machinist jobs · hillsborough, nj

CNC Lathe Operator / Programming Trainee, Hillsborough NJ

$20–$26 an hourUp to 10 hours overtime a weekFull time, Mon–Fri 7:00–5:30Paid time offHealth insurance, half paidTrained to program
01. The job

CNC lathe operator job in New Jersey, with training to program

This CNC lathe operator job is for someone who wants to become a real machinist, not just push a cycle start button. You will start by running our CNC lathes, setting tools and checking your own parts. Then you will learn to program them, on real jobs, next to machinists who have done this for decades.

The work

Our CNC lathes turn shafts, hubs, flanges, rolls and extruder parts, from small pieces to 28 inches in diameter and 83 inches long. Most jobs are one-offs or short runs, so you set up often and learn something new every week.

Who fits this job

You have spent some time in a shop, you can read a print, and you know your way around micrometers, calipers and indicators. More than that, you want to learn the trade and you are willing to work for the pay and for the knowledge.

We have done this before

Some of our best machinists started here as green trainees. The ones who made it were serious about the trade and showed up ready to learn. If that is you, we will teach you.

About Zala Machine Co.

A three-generation family machine shop in Hillsborough, New Jersey, founded in 2002. See all our machinist jobs and our CNC turning work.

A titanium prototype cylinder in one of our CNC lathes.

A large roll turned to a stepped profile.

02. What you will do

Your first months, and where they lead

  • Run CNC lathes on proven programs, load parts and change inserts
  • Check your own parts against the print with micrometers, calipers and indicators
  • Set tools and touch off offsets, then run first parts
  • Learn workholding, speeds and feeds, and why a setup holds size
  • Learn to write and prove lathe programs, step by step
  • Keep your machine and your area clean and safe
03. What we look for

What you need, and what you bring

You need: some machine shop experience, the ability to read a blueprint, and comfort with micrometers, calipers and indicators.

You bring: a willingness to work for the pay and for the knowledge, a real interest in learning the trade, and the habit of checking your own work.

Nice to have: trade school or vocational training, some CNC exposure, manual lathe time.

04. Job details

Pay, hours and benefits

Straight answers before you apply.

0–6 an hour, based on experience and skill
PositionCNC Lathe Operator / Programming Trainee, full time
Pay
Overtimeup to 10 hours a week, paid at time and a half
Benefitspaid vacation, sick and personal days; health insurance with Zala covering half the premium
ScheduleMonday to Friday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm
LocationHillsborough, New Jersey (Somerset County)
05. Apply

Apply for this job

Fill in the form below. We read every application, and we will call you if there is a fit. A résumé helps but is not required.

Serious about learning the trade? Apply today.

Questions first? Call the shop or email sales@zalamachine.com. See all open positions on our machinist jobs page.