Machinist

Job Title: CNC Mill Programmer / Machinist
Job Description
This role focuses on programming, setting up, and optimizing CNC milling operations in a precision, high-mix, low-volume job shop environment. You will create programs from customer prints and CAD models, develop efficient machining strategies, prove out new jobs, and drive continuous process improvements. The position is hands-on and suited for someone who enjoys owning the machining process from concept through production, including programming, setup, troubleshooting, and optimization.
Responsibilities

• Create and modify CNC mill programs using CAM software, with a focus on 3-axis, 4-axis, and multi-axis milling operations.
• Program CNC milling operations directly from customer drawings, specifications, and CAD models, ensuring compliance with GD&T requirements.
• Review and interpret customer blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine appropriate machining processes.
• Determine tooling, workholding solutions, fixtures, feeds, speeds, and overall machining strategies for each job.
• Set up CNC mills for new jobs, including loading programs, installing tooling, setting work offsets, and verifying setups.
• Prove out new jobs on CNC mills by running first pieces, validating programs, and adjusting parameters to achieve optimal results.
• Perform first-piece inspections using precision measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, and other inspection tools to verify dimensional accuracy.
• Troubleshoot programming, tooling, and machining issues on the shop floor, making necessary corrections to improve part quality and process reliability.
• Collaborate closely with machinists, engineering, and quality teams to ensure successful production and resolve technical challenges.
• Optimize CNC programs to improve cycle times, extend tool life, and increase machine utilization while maintaining quality standards.
• Maintain accurate setup sheets, process documentation, and job records to support repeatability and knowledge sharing.
• Support machining operations on lathes when needed, leveraging CNC milling programming experience across different machine types.
• Follow all established quality procedures and safety standards to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including cycle time reduction and process optimization projects.
• Engage in a variety of parts and projects, adapting to changing priorities and new jobs in a fast-paced job shop atmosphere.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on CNC milling programming experience, including 3-axis, 4-axis, and multi-axis operations.
• Proficiency with CAM software for CNC mill programming (experience with Mastercam is strongly preferred).
• Strong blueprint reading skills with solid understanding of GD&T requirements and how they apply to machining processes.
• Ability to interpret customer drawings, specifications, and tolerances to develop accurate machining plans.
• Experience programming and supporting CNC milling operations in a high-mix, low-volume job shop environment.
• Multi-axis machining experience, including programming strategies for complex geometries.
• Demonstrated ability to design or select appropriate fixtures and workholding solutions for various part configurations.
• Experience holding tight tolerances of \u00B1.001\" or tighter on precision-machined components.
• Proficiency using precision measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, and other inspection tools for first-piece and in-process inspection.
• Background in machining and manufacturing for aerospace, defense, medical, or other precision component industries.
• Proven record of cycle time reduction and process improvement initiatives in a machining environment.
• Ability to troubleshoot CNC programs, tooling selections, and machining issues efficiently and effectively.
• Solid understanding of feeds, speeds, tool paths, and cutting strategies for different materials.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift based on customer demands and delivery schedules.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience programming from scratch using customer prints and CAD models in a precision machining environment.
• Exposure to both milling and lathe operations, with the ability to support CNC programming across multiple machine types.
• Experience in a job shop atmosphere with a variety of parts and projects rather than repetitive production work.
• Ability to create and maintain detailed setup sheets and process documentation for repeat jobs.
• Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with machinists, engineering, and quality personnel.
• Comfort taking ownership of projects from concept through production, including programming, setup, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to make process improvements and see results on the shop floor.
• Interest in craftsmanship and precision machining, with attention to detail and quality.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and new customer requirements in a dynamic environment.

Why Work Here?
You will join a precision machining environment that values craftsmanship, autonomy, and problem-solving. The role offers first-shift hours only, with flexibility to choose your start and end time within the shops operating hours as long as weekly hour requirements are met, supporting strong work-life balance. You are not just pushing buttons; you have real ownership of the machining process from programming through production, with the opportunity to program from scratch, work on a wide variety of parts and projects, and see the direct impact of your ideas on the shop floor. The smaller team structure provides a high level of autonomy, direct access to decision-makers, and a collaborative culture where programmers, machinists, engineering, and quality work closely together to solve problems and drive continuous improvement.
Work Environment
The shop operates during first shift hours between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with training typically running from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. After training, you can choose the hours that work best for you within this window, provided you complete a 50-hour workweek. The environment is a high-mix, low-volume job shop with a variety of parts and projects, so you will not run the same production part every day. This variety keeps work engaging and exposes you to different setups, materials, and customer requirements. The team is smaller, offering direct access to decision-makers and a collaborative shop floor where programmers work closely with machining, engineering, and quality personnel. The pace is fast, and priorities can shift based on customer demands, delivery schedules, and new jobs entering the shop, creating an environment suited for individuals who enjoy dynamic, hands-on work with continuous problem-solving and process improvement.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockford, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $30.00/hr.
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.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockford, IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Rockford,IL.

About Aerotek

Aerotek\u00AE 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.