CNC Lathe Machinist - Mazak/Mazatrol (1st & 2nd Shift)

About Us:
Drake is a high-tech manufacturing company based in Cypress, TX. We proudly serve leading customers in aircraft, space, energy, semiconductor, defense, and medical, among countless others. We work together in a collaborative, supportive manner. Our employees are valued, empowered, and provided with hands-on training. As a growing company, we have ongoing opportunities for career development and professional growth. At Drake, customers are our focus, and we build success together.

Position Summary:
We are looking for full-time, career-minded, experienced Lathe Machinists with a broad aptitude in the industry to work on our 1st & 2 nd shifts. The ideal candidate will have experience operating and programming Mazak CNC lathes using Mazatrol controls, with the ability to produce precision parts efficiently and accurately. We will provide training on our specific materials and equipment and offer additional development opportunities to help grow your skills and career within Drake Plastics.

Key Responsibilities:

• Produce quality, high-value precision parts using CNC Lathes.
• Operate and set up Doosan, Mazak QTN, and OmniTurn lathes.
• Use Mazatrol conversational programming and G-code editing to adjust programs at the machine and maintain critical tolerances.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings – familiarity with GD&T is a plus.
• Perform machine setups with minimal assistance, including tooling and fixture installation.
• Apply knowledge of tool selection, speeds, and feed calculations for various materials.
• Maintain accurate inspection and quality documentation, including First Article Inspections (FAI).
• Confirm part accuracy with precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, comparators, CMM, etc.)
• Identify and correct machining problems or defects to ensure quality and minimize downtime.
• Meet or exceed productivity & quality objectives while supporting continuous improvement efforts.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and inspections.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in accordance with company standards.
• Collaborate with other machinists and assist the Mill department as needed.
• Follow all safety procedures and company policies.
• Assist the Mill department if necessary.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 3-5 years of machining experience required - experience with Mazak lathes and Mazatrol programming strongly preferred.
• Experience machining plastics and using live tooling is a plus.
• Solid understanding of lathe setup, operation, and editing.
• Ability to troubleshoot programs and machining processes to achieve tight tolerances.
• Works well in a culture of honesty, teamwork, and high integrity.
• Willingness to listen, learn, cross-train, and support continuous growth for yourself and others.
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and mechanical aptitude.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Physically capable of performing machining duties, including occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Must conform to our tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.

Work Environment / Schedule:
The CNC Machinist position works primarily within climate-controlled industrial buildings. This role requires standing for extended periods and frequent use of hands to operate machinery and tools. Employees should be flexible to accommodate production demands outside of regularly scheduled hours when needed.

1st Shift: Monday – Thursday, 6:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (4/10 schedule)
2nd Shift: Monday – Thursday, 4:15 p.m. – 2:45 a.m. (4/10 schedule)

Fridays: Worked only as needed to support production requirements or overtime and are not part of the standard schedule.

Drake Plastics maintains a drug-free workplace. All candidates receiving a conditional offer of employment are required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening.