Cnc Operator

Job Title: CNC Operator Job Description

This role focuses on operating and, depending on experience, setting up CNC mills and lathes to perform machining operations on a variety of metal parts. You will work with modern CNC equipment to support production by loading and unloading parts, changing tools, and using precision measuring instruments to verify quality. Over time, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and learn full machine setups.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC mills and lathes to perform machining operations such as turning, boring, facing, and threading on parts including castings, forgings, and bar stock.
• Load and unload parts into CNC machines safely and efficiently throughout the shift.
• Change and adjust cutting tools, inserts, and tool holders as required by the job and according to work instructions.
• Monitor machines during operation to identify issues such as excessive vibration, unusual sounds, or poor surface finish, and take appropriate corrective action.
• For setup-level candidates, set up CNC mills and lathes, including installing fixtures, loading programs, setting tool offsets, and verifying first-piece quality.
• Follow production routers, work orders, and setup sheets to ensure parts meet specifications and delivery schedules.
• Use precision inspection tools, including micrometers and calipers, to measure parts and verify dimensions against engineering drawings or specifications.
• Document inspection results and communicate any nonconformances or quality concerns to the appropriate personnel.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including regular removal of chips and proper handling of tools and materials.
• Follow all safety procedures while working with CNC machinery, cutting tools, and measuring equipment.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to resolve machining issues and support continuous improvement.
• Actively learn and develop skills to progress from basic operation to performing full CNC setups over time.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience operating CNC lathes and CNC mills in a machining or machine shop environment.
• Ability to operate CNC machines that perform turning, boring, facing, and threading operations on metal components.
• Familiarity with CNC controls such as Fanuc and Haas for running production jobs.
• Basic understanding of machining processes and how mills and lathes remove material to achieve required dimensions.
• Ability to use precision inspection tools, including micrometers and calipers, to measure parts accurately.
• Comfort working in a machine shop environment with CNC equipment, cutting fluids, and metal chips.
• Strong soft skills, including reliability, communication, willingness to learn, and ability to work as part of a team.
• Familiarity with machining setups or a strong interest in learning CNC setup over time.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience performing CNC setup on mills or lathes, including tooling selection, workholding setup, and offset setting.
• Background working with various CNC machines in a production machine shop.
• Exposure to machining centers and turning centers using Fanuc or Haas controls.
• Ability to read and interpret basic engineering drawings and part prints.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills related to machining processes.
• Demonstrated interest in growing within the machining trade and taking on more advanced responsibilities over time.

Why Work Here?

You will join a production environment that values hands-on learning, skill development, and long-term growth in the machining trade. The team encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing so you can progress from basic machine operation to more advanced setup responsibilities. You will gain experience with modern CNC equipment and quality tools while working in a setting that emphasizes reliability, communication, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

This position is based in a machine shop environment working with CNC mills and lathes. You will spend most of your time on the shop floor around running machinery, cutting fluids, and metal chips, frequently loading and unloading parts and handling tools. The role involves standing for extended periods and performing repetitive tasks while maintaining focus on safety and quality. You will regularly use precision measuring instruments such as micrometers and calipers, and work with CNC machines equipped with controls such as Fanuc and Haas. Standard shop-appropriate attire and personal protective equipment are required in the work area.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Alexandria, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Alexandria, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Alexandria,MN.

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.