Lathe Machine Operator

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Manual Lathe Operator to join our manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for setting up, adjusting, and manually operating conventional lathe machines to produce precision parts from raw metal and plastic materials. The ideal candidate has strong blueprint-reading skills, a deep understanding of metal properties, and a commitment to maintaining rigorous safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Machine Operation: Setup and operate manual/conventional lathes for turning, boring, facing, threading, and knurling operations.
• Blueprint Reading: Interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and engineering specifications to determine job layouts and dimensions.
• Tooling Setup: Select, install, and align appropriate cutting tools, chucks, collets, and fixtures for each job.
• Quality Inspection: Use precision measuring instruments (micrometers, vernier calipers, dial indicators, bore gauges) to verify parts match blueprint tolerances.
• Process Adjustments: Monitor machine performance, feed rates, and cutting speeds; make manual adjustments to prevent material defects.
• Maintenance & Housekeeping: Perform daily cleaning, lubrication, and basic preventive maintenance on machinery; keep work area safe and organized.
• Technical Knowledge: Proficient in reading blueprints and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
• Physical Ability: Able to work in a typical machine shop environment.