Lathe Operator Jobs
Lathe Operator jobs are open across aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, and industrial manufacturing, at every level from entry-level helper to senior machinist and setup operator, with specializations in CNC turning, manual engine lathe work, and precision threading. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Overview
PelmCor Precision is seeking a dependable, detail-oriented individual with machine shop experience and experience operating a lathe or CNC machine to join our growing company. This position offers hands-on experience and an excellent opportunity to expand your machining skills and grow with our new company!
Duties
- Operate CNC lathes to produce precision-machined components to customer specifications.
- Load and unload machines and monitor production runs.
- Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and work instructions.
- Perform in-process inspections and verify part dimensions using micrometers, calipers, gauges, and other precision measuring equipment.
- Make basic machine adjustments within your training and assigned responsibilities to maintain part quality.
- Identify and report quality issues, tooling problems, or machine abnormalities.
- Accurately record production and job-related information.
- Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow all safety, quality, and production procedures.
- Collaborate with setup personnel, supervisors, inspectors, and other production team members.
Requirements
- Previous machine shop experience is required.
- Experience operating a lathe or CNC machine is preferred
- Aerospace or precision machining experience is a plus.
- Experience using precision measuring instruments, including micrometers and calipers is a plus.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality work.
- Reliable attendance and a strong work ethic.
- Willingness to learn, develop new skills, and take on additional responsibilities.
To apply: Send your cover letter and resume to admin@pelmcorprecision.com
* No Staffing Agencies or Third-Party Recruiters - All applicants must apply directly. Candidate referrals submitted by Staffing or Third-Party Agents will not be considered.
Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour
Expected hours: 20.0 – 30.0 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Language:
- English (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Surprise, AZ 85379 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Job Overview
PelmCor Precision is seeking a dependable, detail-oriented individual with machine shop experience and experience operating a lathe or CNC machine to join our growing company. This position offers hands-on experience and an excellent opportunity to expand your machining skills and grow with our new company!
Duties
- Operate CNC lathes to produce precision-machined components to customer specifications.
- Load and unload machines and monitor production runs.
- Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and work instructions.
- Perform in-process inspections and verify part dimensions using micrometers, calipers, gauges, and other precision measuring equipment.
- Make basic machine adjustments within your training and assigned responsibilities to maintain part quality.
- Identify and report quality issues, tooling problems, or machine abnormalities.
- Accurately record production and job-related information.
- Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow all safety, quality, and production procedures.
- Collaborate with setup personnel, supervisors, inspectors, and other production team members.
Requirements
- Previous machine shop experience is required.
- Experience operating a lathe or CNC machine is preferred
- Aerospace or precision machining experience is a plus.
- Experience using precision measuring instruments, including micrometers and calipers is a plus.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality work.
- Reliable attendance and a strong work ethic.
- Willingness to learn, develop new skills, and take on additional responsibilities.
To apply: Send your cover letter and resume to admin@pelmcorprecision.com
* No Staffing Agencies or Third-Party Recruiters - All applicants must apply directly. Candidate referrals submitted by Staffing or Third-Party Agents will not be considered.
Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour
Expected hours: 20.0 – 30.0 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Language:
- English (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Surprise, AZ 85379 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Lathe Operator Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Lathe Operator JobsLathe Operator Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in lathe operator jobs.
- Experience operating CNC or manual lathes in a production environment
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, GD&T callouts, and engineering drawings
- Proficiency with precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers, and gauges
- Knowledge of speeds, feeds, tooling selection, and cutting fluid application
- High school diploma or GED, or completion of a machining vocational program
- Familiarity with ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality standards and inspection documentation
Tips for Your Lathe Operator Job Search
List every machine you've run
Your resume should name specific lathe models and control systems you've operated, like Mazak, Okuma, or Haas turning centers. Generic phrases like 'CNC experience' get filtered out. Hiring managers scan for exact equipment matches against their shop floor.
Highlight tolerances you've held
Precision matters more than hours logged. Call out the tightest tolerances you've consistently held, in thousandths of an inch or millimeters. That single detail signals your skill level faster than a job title or years of experience ever will.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists lathe operator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Tailor your application to the industry
An aerospace shop cares about AS9100 awareness and traceability. An oil and gas supplier wants API threading experience. Read the job post carefully and mirror the industry's language in your resume so your background reads as relevant from the first scan.
Prepare for a hands-on skills test
Many shops ask candidates to run a part or read a print on the spot before any formal offer. Know your feeds, speeds, and depth-of-cut math cold. Walk in ready to demonstrate setup and measurement, not just describe past work.
Negotiate shift and overtime terms clearly
Machining jobs often run two or three shifts, and overtime expectations vary widely. Clarify the standard schedule, mandatory overtime frequency, and shift differential before you accept. Misaligned shift expectations are the most common reason new hires leave within ninety days.
Lathe Operator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most lathe operators?
Martin Sprocket and Gear, Joyce/Dayton, and Wenthe-Davidson Manufacturing are hiring the most lathe operators right now, with openings concentrated in California, Ohio, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Aerospace, defense, and heavy industrial manufacturers consistently post the highest volume of openings.
How many lathe operator jobs are remote?
About 0% of lathe operator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most machining work. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements are CNC programming, toolpath review, and quality inspection coordination roles that do not require direct machine operation.
How do you become a lathe operator?
Most lathe operators start with a machining vocational program or community college certificate covering blueprint reading, metrology, and basic turning operations. From there, an entry-level helper or apprentice role gives you supervised machine time. Building proficiency on both manual and CNC lathes, then pursuing credentials like the NIMS Machining Level I or II, makes you competitive for production and setup positions.
Can you get hired as a lathe operator with little experience?
Yes, many shops hire entry-level operators and train them on the job, especially in high-volume production environments with repetitive turning work. Coming in with strong print-reading ability, comfort with measurement tools, and any hands-on machining from school or hobbyist projects gives you a real edge. Willingness to work second or third shift also opens doors that are closed to candidates who insist on days.
What does the lathe operator interview process look like?
Most lathe operator interviews include a brief phone screen with a recruiter or HR contact, followed by an in-person visit to the shop floor. You'll typically walk the floor with a supervisor, discuss your machine experience, and in many cases complete a practical skills assessment, reading a print, measuring a part, or demonstrating setup on a lathe. References from previous shops are checked before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to lathe operator jobs?
You can find and apply to lathe operator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your machine experience, location, and shift preference, then apply directly to each one that fits.
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