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Contractual Lathe Machine Operator Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

We're a small-to-medium shop, so the work is varied and every builder shapes the finished machine ... Requirements Qualifications Required * 3+ years of experience operating manual horizontal lathes

We're a small-to-medium shop, so the work is varied and every builder shapes the finished machine ... Requirements Qualifications Required * 3+ years of experience operating manual horizontal lathes

We're a small-to-medium shop, so the work is varied and every builder shapes the finished machine ... Requirements Qualifications Required * 3+ years of experience operating manual horizontal lathes

CNC Machinist Operator

Knoxville, TN

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Executing daily procedures while maintaining machine and facility cleanliness. * Work in a safe and ... Understanding of general lathe and/or mill tooling. * General understanding of G-code. * Experience ...

CNC Machinist Operator

Knoxville, TN

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Executing daily procedures while maintaining machine and facility cleanliness. * Work in a safe and ... Understanding of general lathe and/or mill tooling. * General understanding of G-code. * Experience ...

CNC Machinist Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Executing daily procedures while maintaining machine and facility cleanliness. * Work in a safe and ... Understanding of general lathe and/or mill tooling. * General understanding of G-Code. * Experience ...

CNC Machinist Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Executing daily procedures while maintaining machine and facility cleanliness. * Work in a safe and ... Understanding of general lathe and/or mill tooling. * General understanding of G-Code. * Experience ...

CNC Machinist Operator

Knoxville, TN

$17 - $23.25/hr

Executing daily procedures while maintaining machine and facility cleanliness. * Work in a safe and ... Understanding of general lathe and/or mill tooling. * General understanding of G-Code. * Experience ...

CNC Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

... lathe setups. Using great attention to detail and your ability to focus and perform, you will be ... Safely operate various types of machines (lathes, mills, drills; Computer Controlled & Manual)

CNC Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

... lathe setups. Using great attention to detail and your ability to focus and perform, you will be ... Safely operate various types of machines (lathes, mills, drills; Computer Controlled & Manual)

CNC Operator

Knoxville, TN

$17 - $23.25/hr

... lathe setups. Using great attention to detail and your ability to focus and perform, you will be ... Safely operate various types of machines (lathes, mills, drills; Computer Controlled & Manual)

Machinist II

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

... machine that fabricates tubes, rods, and components used in hydraulic cylinders. Sets up and ... Uses product specifications, blueprints, diagrams, and standard operating procedures (SOP) to ...

... operating in the production process, at the facility or building, troubleshooting problems ... lathe, milling machine, bench grinders, bridge cranes, hydraulic presses, volt ohm meters, amp ...

... operating in the production process, at the facility or building, troubleshooting problems ... lathe, milling machine, bench grinders, bridge cranes, hydraulic presses, volt ohm meters, amp ...

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Contractual Lathe Machine Operator information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$12

$21

$27

How much do contractual lathe machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for contractual lathe machine operator in Oak Ridge, TN is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.17 and $23.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contractual Lathe Machine Operator vs Permanent Lathe Machine Operator?

AspectContractual Lathe Machine OperatorPermanent Lathe Machine Operator
CredentialsTypically requires technical training and certification in machine operationSame as contractual, often with additional in-house training
Work EnvironmentOften on temporary or project-based assignments in manufacturing plantsFull-time employment in manufacturing facilities
Employer UsageHired through staffing agencies or contractors for specific projectsEmployed directly by the company on a permanent basis
Work ScheduleVariable, often project-dependent with less job securityConsistent, regular hours with benefits

In summary, Contractual Lathe Machine Operators work on temporary or project-based contracts, often through staffing agencies, with variable schedules. Permanent Lathe Machine Operators are employed directly by companies, enjoy stable schedules, and typically receive benefits. The choice depends on employment preferences and project needs.

Are contractual lathe machine operators in demand?

Contractual lathe machine operators are generally in steady demand in manufacturing and metalworking industries, especially where precision machining and CNC skills are required. Employment opportunities depend on industry growth, technical proficiency, and certifications, with many roles offering temporary or project-based work.
What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Contractual Lathe Machine Operator jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Contractual Lathe Machine Operator job openings:

Manual Lathe Machinist

Laborup

Greenback, TN • On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Overview
We're hiring Manual Lathe Machinists for our industrial automation equipment shop in Greenback, TN.
We build automation equipment used by manufacturing companies worldwide, machines combining precision-machined parts with pneumatics, hydraulics, electronics, and controls. This role centers on the manual horizontal lathe: turning components and partially built assemblies mounted on turning jigs to exact runout with perfectly smooth transitions.
When you're off the lathe, you'll build high-mix, low-volume mechanical assemblies to print and GD&T. We're a small-to-medium shop, so the work is varied and every builder shapes the finished machine.
Why Join Us
  • Four-Day Week: Monday-Thursday schedule means a three-day weekend every week.
  • Two Trades: Run the manual lathe and build complete automation machines.
  • Global Reach: Machines you build run in manufacturing plants worldwide.

Compensation
  • $24 - $27 / hr

Shift
  • 1st shift: Monday-Thursday, 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Responsibilities
  • Manual Turning: Turn components and assemblies to exact diameters and runout.
  • Jig Work: Mount and turn segments on specialized turning jigs.
  • Inspection: Verify critical dimensions with micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators.
  • Mechanical Assembly: Build systems from machined parts, welded components, shafts, and fasteners.
  • Blueprint Reading: Work to engineering drawings, work instructions, and GD&T tolerances.
  • Pneumatics: Install actuators and route air lines cleanly and safely.
  • Troubleshooting: Flag machining or assembly issues early and propose practical fixes.
  • Documentation: Complete in-process quality checks and traceability paperwork.

Requirements
Qualifications
Required
  • 3+ years of experience operating manual horizontal lathes
  • Skilled with micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators
  • Able to consistently hold tight tolerances
  • Reads complex blueprints and build documentation
  • Able to interpret GD&T callouts on prints
  • Experience assembling complicated mechanical systems

Preferred
  • Automotive repair, industrial maintenance, or millwright background
  • Experience assembling pneumatic actuators and air lines
  • Familiarity with hydraulics, controls, or electronics
  • Experience in high-mix, low-volume job shops
  • Experience turning work mounted on jigs