Lead Lathe Machinist
240e40d3-1304-48ab-9867-d40b07bc26f6
- Location
- Houston, TX
- Employment type
- full_time
- Compensation
- 35.00 to 45.00 (USD) Annually
- Source
- adp
Job Title
Lead Lathe Machinist
Department
CNC Production
Reports To
CNC Department Manager
Location
7865 Northcourt Rd, Suite #100, Houston, Texas 77040
Effective/Revision Date
11/2026
Role Purpose
The Lead Lathe Machinist provides advanced technical leadership in precision CNC turning operations, independently performing complex setups, program prove-outs, troubleshooting, and precision machining of metal components, including parts produced to applicable aerospace and other high-precision customer requirements. The position supports dimensional accuracy, product quality, safe operations, and the development of other machinists.
Scope & Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
- Set up, operate, and troubleshoot CNC turning centers, including multi-tasking lathes with live tooling and C-axis capabilities.
- Execute sub-spindle operations, including part transfers, synchronization, and complete machining in a single setup.
- Set up, program, adjust, and troubleshoot CNC bar feeders and prove out new CNC programs.
- Select and apply turning, boring, grooving, threading, and live tooling strategies, with appropriate speeds, feeds, and chip control.
- Interpret engineering drawings and GD&T requirements, machine tight-tolerance parts, and verify dimensions using precision inspection equipment.
- Diagnose machining problems, implement corrective actions, and support machine maintenance, tooling management, and process performance.
- Apply 5S and Lean Manufacturing principles and follow documented procedures and safe work practices.
- Provide day-to-day technical guidance to machinists, coach less-experienced team members, and support work priorities and consistent machining practices.
- Conduct or verify first-piece and in-process inspections, document results as required, and confirm that machined components meet drawings, GD&T, and applicable customer specifications.
- Maintain material and part identification, traceability, and required machining and inspection records in accordance with applicable work instructions and customer requirements.
- Immediately identify, contain, segregate, and report suspected nonconforming parts; support investigation, corrective actions, and prevention of repeat issues.
- Follow applicable quality-management-system procedures, including customer-specific and aerospace-related requirements when assigned; communicate quality, tooling, equipment, and schedule concerns promptly.
Work Experience & Skills
Education: Formal education requirement not specified; relevant CNC machining training and demonstrated experience are considered.
Experience: Advanced hands-on CNC machining experience as detailed below; no specific minimum number of years established.
Required Qualifications & Experience:
- Advanced experience operating, setting up, and troubleshooting CNC turning centers.
- Extensive experience with multitasking CNC lathes equipped with live tooling and C-axis capabilities.
- Strong experience with sub-spindle operations, including part transfers, synchronization, and complete machining of components in a single setup.
- Experience with CNC bar feeders, including setup, programming, adjustment, and troubleshooting.
- Ability to independently set up complex jobs and prove out new CNC programs.
- Advanced understanding of turning tools, inserts, boring bars, grooving tools, threading tools, and live tooling applications.
- Strong understanding of cutting speeds, feeds, chip control, tooling geometry, and machining strategies.
- Advanced blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation skills.
- Experience machining tight-tolerance components and maintaining consistent dimensional accuracy.
- Strong understanding of material properties, including aluminum, stainless steel, alloy steels, and specialty materials.
- Ability to identify machining problems and implement effective corrective actions.
- Proficiency with precision inspection equipment, including micrometers, calipers, bore gages, indicators, thread gages, and other measurement tools.
- Knowledge of CNC machine maintenance, tooling management, and machine performance.
- Experience working within ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality management systems preferred.
- Experience implementing 5S and Lean Manufacturing principles.
- Mastercam Lathe and Mill Turn
Quality / Compliance Knowledge: Ability to follow applicable documented procedures for first-piece and in-process inspection, inspection records, material/part traceability, and nonconforming product control. Experience with ISO 9001 or AS9100 environments is preferred; certification is not assumed.
Personal Attributes: Technical leadership, attention to detail, accountability, independent problem-solving, effective communication, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to quality and safety.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
Work environment: Active metal-machining and manufacturing environment with CNC machinery, moving equipment, tooling, coolant, chips, noise, and precision inspection activities. Follow site safety rules, machine guarding, lockout/tagout requirements when applicable, and required PPE.
Physical or operational requirements: Regular standing and walking; safely performing setups, tooling changes, machine operation, and precision inspections; manual dexterity and visual acuity for dimensional measurements. Specific lifting requirements and frequency of physical tasks are determined by the position and worksite.
Compliance Statements
Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran