Machinist Apprentice

Job Title: Machinist Helper / CNC Apprentice Job Description

This role offers an opportunity to start as a machinist helper and CNC apprentice, supporting a busy machine shop while learning to operate mills, lathes, and CNC equipment. You will perform basic setups, material checks, and machining support tasks, with a clear path to grow into a full operator or machinist role over time.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations in the machine shop by assisting with machining and production tasks.

• Perform material length checks to ensure accuracy before and during machining.

• Set up parts on mills, lathes, drill presses, and other machine tools under guidance.

• Assist with basic machine setup and change heads as directed by experienced machinists.

• Read and interpret blueprints to understand part specifications and machining requirements.

• Use calipers, micrometers, and other precision measuring tools to verify part dimensions.

• Help operate manual and CNC equipment, including mills, lathes, and drill presses.

• Learn and support machining processes on horizontal, vertical, and boring machines.

• Assist with machining of various materials such as grey iron, steel, and carbon steel.

• Support operations on multi-axis machines, including 4-axis and 5-axis equipment as needed.

• Work around CNC controls such as Fanuc and Haas and learn to navigate machine interfaces.

• Gain exposure to g-code and m-code programming concepts used in CNC machining.

• Assist with safe operation and basic use of overhead cranes for material handling.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area in the machine shop.

• Follow all safety procedures and shop guidelines while working with machinery and tools.

• Continuously learn new machines and processes to progress toward operator/machinist responsibilities.

Essential Skills

• Ability to perform material length checks accurately and consistently.

• Basic experience or familiarity with mills, lathes, and drill presses.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints for machining tasks.

• Competence in using precision measuring tools such as calipers and micrometers.

• Willingness and ability to learn CNC machines and machining processes.

• Comfort working with machine shop equipment including horizontal and vertical machines.

• Ability to assist with changing heads and basic machine setups.

• Attention to detail when working with grey iron, steel, and carbon steel materials.

• Commitment to following safety procedures in a manufacturing and machine shop environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with crimpers and related shop tools.

• Exposure to CNC controls such as Fanuc and Haas is a plus.

• Basic understanding of g-code and m-code is beneficial but can be learned on the job.

• Interest in learning multi-axis machining, including 4-axis and 5-axis equipment.

• Willingness to learn horizontal boring operations and other advanced machining processes.

• Ability to work with overhead cranes for material handling after training.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and desire to build a long-term career in machining.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable manufacturing environment that invests in your development and offers a clear path for long-term growth. The role provides structured evaluations and pay increases after 90 days, reflecting your progress and contributions. You will gain hands-on experience with modern machining technologies in a climate-controlled facility, with opportunities to expand your skills and advance your career over time.

Work Environment

This position is based in a manufacturing machine shop that is climate controlled, providing a comfortable and consistent work setting. The standard schedule is first shift, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with overtime on Saturdays as needed. You will work around mills, lathes, drill presses, horizontal and vertical machines, boring equipment, and multi-axis CNC machines using controls such as Fanuc and Haas. The environment emphasizes safety, precision, and teamwork, with regular use of measuring tools and shop equipment in a structured production setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hixson, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $18.50/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 Hixson,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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.