Entry-Level CNC Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Set-Up Mechanic – 2nd Shift Job Description

This 2nd shift role focuses on programming, setting up, and operating precision OD and centerless grinding machines in a high-precision CNC manufacturing environment. The position requires strong mechanical aptitude, hands-on troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work with tight tolerances in a regulated manufacturing setting. You will play a key role in turning complex part drawings into functional components while ensuring production efficiency, quality, and adherence to established processes and standards.

• Program and set up precision OD and centerless grinding machines for high-precision production.
• Read and interpret complex part drawings and convert them into accurate, functional parts.
• Set up and operate all grinding equipment, including performing basic set-ups, tool changes, and minor adjustments to meet quoted cycle times and production requirements.
• Use multiple metrology methods, both contact and non-contact, to verify part configuration and conformance to print specifications, including surface finish, straightness, and concentricity.
• Develop tooling and gauging solutions to produce and measure complex part geometries.
• Troubleshoot parts during set-up and run cycles to ensure quoted cycle times and quality standards are achieved.
• Maintain daily output targets and ensure machines run on schedule at expected quality levels.
• Collaborate with the contract review team to provide estimates on new customer parts, including setup and cycle times, tooling costs, and expected scrap rates.
• Interface with Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering personnel to resolve production issues and support quoting activities with the contract review team.
• Maintain safety standards and comply with all standard operating procedures.
• Troubleshoot grinding machines and feeder systems and collaborate with outside machine tool providers when needed.
• Perform maintenance-related tasks such as replacing blades and restoring machines to production-level performance.
• Assist with special projects as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and background, with the ability to solve complex issues during machining.
• 2–4 years of relevant CNC high-precision manufacturing experience working with tight tolerances.
• Ability to perform complete set-ups on one or more CNC grinder types (Gen-5, Gen-X, CAM, Tactic).
• Hands-on experience with precision grinder set-up, operation, program editing, and making offsets.
• Ability to maintain the operation of grinding equipment during production, including running machines throughout a shift.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting skills to adjust equipment and processes as needed to meet production rates.
• Comprehensive understanding of the PK4000 or similar inspection systems to verify setups and ensure production rates are achievable.
• Ability to read and interpret complex technical drawings and specifications.
• Experience in a regulated manufacturing environment such as medical, aerospace, or automotive (preferred but strongly valued).
• Experience working within an ISO 9001:2015 manufacturing environment.
• Experience in a Lean Manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical skills to gather and interpret information and develop alternative solutions.
• Ability to work effectively in group problem-solving situations and collaborate across functions.

• Mechanical certification is a plus.
• Prior experience with centerless grinding is a strong advantage.
• Experience with polishing and general machining operations.
• background in maintenance and repair of CNC and grinding equipment.
• Familiarity with ISO-based quality systems and documentation.
• Comfort working with high-precision metrology tools and inspection techniques.
• Ability to cost-reduce jobs once in production by optimizing setups and cycle times.
• Experience collaborating with external machine tool providers for troubleshooting and improvements.

You will join a strong, stable organization that is growing and expanding its manufacturing operations, offering genuine opportunities for internal career growth. The company fosters a family-oriented culture where collaboration and support are highly valued. Employees receive 12 paid holidays, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, monthly bonus potential, and a competitive 401(k) program with a match of 100% on the first 3% and 50% on the next 2%, with vesting from day one. This environment combines long-term stability with ongoing investment in facilities and production capabilities, creating a setting where skilled professionals can build a rewarding and secure career.

The role is based in a manufacturing facility with multiple departments and specialized production areas. You will work around CNC grinding and related machining equipment in a high-precision, ISO 9001:2015 and Lean Manufacturing environment that emphasizes safety, quality, and adherence to standard operating procedures. The position is on 2nd shift and involves hands-on work with grinding machines, feeder systems, and metrology equipment in a shop-floor setting. The environment is structured, process-driven, and focused on meeting production schedules and quality standards while supporting collaboration among Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, and other teams.

This is a Permanent position based out of Rahway, NJ.

The pay range for this position is $62400.00 - $74880.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Health, dental, and vision insurance• Life and long-term disability insurance• 401k plan- company match• Paid vacation, sick days, and holidaysBenefit eligibility will begin first of the month following 30 days of employment.

This is a fully onsite position in Rahway,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.