Machinist - Immediate Hiring

Job Title: Entry Level CNC Mill Machinist – 5-Axis (Swing Shift) (1-2 years experience minimum)

Job Description

This role focuses on operating and setting up 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC vertical and horizontal mills on the swing shift to machine highly complex aerospace and defense components. You will work with advanced 5-axis equipment, including large-format machines, to produce precision parts for commercial, defense, and space applications using both hard metals and aluminum. The position is ideal for someone dependable, with little or some machining experience, who has the drive and ambition to learn and grow in a high-performance aerospace machine shop.

Responsibilities

• Operate 3-, 4-, and 5-axis vertical and horizontal CNC mills to machine complex aerospace and defense components.
• Run 5-axis CNC mill equipment, including Makino Mag 3 machines, for high-speed machining of aluminum and hard metals.
• Set up machines by installing pallets, vises, tombstones, fixtures, and related tooling to support production requirements.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T to ensure accurate part production.
• Use precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and height gauges to verify part quality.
• Apply basic math, geometry, and trigonometry to calculate dimensions, offsets, and machining parameters.
• Support machining of large and complex parts, including components up to approximately 110"–120" in size for aerospace and defense applications.
• Follow established machining processes and quality standards to meet tight tolerances and aerospace requirements.
• Collaborate with team members and leads to troubleshoot issues and continuously improve machining processes.
• Demonstrate reliability, strong work ethic, and eagerness to learn new machining techniques and technologies.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with shop safety and housekeeping standards.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating 3-, 4-, and 5-axis vertical and horizontal CNC mills.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Proficiency using precision measurement tools including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and height gauges.
• Ability to set up CNC mills by installing pallets, vises, tombstones, and fixtures.
• Working knowledge of basic math, geometry, and trigonometry as applied to machining.
• Dependability and strong work ethic with the drive and ambition to learn machining.
• Ability to work effectively on a swing shift schedule in a production environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Willingness to train and develop in CNC machining; candidates with little or some experience are encouraged to apply.
• Previous aerospace manufacturing experience is a significant plus.
• Experience with 5-axis CNC mills, particularly Makino Mag 3 machines, is highly desirable.
• Experience in aluminum machining and defense-related work is advantageous.
• Comfort working on complex assemblies and large aerospace structures.
• Interest in long-term career growth into lead, supervisor, or manager roles.

Why Work Here?

You will join a privately owned aerospace and defense manufacturer that offers a strong benefits package, including a 401(k) with matching, health insurance, dental insurance, and life insurance. The organization emphasizes long-term careers, with an impressive average employee tenure of around 14 years and a strong track record of promoting from within into leadership roles. Leadership actively engages with employees, including gestures like buying lunch to connect with the team, and the contract-to-hire structure provides a clear pathway to a stable, permanent position.

Work Environment

The role is based in a world-class aerospace machine shop that supplies precision machined parts and assemblies to the aerospace and defense industries. The facility operates multiple manufacturing sites and utilizes advanced 5-axis machining technologies, including nutating head and gantry-style equipment, along with Makino Mag 3 CNC mills. You will work on the swing shift in a production environment focused on complex aerospace structures, missile components, and other high-precision defense and space parts. The shop emphasizes high-speed machining of hard metals and aluminum, adherence to rigorous aerospace quality standards, and collaboration within a skilled team of machinists and technicians.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Auburn, WA.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $40.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Auburn,WA.

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

About Aerotek

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 meets 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 solving for 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.

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.