CNC Lathe Operator Night Shift - Norwich, KS

CNC Lathe Operator

Position Title: CNC Lathe Operator Hours: 1 st Shift (6:00A – 4:30P Monday – Thursday); some overtime required Reports To: Machining Manager Location: Norwich, KS Compensation: $18/hour or based on experience, machining skills, setup capabilities, and ability to work independently.

Position Summary The CNC Lathe Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring CNC lathes to machine ductile iron castings to customer specifications and quality standards. This position works from blueprints, work instructions, and inspection requirements to produce precision-machined components while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity expectations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate CNC lathes to machine ductile iron castings according to engineering drawings and work instructions.
• Load and unload castings from machine.
• Perform machine setups, tool changes, offset adjustments, and basic program edits as authorized.
• Inspect machined parts using calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, depth gauges, and other precision measuring equipment.
• Verify dimensions, tolerances, and surface finish requirements throughout production runs.
• Monitor tooling condition and replace worn inserts, drills, and cutting tools as needed.
• Identify casting defects that may impact machining operations and communicate concerns to supervision or quality personnel.
• Maintain production records, inspection documentation, and machine logs.
• Perform routine machine maintenance including lubrication, coolant checks, and housekeeping.
• Troubleshoot machining issues related to tooling, fixtures, workholding, and machine operation.
• Follow all safety procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, and PPE requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost reduction.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Strong work ethic and dependable attendance record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience machining ductile iron, gray iron, steel, or other cast metal products.
• Minimum 1-3 years of CNC lathe operating experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and work instructions.
• Experience using precision measuring instruments.
• Basic understanding of machining principles, cutting speeds, feeds, and tooling.
• Ability to work safely around heavy castings, moving equipment, and machining operations.
• Experience with Okuma, Mori Seike, Haas, or similar CNC controls.
• Ability to perform machine setups independently.
• Understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
• Experience in a foundry or heavy manufacturing environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to identify and solve machining problems.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Basic computer skills for production reporting and documentation.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, twisting, and reaching.
• Regular lifting of materials and tooling up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, vibration, coolant, metal chips, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Must be able to wear required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toe/metatarsal guard boots, gloves, and/or other protective equipment.

Work Environment This position is performed in a machine shop supporting a ductile iron foundry operation. Employees are exposed to industrial equipment, overhead cranes, moving machinery, metal chips, lubricants, and temperature fluctuations. Safety, quality, and productivity are critical components of daily performance.

Benefits Company sponsored medical, dental and vision insurance 401(k) with company match and vesting 6 paid company holidays Paid Time Off

Farrar Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer in accordance with applicable laws.