Manual Machinist - Entry Level CNC

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on operating a variety of manual machines. You will work in a small, hands-on shop environment, producing high-volume parts, taking precise measurements, and supporting general fabrication activities as needed. The position is ideal for someone with manual lathe or machine shop experience who enjoys working with their hands, using math daily, and developing long-term skills on a broad range of manual equipment.

Responsibilities

• Progressively train on and operate additional manual machines, including horizontal lathes, a broach, punch press, brake press, cutting torch, and drill press for set screws.

• Use hand drills and other hand tools as needed to complete machining and fabrication tasks.

• Produce parts in a high-production, high-volume environment while maintaining quality and accuracy.

• Measure parts daily using micrometers, calipers, and other precision measuring tools to verify dimensions.

• Read and interpret blueprints and work instructions to set up and run manual machines correctly.

• Apply basic to intermediate math skills every day to perform measurements, conversions, and calculations related to machining.

• Record measurements and production information accurately for quality and tracking purposes.

• Assist occasionally with welding and grinding tasks when needed.

• Perform basic equipment checks, keep work areas organized, and follow shop safety procedures.

• Lift and move materials and parts weighing up to 50 pounds throughout the shift.

• Support warehouse-related duties as needed, such as handling materials and working around racking and truck docks.

• Collaborate with a small team to meet production goals and maintain a smooth workflow in the shop.

Essential Skills

• Proven ability to use and read micrometers accurately on a daily basis.

• Experience using calipers and other precision measuring tools for quality checks.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and follow detailed machining instructions.

• Solid math skills and comfort using math every day in a machining environment.

• Experience with general machine operation in a production or fabrication setting.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely and remain on your feet throughout the shift.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality parts.

• Willingness to learn multiple manual machines and develop long-term skills in a shop environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• CNC experience is acceptable and can be transferable, with the understanding that this facility uses only manual machines.

• Previous fabrication or general shop experience is highly beneficial.

• Interest in long-term employment and growing skills within a small, hands-on company.

• Comfort working in a high-volume production environment while maintaining quality standards.

Why Work Here?

You will join a small, family-owned, climate-controlled shop that values long-term relationships and hands-on skill development. The company offers profit sharing once you become a direct employee, competitive benefits, paid time off, and nine paid holidays, including Good Friday. The environment emphasizes work-life balance with no mandatory overtime or weekend work, allowing you to build a stable career while maintaining time for life outside of work.

Work Environment

• The role is based in a small, climate-controlled facility with approximately 15 employees, fostering a close-knit and collaborative atmosphere. The shop includes racking, two truck docks, and a dedicated manual machine shop equipped with engine lathes, horizontal lathes, a broach, punch press, brake press, cutting torch, drill presses, and other manual equipment. You will spend most of the day on your feet operating machines, handling parts, and performing measurements in a high-production environment. The setting is a traditional fabrication and machining shop, where safety practices, appropriate work attire, and readiness for hands-on, physical work are important. As you grow in the role, you may also support warehouse duties and gain exposure to a wide variety of manual machining operations.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Bloomington,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 24, 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.