Cnc Machine Operator

Job Title: Semiautomatic Specialist Operator (Machine Operator) Job Description
This role focuses on operating semiautomatic production equipment to support line leaders in a high-speed packaging environment. You will perform changeovers, quality inspections, machine cleaning, and proactively identify safety and quality issues while ensuring consistent production performance. The position requires hands-on work with packaging and CNC-related equipment, material handling, and close collaboration with maintenance and engineering teams.
Responsibilities

• Operate one or multiple pieces of production equipment, including semiautomatic lines such as Box Former, Box Closer, and/or Case Packer machines.
• Move raw materials to the production line and perform tasks such as filling, lifting, loading, and carrying materials as needed.
• Provide proactive support and demonstrate leadership in safety and quality throughout daily operations.
• Comply with all applicable safety legal requirements, standards, and procedures for the production area.
• Maintain cleanliness and good working conditions of machines and the work area before, during, and after each shift.
• Set up, operate, and perform changeovers and fine adjustments on the semiautomatic line to meet production specifications.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues promptly and take corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Follow established quality standards, perform quality checks, and ensure products meet all quality and safety requirements.
• Collaborate closely with maintenance, engineering, and other support teams to resolve technical issues and improve equipment performance.
• Achieve or exceed standard hourly production targets while maintaining high quality and safety standards.
• Support line operation activities such as Autonomous Maintenance (AM), 5S, quality checks, and Line Release Audits.
• Participate in quality assurance and quality control activities, including inspections, documentation, and verification of product specifications.
• Propose and support improvements in production processes related to safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Interpret blueprints and use measuring tools such as tape measures to verify dimensions and ensure accuracy.
• Perform minor mechanical repairs and basic preventative maintenance on equipment as required.
• Use production-related computer systems and interfaces (such as Easy HMI and electronic settings) to monitor and adjust equipment.
• Handle and operate forklifts and other material handling equipment when required, in accordance with safety guidelines.
• Work continuously on your feet, including standing, walking, bending, twisting, turning, and lifting product up to 33 lbs consistently and up to 50 lbs for up to 50% of the shift.
• Perform repetitive motions such as grabbing and pinching, and safely bend and squat as needed to complete production tasks.
• Support general production activities and contribute to a clean, organized, and efficient manufacturing environment.

Essential Skills

• 12 years of experience as a machine operator, preferably on high-speed production lines with box former, box closer, and case packer machines.
• 24 years of CNC machine operations experience, including CNC machine operation and working with CNC programs.
• Hands-on experience with production and packaging equipment in a process manufacturing or packaging environment (ideal but not strictly required).
• Experience with cardboard processing machinery, particularly in packaging applications, is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to perform troubleshooting and changeovers on production and CNC equipment.
• Strong background in quality control, quality assurance, and performing routine quality checks on production output.
• Experience with general production and machine operation, including loading materials and handling production equipment.
• Ability to operate forklifts and other material handling equipment safely, where required.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and use a tape measure accurately.
• Strong math skills, including understanding fractions and decimals for precise measurements.
• Analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve equipment or process issues.
• Experience using computers in a manufacturing setting, including working with Easy HMI and electronic settings.
• Experience performing minor mechanical repairs and basic preventative maintenance on machines.
• Ability to lift, pull, and push up to 50 lbs for up to 50% of the shift.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, twist, and perform repetitive motions for prolonged periods, up to 12 hours per day as needed.
• Ability to consistently lift product up to 33 lbs, perform grabbing and pinching motions, and bend or squat safely during tasks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with team members and support functions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Education in Mechatronics, an Associate Degree, or formal training in CNC operations and packaging equipment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with process manufacturing or packaging equipment is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with Autonomous Maintenance (AM), 5S, and structured quality systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Comfort working in a structured, metrics-driven environment with standard hourly production targets.
• Interest in continuous learning and skill development, including progression to higher-level operator roles.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams such as maintenance, engineering, and quality.
• Comfort adapting to new equipment, technologies, and processes as the facility expands and new machinery is introduced.

Why Work Here?
The organization places people and their well-being at the center of its operations and strives to ensure that only the best is good enough in everything it does. You will join a company that emphasizes positive impact on the environment and local communities while inspiring future builders and innovators. The culture prioritizes training, consistent safety and development standards, and ongoing performance feedback to help you grow in your career. You can expect structured career paths with clear progression, including opportunities for upward mobility as the site expands and adds hundreds of new roles, enabling motivated associates to advance to higher-level operator, trainer, and supervisory positions. A comprehensive benefits program supports your overall well-being, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, a 401(k), health-spending accounts, and additional ancillary benefits. You will accrue vacation time at a rate of 120 hours per year starting on your hire date, and you will have access to enhanced family care leave options for important moments in your life. Wellness resources help you be your best self, and a formal bonus program offers additional earning potential based on performance.
Work Environment
You will work in a very clean, state-of-the-art facility located in Colonial Heights that houses packaging operations, a warehouse, and a training center. The site is climate controlled and designed for comfort and efficiency, with plans to expand into a larger facility that will include substantially more equipment, additional square footage, and hundreds of additional machines. As the facility grows, it will also feature amenities such as an onsite retail store and other on-campus conveniences. The workplace includes a canteen and breakroom with food and drink machines, as well as a locker room with lockers available upon request; if lockers are unavailable, personal items may be stored safely on top of lockers, or kept in your vehicle if preferred. The environment is highly safety-focused, with clear policies including no jewelry, phones, fake nails, fake lashes, nail polish, or hoodies on the production floor. Cell phones are not allowed on the production floor at any time and must be stored securely in lockers or in vehicles. You will work in a manufacturing environment that emphasizes cleanliness, organization, and adherence to 5S and safety standards. The role typically follows 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. shifts (such as J and K shifts), requiring extended periods of standing, walking, bending, and lifting while working around high-speed production and packaging equipment in a modern, well-maintained facility.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Colonial Heights, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $22.50 - $22.50/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 Colonial Heights,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek\u00AE 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.