CNC Lathe Foreman - Full-time

Position Summary

The Lathe Foreman oversees all lathe operations in our manufacturing job shop, managing a team of lathe operators and ensuring efficient, high-quality production on equipment such as Doosan Puma 240/2600 series (with live tooling, Y/C-axis, sub-spindles, and bar feeders), HAAS ST-10, and Longem Manual Lathe. This role involves coordinating job schedules, troubleshooting technical issues, and maintaining safety and quality standards in a high-mix, low-volume environment. The Lathe Foreman collaborates with CNC programmers, quality control, and other production teams to meet customer specifications and delivery timelines, while driving continuous improvement and mentoring operators to enhance shop performance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Team Leadership and Supervision:
   • Supervise and train a team of 5–15 lathe operators, managing daily tasks and performance across shifts.
   • Provide hands-on training for complex setups on machines like Doosan Puma 2600SYII (Y/C-axis, milling) or HAAS ST-10.
   • Conduct performance reviews, foster skill development, and maintain a positive, safety-focused team culture.
2. Production Management:
   • Oversee job setup, scheduling, and execution for lathe operations, ensuring on-time delivery in a high-mix environment.
   • Coordinate with production planners and CNC programmers to prioritize jobs and allocate resources (e.g., tools, bar stock, fixtures).
   • Monitor and optimize lathe performance, minimizing downtime and ensuring efficient changeovers for small-batch runs.
3. Technical Oversight:
   • Troubleshoot and resolve issues with lathe operations, including live tooling, sub-spindle setups, and bar feeder systems on Doosan Puma 240MS/2600SYII or similar.
   • Verify CNC programs (G-code/M-code) for accuracy and compatibility with lathe capabilities, collaborating with programmers as needed.
   • Set up and operate manual lathes (e.g., Longem) for specialized or low-volume jobs.
4. Quality Assurance:
   • Ensure parts meet customer specifications and industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, GD&T) through in-process inspections and final quality checks.
   • Use precision measuring tools (e.g., micrometers, CMM) to verify tolerances, addressing non-conformances with root cause analysis.
   • Implement quality control processes specific to lathe operations, including live tooling and multi-axis machining.
5. Safety and Compliance:
   • Enforce OSHA-compliant safety protocols, ensuring safe operation of lathes and related equipment (e.g., bar feeders, high-pressure coolant systems).
   • Conduct regular safety training, equipment inspections, and shop floor audits to maintain a zero-incident workplace.
   • Maintain a clean and organized lathe department using 5S and Lean principles.
6. Continuous Improvement:
   • Lead initiatives to improve lathe efficiency, such as optimizing cycle times or reducing setup times on Doosan or HAAS lathes.
   • Implement Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma strategies to minimize scrap and enhance throughput.
   • Recommend tooling or process improvements for complex operations, such as sub-spindle transfers or Y-axis milling.
7. Equipment and Inventory Management:
   • Oversee maintenance and calibration of lathes (e.g., Doosan Puma 400M, HAAS ST-10) to ensure optimal performance.
   • Manage inventory of cutting tools, bar stock, and consumables, using ERP/MES systems (e.g., SAP, Epicor) for tracking.
   • Coordinate with vendors for timely procurement of lathe-specific supplies.
8. Communication and Reporting:
   • Provide daily/weekly reports on lathe department metrics (e.g., output, quality, downtime) to the Shop Supervisor.
   • Liaise with customers or sales teams to clarify technical specifications for lathe-produced parts.
   • Collaborate with other foremen (e.g., milling) to balance shop workload and meet production goals.

Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years of lathe operation experience in a job shop, with 2+ years in a supervisory or lead role. Direct experience with Doosan Puma series (e.g., 240MS, 2600SYII), HAAS ST-10, or manual lathes required.
• Skills:
  • Proficiency in lathe operations, including CNC (live tooling, Y/C-axis, sub-spindles) and manual lathes.
  • Familiarity with G-code/M-code programming for lathes, with ability to troubleshoot and edit programs.
  • Strong understanding of GD&T and precision measurement techniques.
  • Experience with ERP/MES systems and safety management (e.g., OSHA compliance).
  • Leadership skills to manage and train a diverse team of operators.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s degree or technical certification in manufacturing preferred.
• Certifications: NIMS CNC Lathe, Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt), OSHA 10/30-Hour, or similar credentials preferred.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and work in a noisy, industrial environment.

Key Competencies

• Leadership: Ability to motivate and manage a team of lathe operators under tight deadlines.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of CNC and manual lathe operations, including complex setups.
• Problem-Solving: Quick resolution of production or equipment issues to minimize downtime.
• Precision: Attention to detail to ensure parts meet tight tolerances and quality standards.
• Adaptability: Comfortable managing frequent job changes in a high-mix, low-volume setting.

Working Conditions

• Environment: Industrial job shop with exposure to lathes, noise, metalworking fluids, and heavy equipment.
• Schedule: Full-time, with potential for overtime or shift work to meet production demands.
• Travel: Minimal, though occasional vendor visits or training may be required.

Why This Role Matters

The Lathe Foreman is critical to the job shop’s ability to deliver high-precision turned parts, leveraging advanced equipment like the Doosan Puma 2600SYII and HAAS ST-10. By leading the lathe department, ensuring quality, and driving efficiency, the foreman supports the shop’s reputation for meeting customer specifications in a competitive, high-mix market. Their leadership and technical expertise directly impact production throughput, cost efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Benefits:

- Medical/Dental Insurance

- Paid Time Off

- 401k

-Paid Holidays

- Supplementary Insurance Options

-Boot and eyewear stipend

-Wellness Center Membership Discount