CNC Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Aerotek is hiring CNC Operators for a manufacturing company located in Lexington, TN. These positions are 4 month contract to hire roles paying $24-$26/hr with shift differentials. 5% increase for 2nd shift and 10% increase for 3rd shift. If qualified and interested, please apply for immediate consideration.

2nd shift:  Monday - Friday 2:00 - 10:30 pm (overtime potential on the weekends)

3rd shift: Monday - Friday - 10:30 pm - 6:30 am (overtime potential on the weekends)

Job Description

This fast-paced CNC Operator role focuses on operating and fabricating sheet metal components using CNC equipment such as press brakes, lasers, and other fabrication machinery. You will perform machine setup, adjustments, and basic preventative maintenance while ensuring parts are produced accurately to blueprint specifications and quality standards. The position requires strong attention to safety, quality, and efficiency in a high-speed production environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC fabrication equipment, including press brakes, lasers, and related cutting and bending machinery, to produce sheet metal components to specification.
• Set up CNC machines by installing and adjusting tooling, setting back gauges, selecting appropriate dies, and dialing in bend parameters to achieve accurate parts.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance on equipment, including monitoring lubrication, checking hydraulic pressure, cleaning sensors, and reporting mechanical issues promptly.
• Safely load, position, and support sheet metal to prevent damage, misalignment, or safety hazards during machine operation.
• Interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and work orders to determine material requirements, dimensions, tolerances, and production steps.
• Conduct quality inspections using micrometers, calipers, tape measures, and other precision measuring tools, applying math skills for decimals and fractions to verify dimensions.
• Follow strict safety procedures at all times, maintain a clean and organized work area, and use required personal protective equipment.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and report equipment, process, or safety issues to maintain production metrics and minimize downtime.
• Assist with inventory and material management by tracking materials, supplies, and work-in-progress as needed.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts focused on efficiency, quality, and safety within the production environment.
• Work effectively in a high-speed manufacturing or job shop setting, meeting production schedules and quality targets.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to support smooth workflow across shifts and production areas.

Essential Skills

• 2–3 years of experience in CNC operations, specifically press brake operation, in a high-speed manufacturing environment or job shop.
• Strong knowledge of production machinery, including setup and changeover of CNC press brakes, lasers, and related fabrication equipment.
• Proficiency in CNC machine setup, including tooling installation, back gauge adjustment, die selection, and bend parameter configuration.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and work orders accurately.
• Hands-on experience with laser cutting and press brake operations in a production environment.
• Competence in using precision measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, and tape measures for quality inspection.
• Solid math skills, including working with decimals and fractions, to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Understanding of and adherence to manufacturing safety practices, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
• High school diploma or GED required.