CNC Lathe Machinist – Aerospace Precision Machining

Location: Elk Grove Village, IL

Job Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced CNC Lathe Machinist to join a well-established precision manufacturing company specializing in complex, tight-tolerance components for the aerospace, defense, medical, semiconductor, and other advanced industries.

This is an excellent opportunity for a machinist who wants to work beyond basic 2-axis turning and take on challenging multi-axis CNC work. The ideal candidate will have strong CNC lathe setup experience and be comfortable machining complex components using live tooling, multiple axes, and advanced turning or mill/turn equipment.

The company has been in business for more than 40 years and continues to invest heavily in modern CNC technology and manufacturing capabilities. Machinists work in a large, clean, well-maintained facility with sophisticated equipment and a strong focus on precision manufacturing.

If you enjoy challenging setups, tight tolerances, difficult materials, and parts that require real machining skill, this is the type of environment where you can continue developing your craft.

Why Join the Team?

· Work on complex, aerospace-grade precision components rather than simple repetitive parts.

· Join an established manufacturer with more than four decades of precision machining experience.

· Work in a large, clean, well-maintained manufacturing facility with significant investment in modern equipment.

· Gain exposure to advanced multi-axis CNC machining, mill/turn technology, 5-axis machining, EDM, grinding, and other precision manufacturing processes.

· Machine components supporting aerospace, defense, space, medical, and other demanding applications.

· Work alongside experienced machinists, manufacturing engineers, programmers, and quality professionals.

· Join a company that continues to invest in new technology, equipment, automation, and machining capabilities.

· Opportunity to continue developing your skills on increasingly complex parts and advanced CNC equipment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

· Set up and operate CNC lathes and multi-axis turning centers to manufacture complex precision components.

· Perform complete machine setups including tooling, workholding, jaws, fixtures, offsets, and part alignment.

· Set up and operate CNC turning equipment utilizing live tooling and multi-axis machining capabilities.

· Machine complex aerospace and precision components requiring multiple operations and tight dimensional tolerances.

· Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, manufacturing specifications, and GD&T.

· Select appropriate cutting tools, inserts, holders, speeds, feeds, and machining parameters based on part geometry and material.

· Make tool offsets, wear adjustments, and other machine adjustments necessary to maintain dimensional accuracy.

· Troubleshoot machining issues involving tooling, chatter, surface finish, dimensional variation, workholding, and machine performance.

· Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, height gauges, indicators, and other precision measuring equipment.

· Maintain tight tolerances and verify parts meet print, customer, and aerospace quality requirements.

· Work with difficult and aerospace-grade materials, including aluminum, stainless steels, titanium, nickel-based alloys, and other specialty metals.

· Monitor tooling condition and replace or adjust cutting tools as necessary to maintain quality and productivity.

· Work closely with CNC programmers, manufacturing engineers, quality personnel, and other machinists to resolve manufacturing challenges.

· Complete required production, inspection, and job documentation.

· Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-focused work area.

Qualifications

· 3+ years of CNC lathe setup and machining experience preferred.

· Strong experience setting up CNC turning centers rather than operating pre-set machines only.

· Multi-axis CNC turning experience strongly preferred.

· Experience with live tooling, Y-axis machining, sub-spindles, mill/turn, or similar advanced turning technology is highly desirable.

· Aerospace, defense, medical, or other tight-tolerance precision machining experience preferred.

· Strong blueprint reading and GD&T knowledge.

· Ability to independently perform machine setups, touch off tools, establish offsets, and troubleshoot machining processes.

· Experience using precision inspection equipment including micrometers, calipers, indicators, bore gauges, and other gauges.

· Experience machining difficult or specialty metals is a plus.

· Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to consistently produce high-quality parts while working to tight tolerances.

Manufacturing Environment

This is not a basic production turning environment. The company specializes in complex precision-machined components and assemblies for demanding industries where quality and accuracy are critical.

The operation includes advanced CNC turning and mill/turn capabilities as well as multi-axis milling, 5-axis machining, EDM, grinding, brazing, and other specialized manufacturing processes. The company has made significant investments in modern machining technology and equipment designed to handle increasingly complex work.

For an experienced CNC Lathe Machinist, this is an opportunity to work on interesting parts, challenging setups, advanced equipment, and products used in critical aerospace and defense applications.

Benefits

· Medical insurance

· Dental and vision insurance

· 401(k) retirement plan

· Paid time off

· Tuition reimbursement

· Opportunities for continued training and skill development

· Career advancement opportunities

· Stable, long-term precision manufacturing environment

We are looking for a CNC Lathe Machinist who takes pride in the craft of machining and wants to work in an environment where technical skill, precision, and problem-solving are valued.

You should be proficient in:

• GD&T
• CNC Tooling
• Troubleshooting Skills
• G-Code
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover