CNC Machine Operator

Job Title: CNC Machine Operator

Job Description

The CNC Machine Operator sets up and operates a variety of fabrication machines to process steel plate and structural materials with a high level of precision and safety. This role focuses on importing and verifying machine programs, performing thorough safety checks, and cutting or drilling metal according to detailed specifications. The position also involves rigging and moving heavy beams using overhead cranes, interpreting CAD drawings, and ensuring all finished parts meet strict quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Import machine programs, verify that the file on the machine matches the imported program, and complete the full machine setup before production.
• Perform a comprehensive safety check of each machine prior to operation to ensure safe and reliable performance.
• Set up and operate the burn table to process plate materials in accordance with design specifications.
• Select and adjust appropriate machine settings for burning, drilling, cutting, and forming operations to achieve optimal results.
• Operate a range of shop equipment, including drill presses, drill lines, plasma tables, burn tables, brake presses or press brakes, shears, band saws, and CNC saws.
• Transfer layout data accurately onto steel materials to ensure correct cutting and drilling locations.
• Perform basic machine maintenance, cleaning, and troubleshooting to keep equipment in good working condition.
• Safely rig, lift, and position heavy steel beams and plate materials using overhead cranes, slings, and rigging hardware.
• Inspect rigging equipment before use and follow all established safety protocols during lifting and material handling.
• Move materials efficiently throughout the shop to support smooth production flow and minimize downtime.
• Measure materials and finished parts to confirm conformance with design specifications and required tolerances.
• Read and interpret CAD drawings, symbols, notes, and cut lists to guide machining and fabrication work.
• Verify dimensions using tape measures, squares, calipers, and other precision tools, maintaining tolerances to within 1/16 inch.
• Inspect finished parts for accuracy, quality, and compliance with project and shop standards.
• Collaborate with other team members in the structural department to support production schedules and maintain a safe, organized work area.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating CNC machines such as burn tables, plasma cutters, drill lines, and CNC saws.
• Proficiency in operating overhead cranes and safely rigging heavy materials.
• Prior experience in steel fabrication or heavy manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with steel grades, tolerances, and fabrication processes.
• Ability to read and interpret CAD drawings, symbols, notes, and cut lists.
• Skill in using measuring tools such as tape measures, squares, and calipers to verify dimensions to within 1/16 inch.
• Ability to set up and operate equipment including drill presses, plasma tables, burn tables, brake presses or press brakes, shears, band saws, and CNC saws.
• Strong commitment to safety procedures and safe work practices in a heavy industrial environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience transferring layout data onto steel materials accurately.
• Background in basic machine maintenance, cleaning, and troubleshooting.
• Comfort working with both new and older fabrication equipment.
• Ability to work effectively within a structural steel department and support production flow.
• Ownership of basic hand tools suitable for fabrication and machine operation work.

This is a Contract position based out of Richmond, VA.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $26.00/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 Richmond,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 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.