Manual and CNC Lathe Machinist
Location: Houston, TX
Department: Manufacturing / Production
Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Role
Lunar Resources, Inc. is seeking a Manual and CNC Machinist to support hands-on manufacturing and production activities. This role is ideal for technicians, tradespeople, or mechanically inclined operators who enjoy working with tools, machines, and physical hardware.
You will operate and support a variety of production machinery used to build advanced energy and electromechanical systems in a controlled manufacturing environment.
The majority of our work is with manual mills and lathes for high precision parts.
About the Position
We are seeking an experienced Manual and CNC Lathe Machinist to join our manufacturing team. The ideal candidate will have strong machining skills, attention to detail, and the ability to set up and operate both manual and CNC lathes to produce high-quality precision components.
This position is responsible for reading and interpreting technical drawings, selecting appropriate tooling, setting up machines, inspecting finished parts, and maintaining a safe and organized work environment.
What You’ll Do
- Operate production and shop equipment such as:
- Manual mills and lathes
- Band saws, drill presses, and fabrication tools
- Furnaces, ovens, laser welders, and assembly fixtures
- Load raw materials and parts into machines and fixtures
- Follow work instructions, drawings, and step-by-step production travelers
- Monitor machine operation and stop processes if issues arise
- Perform basic machine setup, tool changes, and adjustments
- Measure and inspect parts using calipers, micrometers, and gauges
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe workstations
- Report defects, equipment issues, or safety concerns promptly
- Work closely with engineers and supervisors to improve repeatability and efficiency
- Document completed work and inspections as required
Responsibilities
Set up and operate manual and CNC lathes to manufacture precision parts.
Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, and work instructions.
Select and install appropriate cutting tools, inserts, fixtures, and workholding.
Perform machine setups, including tool offsets and work offsets.
Make program edits and adjustments as needed on CNC equipment.
Measure and inspect parts using micrometers, calipers, gauges, and other precision measuring equipment.
Maintain required tolerances and quality standards.
Perform basic machine maintenance and troubleshoot machining issues.
Deburr, clean, and finish machined components as required.
Complete production and inspection documentation accurately.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
Follow all company safety procedures and quality requirements.
What We’re Looking For
Required
- High school diploma or GED (or equivalent hands-on experience)
- Experience working in a shop, manufacturing, maintenance, or production environment
- Comfort using hand tools and basic shop equipment
- Ability to read simple drawings or instructions (we will train where needed)
- Strong attention to detail and willingness to follow procedures
- Dependable attendance and ability to work full shifts
- Must be a US Citizen
Qualifications
Previous experience operating CNC and manual engine lathes.
Ability to read and understand mechanical drawings and machining specifications.
Strong knowledge of machining practices, cutting tools, speeds and feeds, and materials.
Experience using precision measuring instruments.
Ability to perform machine setups and make dimensional adjustments.
CNC programming or G-code editing experience is preferred.
Ability to work independently and troubleshoot machining problems.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
High school diploma, technical school, or equivalent machining experience preferred.
Preferred Experience
Experience machining steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and other materials.
Experience with tight-tolerance and close-tolerance work.
Familiarity with CNC controls such as Fanuc, Haas, or similar systems.
Experience with turning, threading, boring, facing, grooving, and other lathe operations.
Experience with inspection equipment and quality-control procedures.
Nice to Have (Not Required)
- CNC machine operation experience
- Welding, brazing, or heat-treat exposure
- Experience in aerospace, defense, energy, or industrial manufacturing
- Forklift, shop safety, or equipment certifications
Training & Growth
- On-the-job training provided
- Opportunity to grow into senior operator, machinist, or specialized technician roles
- Exposure to advanced manufacturing processes and high-energy systems
Work Environment
- Production floor and shop environment
- Use of PPE such as safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection
- Interaction with heavy machinery, elevated temperatures, and industrial materials
Questions:
- Describe a time when you were asked to work with a machine, process, or material you had little or no prior experience with. How did you approach learning it, and what was the result?
- Tell us about a part, assembly, or job you were especially proud of producing or operating. What made it challenging, and how did you ensure it met quality standards
- Give an example of a time you noticed a problem, risk, or opportunity for improvement in the shop and took action without being asked. What did you do?
- Tell us about a time a job didn’t go as planned. What did you do, and what did you change going forward?
- What kind of work environment helps you do your best work, and what makes a day feel productive to you?
- If you finish assigned work early, what do you typically do next?