Vertical Turning Lathe (VTL) Machinist
Location: Manchester, CT
Employment Type: Full-Time
Company Overview
Our client is a well-established precision manufacturing company specializing in the design and manufacture of custom tooling, fixtures, gages, and precision-machined components. With decades of experience serving customers across multiple industries, the company has earned a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, technical expertise, and quality. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative team where employees take pride in producing complex, high-precision components in a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment.
Position Summary
Our client is seeking an experienced Vertical Turning Lathe (VTL) Machinist to join its machining team. This role is responsible for setting up and operating CNC and/or manual Vertical Turning Lathes to machine large, precision components to tight tolerances. The successful candidate will be capable of performing complete machine setups, interpreting engineering drawings, selecting tooling and workholding, and producing high-quality parts with minimal supervision.
This position is ideal for a machinist who enjoys challenging, custom work rather than repetitive production machining.
Responsibilities
Set up and operate Vertical Turning Lathes (VTLs) to machine large precision components.
Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, process sheets, and GD&T requirements.
Perform complete machine setups, including tooling, workholding, and fixture setup.
Edit CNC programs and make tool offsets as necessary to maintain dimensional accuracy.
Machine a variety of materials including carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, aluminum, cast iron, and other specialty materials.
Hold tight tolerances while maintaining excellent surface finishes.
Perform in-process and final inspections using precision measuring equipment.
Verify dimensions using micrometers, calipers, bore gages, height gages, indicators, and other inspection tools.
Collaborate with engineers, programmers, and quality personnel to troubleshoot machining challenges.
Maintain equipment and perform routine preventative maintenance.
Follow established quality procedures and safe manufacturing practices.
Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, productivity, and efficiency.
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent required.
5+ years of VTL machining experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
Experience performing complete machine setups independently.
Strong blueprint reading skills.
Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
Ability to machine large, complex components to close tolerances.
Experience making program edits and machine offsets.
Strong understanding of cutting tools, workholding, feeds, and speeds.
Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to work independently and within a collaborative manufacturing team.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with CNC VTLs using Fanuc, Siemens, or similar controls.
Experience machining one-off, prototype, or low-volume precision components.
Background in tooling, fixture, gage, heavy industrial, aerospace, defense, energy, or custom manufacturing environments.
Crane and rigging experience for safely handling large workpieces.
Experience machining castings, forgings, and large fabricated components.
Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
What We Offer
Competitive compensation based on experience
Comprehensive health benefits
401(k) with company match
Paid vacation and company holidays
Stable, growing precision manufacturing environment
Opportunity to machine complex, high-value components
Clean, well-equipped shop with modern equipment
Long-term career growth and advancement opportunities
Ideal Background
This opportunity is well suited for machinists with experience in:
Vertical Turning Lathes (VTLs)
Large-part CNC machining
Tooling and fixture manufacturing
Heavy industrial machining
Aerospace and defense manufacturing
Energy and power generation components
Job shop and custom manufacturing
Low-volume, high-mix precision machining
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