CNC Machinist - Lathe

About the role

Cambridge Valley Machining (CVM) is a family-owned and operated company that specializes in providing design through manufacturing services for startups, Fortune 500 businesses, and global customers. CVM is a proud supplier within the Space and Defense industries.

Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust, and operate CNC lathes (Nakamura, Okuma, Tsugami, Mori Seiki, and Kia machines) to perform precision turning, boring, threading, and facing operations.
• Study and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T callouts, and work orders to determine machining sequences, tooling, feeds, and speeds.
• Align and secure workpieces, collets, spindles, cutting tools, and fixtures to machine specifications.
• Monitor machine feed, speed, and coolant during production runs; make real-time adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Create, edit, and retrieve CNC programs using machine control units and CAM software as applicable.
• Enter and modify G-code and M-code to optimize machining parameters, toolpaths, and cycle times.
• Perform first-article setup and prove-out of new programs, documenting changes for future production runs.
• Measure, inspect, and test machined components using precision instruments including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, height gauges, and CMM equipment.
• Calculate and verify dimensions and tolerances to engineering requirements; reject non-conforming parts and document discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate production logs, quality inspection records, time cards, and non-conformance reports in accordance with company procedures.
• Support ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality system compliance requirements as applicable.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance on lathes and tooling, including lubrication, cleaning, and minor adjustments.
• Observe, listen, and troubleshoot machine malfunctions; initiate work orders for repairs beyond operator scope.
• Exercise "stop the job" authority when a safety concern, quality issue, or abnormal machine condition is identified (unusual noise, unknown alarm, oil leak, etc.).
• Maintain work area in accordance with 5S standards; clean machines, tooling, and surrounding areas using approved solvents and methods.
• Communicate technical information with engineering, supervisory, scheduling, and sales teams to support on-time delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Evaluate current machining procedures and recommend modifications to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase adaptability.
• Participate in lean manufacturing initiatives, kaizen events, and process improvement activities.
• Advise planners and schedulers on material and process capabilities to support production planning.
• Perform all duties of Machine Operator II as part of the standard production workflow.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on CNC lathe machining experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) callouts.
• Proficiency in the use of precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, etc.).
• Strong applied math skills including geometry, trigonometry, and tolerance calculations.
• Experience with CNC machine controls and basic program editing (G-code/M-code).

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a machining or manufacturing technology vocational program, apprenticeship, or associate degree.
• Experience operating manual lathe equipment.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience working in a DOD-regulated or aerospace/defense manufacturing environment.