1st Shift CNC Lathe Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: 1st Shift CNC Lathe Set-Up Operator | $20-$24/hr | Ashland, OH

Job Description

This role focuses on setting up and operating CNC lathes in a job shop environment to produce precision parts from a variety of materials. You will interpret blueprints and job orders, perform machine set-ups and changeovers, select tooling, make machine edits, and verify part quality using precision measuring instruments. The position runs on a first-shift schedule and offers stable hours in a clean, organized, and climate-controlled facility.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC lathes in a job shop environment to produce precision parts to specification.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and job orders to determine dimensions, tolerances, tooling, and machining sequences.
• Perform complete machine set-ups and tear downs, including changeovers between different jobs.
• Select and install appropriate tooling and workholding for each job based on material and part requirements.
• Make machine edits, including offsets and minor program adjustments, to achieve required dimensions and finishes.
• Perform tool changes and adjust offsets to compensate for tool wear and maintain part quality.
• Use precision measuring equipment such as micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and other gauges to verify part dimensions and ensure tight tolerances, including ±0.005 inches.
• Monitor machine operations throughout production runs and make necessary adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot machining issues and make appropriate mechanical or program-related corrections to resolve problems.
• Perform basic repairs and maintenance tasks on equipment as needed to keep machines in good working order.
• Document work performed, including set-up details, inspection results, and any adjustments made during production.
• Collaborate with team members to identify and implement improvements to machining processes and productivity.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in accordance with shop standards and safety practices.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience operating and setting up CNC machines (mills or lathes) in a job shop environment.
• Proven experience performing full CNC machine set-ups and tear downs, including job changeovers.
• Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Hands-on experience with offsets and tool changes on CNC equipment.
• Demonstrated skill in choosing appropriate tooling for various materials and part requirements.
• Proficiency using precision measuring equipment such as micrometers, calipers, and bore gauges to verify tight tolerances, including ±0.005 inches.
• Experience working with materials such as steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, bronze, cast iron, and plastic.
• Ability to monitor machining processes and adjust parameters to maintain quality standards.
• Experience troubleshooting machining issues and performing basic repairs on CNC equipment.
• Capability to document set-ups, measurements, and production information accurately and clearly.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• machining within a small to mid-sized job shop environment.
• Familiarity with both milling and turning operations.
• Experience working with a mix of newer and older CNC equipment.
• Comfort working with vertical and horizontal mills as well as various CNC lathe platforms.
• Understanding of general machining principles and process optimization in a job shop setting.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a small team and contribute to a positive, supportive work culture.

Why Work Here?

The company offers a stable first-shift schedule with a short Friday and no weekend work, supporting strong work-life balance. Team members enjoy six standard paid holidays, vacation after the first year, and a solid benefits package. The organization recognizes and rewards effort with meaningful bonuses, including a generous Christmas bonus structure, and hosts company cookouts that foster camaraderie. The culture is family oriented and laid back, combining professionalism with a friendly, supportive atmosphere.

Work Environment

You will work in a small job shop environment of approximately 37,000 square feet, equipped with around 30 machines and staffed by about 20 employees. The facility operates on a first-shift schedule, Monday through Thursday from 6:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., with no weekend work. The shop features a mix of new and older CNC mills and lathes, including primarily modern machining centers, with at least one Fadal mill and a range of CNC lathe platforms such as Lynx and Doosan/Puma. The environment is clean, safe, organized, and climate controlled, providing a comfortable and professional setting for precision machining work. Dress expectations align with a typical machine shop setting, emphasizing safety and practicality around active production equipment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ashland, OH.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/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 Ashland,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 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.