Salary: Competitive, dependent on skills and experience
Contract: 4–5 weeks initially, with potential for extension
Hours: Hours: Monday to Thursday, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm, with an early finish on Friday (12:30pm) – perfect for a great work-life balance!

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Manual Lathe Operator to join our client’s precision machining team.  In this role, you will be responsible for setting up and operating manual lathes to produce high-quality metal components. The ideal candidate should have a deep understanding of metal properties and a "mechanic’s touch" for manual equipment. While the focus is on manual turning, experience with CNC milling is a significant plus as they continue to integrate more automated processes into their workflow and experience with manual vertical milling machines (Bridgeport style) desired.

Key Responsibilities

• Manual Machining: Set up and operate manual engine lathes to perform turning, facing, threading, and boring operations.

• Technical Interpretation: Read and interpret technical blueprints, engineering drawings, and job specifications.

• Precision Measurement: Inspect finished parts using micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators to ensure tolerances.

• Material Knowledge: Select appropriate cutting tools and speeds/feeds based on material types (aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and alloys).

• Maintenance: Perform routine machine maintenance and maintain a clean, safe workspace.

• Cross-Training: Assist with CNC milling operations when required (training provided if necessary).

Skills & Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 4 years operating manual lathes in a professional metalworking environment.

• Metalwork Mastery: Strong knowledge of working with various metals and understanding how heat treatment or hardness affects machining.

• Tooling: Proficiency grinding custom HSS bits and selecting carbide inserts.

• Mathematical Proficiency: Strong grasp of shop math, including geometry and trigonometry for calculating tapers and thread depths.

• Attention to Detail: High degree of accuracy and a “measure twice, cut once” mindset.

If you are a skilled machinist with a passion for precision and quality, we’d love to hear from you.