision machining 

Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of machines, tooling, and manufacturing processes 

Strong attention to detail with the ability to consistently produce parts within specified tolerances 

Effective problem-solving and troubleshooting skills 

Strong interpersonal and communication skills 

Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with Production, Quality, Engineering, Programming, and Maintenance personnel 

Education and Experience: 

High School Diploma, GED, or High School Equivalency Certificate required 

Post-secondary technical education or certificate in CNC machining, manufacturing technology, precision machining, NIMS certification, or a related field preferred 

Minimum of 2–3 years of CNC machining experience, including at least 1–2 years of CNC lathe setup experience, preferred 

Previous experience independently performing CNC lathe setups in a precision machining environment strongly preferred 

Experience with live tooling and close-tolerance machining preferred 

Experience manufacturing components for aerospace, defense, medical, or other highly regulated industries is a plus 

Physical Requirements: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, feel/reach with hands/arms, talk, and hear. 

The employee frequently is required to sit and walk. The employee is occasionally required to bend and stop, push and pull, reach above shoulder level, kneel, squat, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job to include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  
Qualifications: