Cnc Vertical Lathe Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CNC Machinist II – Vertical Lathe | Libertyville, IL
Full-Time | On-Site | CNC Machining / Manufacturing
Monday–Friday | 4:00 PM–12:30 AM
Elizabeth Banzhaf, LPN
Co-Founder & COO | Heartline Staffing
Call or Text: 272-230-3157
LinkedIn: View Elizabeth's LinkedIn
Prefer a quick conversation? Call or text Elizabeth directly.
Heartline Staffing, in partnership with Purple Cow Recruiting, is seeking an experienced CNC Machinist II – Vertical Lathe for a full-time opportunity in Libertyville, Illinois. This role specifically requires hands-on CNC Vertical Lathe / VTL experience and is intended for an experienced machinist capable of setup, operation, program editing, blueprint interpretation, dimensional inspection, and independent production work.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The CNC Machinist II supports production by setting up and operating CNC equipment, maintaining accurate job and production data, interpreting work orders and part drawings, completing dimensional inspections, and ensuring finished components meet established quality standards.
This position requires significant experience with Vertical Turning Lathes / Vertical CNC Lathes. General CNC machining experience without direct vertical-lathe experience does not meet the core requirement for this opening.
SCHEDULE
• Monday–Friday
• 4:00 PM–12:30 AM
• Full-Time
• Fully On-Site in Libertyville, Illinois
• Safety-Sensitive Position
CNC VERTICAL LATHE RESPONSIBILITIES
• Set up and operate CNC vertical lathes / vertical turning equipment
• Produce components according to work orders, drawings, and specifications
• Edit and write CNC programs as required
• Upload and download CNC programs between programmer and machine
• Verify CNC program output before and during production
• Load and verify cutting tools
• Load and verify fixtures
• Fabricate basic fixtures when necessary
• Align fixtures accurately
• Locate fixture centers
• Establish accurate machining setups
• Run production parts while maintaining quality and productivity
• Make appropriate in-process adjustments
BLUEPRINTS & INSPECTION
• Interpret work orders, flow sheets, and part drawings
• Read and understand blueprint dimensions and tolerances
• Inspect components using manual gauges
• Complete in-process inspections
• Submit first-article inspections to Quality Assurance
• Submit final inspections to Quality Assurance
• Verify completed parts meet blueprint and quality requirements
• Maintain accurate inspection information throughout production
TOOLS, FIXTURES & MATERIALS
• Select and verify the appropriate tools and fixtures for each job
• Align workholding and fixtures accurately
• Fabricate basic fixtures when required
• Pull and verify correct materials from the staging area according to established workflows
• Maintain accurate setup and material information
CNC PROGRAMMING
Candidates must have practical CNC programming experience rather than machine-operation experience alone. Relevant responsibilities may include:
• Editing CNC Programs
• Writing CNC Programs
• G-Code Editing
• Uploading Programs to Machines
• Downloading Programs
• Program Verification
• In-Process Program Adjustments
• Program-Based Machine Setup
ERP & PRODUCTION DOCUMENTATION
• Log job information using ERP software
• Record production time and job data
• Maintain accurate production records
• Follow material and production workflows within the ERP system
• Communicate with supervision regarding job progress and completion
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE & 5S
• Perform daily machine preventive maintenance
• Perform monthly machine preventive maintenance
• Maintain equipment according to established procedures
• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Follow 5S principles
• Support production efficiency and reduced equipment downtime
QUALITY & SAFETY
• Follow all established safety requirements
• Follow applicable Quality System requirements
• Maintain accurate inspection practices
• Support consistent product quality
• Maintain an organized and safe machining environment
• Follow all requirements applicable to a safety-sensitive manufacturing position
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate has at least five years of CNC machining experience with substantial direct experience operating and setting up Vertical CNC Lathes / VTLs. Strong candidates will also demonstrate CNC programming and editing capability, blueprint-reading skills, manual inspection experience, basic ERP proficiency, machining mathematics, and the ability to independently complete precision machining work.

• Minimum 5 Years of CNC Machining Experience REQUIRED
• Direct CNC Vertical Lathe / Vertical Turning Lathe (VTL) Experience REQUIRED
• Hands-On Vertical Lathe Machine Setup Experience REQUIRED
• CNC Vertical Lathe Operation Experience REQUIRED
• CNC Program Editing Experience REQUIRED
• CNC Program Writing Experience REQUIRED
• Ability to Upload and Download CNC Programs REQUIRED
• Blueprint / Part Drawing Interpretation Experience REQUIRED
• Manual Inspection Gauge Experience REQUIRED
• First-Article Inspection Experience REQUIRED
• In-Process Inspection Experience REQUIRED
• Final Inspection Experience REQUIRED
• Tool and Fixture Setup Experience REQUIRED
• Ability to Align Fixtures and Locate Fixture Centers REQUIRED
• Basic Fixture Fabrication Capability REQUIRED
• Strong Basic Machining Math Skills REQUIRED
• Basic ERP Software Proficiency REQUIRED
• Ability to Log Time and Job Data in ERP Systems REQUIRED
• Ability to Perform Daily and Monthly Machine Preventive Maintenance REQUIRED
• Ability to Follow 5S, Safety, and Quality Requirements REQUIRED
• Ability to Stand for Extended Periods REQUIRED
• Ability to Work Monday–Friday, 4:00 PM–12:30 AM REQUIRED
• Ability to Work Fully On-Site in Libertyville, IL REQUIRED
• High School Diploma / GED or Equivalent Experience REQUIRED
• Trigonometry Knowledge Preferred
• GD&T Knowledge Preferred
VERTICAL LATHE – HARD REQUIREMENT: This search is specifically for a CNC Vertical Lathe / VTL machinist. The client states that only CNC Vertical Lathe experience is considered. Do not treat general CNC mill, horizontal lathe, Swiss, or other machining experience as satisfying this requirement unless the candidate also demonstrates direct vertical-lathe experience.
EXPERIENCE NOTE: Candidates should have at least five years of hands-on CNC machining experience, with substantial experience operating and setting up CNC vertical lathes. The strongest candidates should demonstrate end-to-end ownership from setup through production and inspection.
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Candidates must have experience editing and writing CNC programs. Operator-only candidates who simply load an established program and press cycle start do not meet the intended technical level of this role.
INSPECTION NOTE: Candidates must be comfortable interpreting blueprints and using manual inspection gauges to verify finished dimensions and tolerances. First-article, in-process, and final inspection experience should be fully documented.
EDUCATION NOTE: High school diploma or equivalent is listed by the employer. Job Insights indicate that equivalent substantial hands-on machining experience may also warrant consideration. Vocational machining training, apprenticeships, military machining experience, and technical certificates are relevant but not separately required.
Not ready to apply? If you have direct CNC Vertical Lathe / VTL experience and would prefer to discuss the opportunity first, call or text Elizabeth directly at 272-230-3157.