CNC Lathe Machinist (Mazak/Mazatrol) - 1st Shift
About Us:
Drake is a dynamic manufacturing company based in Cypress, TX. We are proud to serve leading customers such as SpaceX while fostering a collaborative, supportive workplace. Our employees are valued, empowered, and provided with hands-on training on specialized materials and equipment, along with ongoing opportunities for growth. At Drake, we believe in building 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 shift. 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.
Qualifications:
- High School diploma or equivalent required.
- 3-5 years of machining experience required - experience with Mazak lathes ad 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. Will spend most of the day on your feet and working with your hands. Expect to be flexible based on production demands outside of base schedule hours, as needed.
- 1st Shift: Standard work hours are a 4/10 schedule, Monday through Thursday, from 6:00 am - 4:30 pm.
- Fridays: Flexible work schedule to accommodate the standard 40-hour workweek.
Drake Plastics is a drug-free workplace. All applicants who receive conditional offers of employment will be subject to pre-employment drug and tobacco testing.