Manual Lathe Roughing Operator
About this role
- Company parties
- Competitive salary
- Dental insurance
- Employee discounts
- Health insurance
- Opportunity for advancement
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
- Wellness resources
About FERPA Precision Machine
Founded in 1990, FERPA Precision Machine, Inc. is a family-owned precision machining company with over 35 years of manufacturing excellence. We produce precision components for the aerospace, space, industrial, and energy industries using state-of-the-art CNC equipment in a clean, air-conditioned facility.
As our business continues to grow, we're looking for motivated individuals who want to build a long-term career in manufacturing. No machining experience? No problem—we're looking for attitude, reliability, and a willingness to learn. We'll teach you the rest.
This is a hands-on opportunity to work with precision equipment in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where craftsmanship and accuracy are valued every day. If you take pride in your work and love the craft of machining, we want to hear from you!
- Set up and operate manual lathes for rough machining operations
- Interpret blueprints, work orders, and technical drawings
- Perform heavy material removal (rough cuts) on metal and/or plastic components
- Select appropriate tooling, speeds, and feeds for roughing applications
- Measure and verify part dimensions using calipers, micrometers, and gauges
- Maintain proper tolerances as specified in job documentation
- Monitor machine performance and adjust as needed for optimal output
- Deburr and clean parts prior to next operation
- Perform routine maintenance on machines and tooling
- Follow all shop safety procedures and PPE requirements
- Collaborate with machinists and supervisors to ensure workflow efficiency
- Support additional tasks and job-related duties as assigned to meet business and production needs
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Demonstrated strong basic math skills (fractions, decimals, tolerances)
- Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 pounds.
- This position requires U.S. Person status as defined under applicable ITAR regulations.
- Experience with roughing operations preferred
- Familiarity with measuring tools and inspection processes
- Blueprint reading
- Precision measuring tools
- Quality inspection
- Tool offsets and wear adjustments
- Basic G-code concepts
- CNC machining
- Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and dependable attendance
- Team-oriented mindset
- Strong attention to detail and ability to stay focused, organized, and follow detailed instructions
- Mechanical aptitude and comfort using basic hand tools
- Interest in learning and building a long-term career in manufacturing
- Previous manufacturing or machine shop experience is preferred
- Basic understanding of machining fundamentals (feeds, speeds, tooling)
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints and shop drawings
- Family-owned company with over 35 years of success
- Weekly pay
- Direct hire, full-time position
- Clean, climate-controlled shop
- Modern CNC equipment
- Growing aerospace and precision manufacturing company
- On-the-job training and career advancement opportunities
- Opportunity to learn highly valuable skills
Company at a glance
FERPA Precision Machine Inc. was founded in 1990 in Houston, Texas, built on hands-on machining expertise and a commitment to doing things the right way. In its early years, the company operated primarily as a contract manufacturer for sealing companies, producing precision-machined backup rings from high-performance thermoplastics such as PEEK. Through consistent quality, reliability, and responsiveness, FERPA quickly became a trusted manufacturing partner.
As customer needs evolved, so did FERPA. What began as a focused operation supporting sealing manufacturers expanded into the production of small- to medium-sized precision components ranging from simple features to complex geometries. While high-performance plastics remain a core strength, the company has grown to include precision metal machining, broadening its capabilities to support increasingly demanding and diverse applications.
In 2005, FERPA relocated to its current Houston facility to accommodate continued growth. The facility has expanded multiple times since, reflecting sustained investment in capacity, advanced technology, and long-term operational stability.
Today, FERPA Precision Machine operates as an ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100:2016-certified, second-generation, family-owned precision component manufacturer serving energy, industrial, aerospace, and defense markets. With deep expertise in engineered plastics and metals, FERPA integrates in-house manufacturing capabilities with a trusted vendor network to deliver reliable, scalable, turnkey solutions, while remaining grounded in the practical mindset and long-term customer relationships that have defined the company since its founding.
Top Benefits
- Company parties
- Competitive salary
- Dental insurance
- Employee discounts
- Health insurance
- Opportunity for advancement
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
- Wellness resources
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