Cnc Machinist

Job Title: CNC Machinist / CNC Operator Job Description

This role focuses on operating horizontal CNC milling centers in a clean, modern, and well-organized production environment. You will work closely with a set-up machinist to keep machines running efficiently, loading and unloading parts, and performing precise quality checks using micrometers, calipers, and other gauges. As you demonstrate initiative, you will receive training to perform machine set-ups and first piece inspections, ensuring dimensions are accurate so operators can maintain high production output while meeting strict quality standards. The equipment includes primarily 5-axis and 6-axis horizontal milling centers from leading brands, with typical cycle times ranging from 30 minutes to just over an hour.

Responsibilities

• Operate horizontal CNC milling centers, primarily 5-axis and 6-axis machines, to produce precision components according to specifications.

• Work closely with the set-up machinist to help get machines properly running and maintain efficient, stable production.

• Load and unload parts from CNC machines, ensuring correct orientation and secure fixturing for each job.

• Perform first piece inspections to verify all dimensions and features are set accurately before releasing jobs to production.

• Conduct in-process and final quality checks using micrometers, calipers, and other precision gauges to ensure parts remain within specification.

• Read and interpret blueprints, work orders, and engineering drawings to determine machining requirements and proper machine settings.

• Support the understanding and eventual execution of G and M codes to adjust programs and optimize machining processes as needed.

• Work with different materials, including aluminum and ductile iron, adjusting tooling and methods to achieve the required finish and tolerances.

• Monitor machine performance and part quality throughout the run, making basic adjustments to offsets or tooling as directed.

• Assist with and learn machine set-ups when opportunities arise, including tooling changes, fixture adjustments, and program selection.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area, following established safety and quality procedures at all times.

• Communicate effectively with team members and leadership regarding quality issues, machine concerns, and opportunities for process improvement.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in CNC machining, with hands-on operating experience on horizontal milling centers.

• Proficiency in operating CNC mills, including loading/unloading parts and monitoring machining operations.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, work orders, and engineering drawings accurately.

• Demonstrated experience using precision measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, and gauges for dimensional inspection.

• Experience working with metals, particularly aluminum and ductile iron, in a machining environment.

• Familiarity with multi-axis CNC machines, with exposure to 5-axis and 6-axis equipment considered highly beneficial.

• Foundational knowledge of CNC programming concepts, including G and M codes, with the ability to learn and apply them over time.

• Understanding of basic CNC set-up tasks, such as tooling changes, fixture installation, and program loading.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to meeting tight tolerances and quality standards.

• Ability to work safely around CNC machines, mills, lathes, and grinders, following established procedures and guidelines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or technical school education preferred but not required.

• Experience with CNC set-up responsibilities, including first piece inspection and verification of dimensions.

• Background in a job shop or production machining environment, working with CNC lathes, vertical mills, and milling machines.

• Exposure to major CNC brands such as DMG, Haas, and Fanuc-controlled machines.

• Familiarity with Mastercam or similar CAM software for CNC programming and toolpath generation.

• Experience with metal cutting processes, including milling, turning, and grinding operations.

• Ability to work with build tools and various cutting tools to optimize machining performance.

• Comfort working with 6-axis CNC machines and other advanced machining technology.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills in a machining context.

• Willingness to learn new equipment and processes as additional machines are added to the facility.

Why Work Here?

You will join a supportive team in a clean, climate-controlled facility that invests in modern equipment and continuous improvement. The environment encourages collaboration, learning, and professional growth, with opportunities to expand your skills in advanced multi-axis machining and set-up work. The culture focuses on making processes better, maintaining high quality standards, and providing a stable, well-organized workplace where employees can build long-term careers.

Work Environment

The work takes place in a medium-sized, very clean, and well-organized manufacturing facility that is climate controlled for comfort and consistency. The layout is thoughtfully designed to support efficient workflow and safe operations. The shop currently operates approximately eight CNC machines, primarily horizontal milling centers with 5-axis and 6-axis capabilities, and plans to add two to three more machines by the end of the year. You will work around mills, lathes, grinders, and advanced CNC equipment from modern brands, using precision measuring tools such as micrometers and calipers. The environment emphasizes cleanliness, organization, and adherence to safety and quality procedures, providing a professional setting focused on high-quality production and ongoing improvement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.50 - $35.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in GLENDALE HEIGHTS,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.

About Aerotek

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.