Machinist

Job Title: Machinist

Job Description

This role completes the machining and fitting of a wide variety of metal parts, tools, and machines with minimal supervision. The machinist interprets engineering drawings, blueprints, sketches, written specifications, and schematics to accurately plan and perform work. The position requires setting up and operating a full range of machines and machine tools, performing progressive machining operations to very close tolerances and meeting unusual requirements when needed. The machinist determines operation sequences, selects appropriate tooling based on machinability of metals, and applies correct feeds and speeds. The role includes operating CNC machines with a working knowledge of programming fundamentals, consistently producing work that meets specification, and performing routine maintenance and coolant monitoring tasks.

Responsibilities

• Carry machining and fitting of metal parts, tools, and machines through to completion with minimal supervision.

• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, sketches, written specifications, and schematics to plan and perform machining work accurately.

• Set up and operate all available machines and machine tools in the shop.

• Perform progressive machining operations on work involving very close tolerances or unusual requirements.

• Determine the correct sequence of operations for each job to achieve efficient and accurate results.

• Use all machinists' hand tools skillfully for measuring, layout, fitting, and finishing tasks.

• Evaluate the machinability of metals to select proper tooling geometry and apply appropriate feeds and speeds.

• Operate CNC machines and apply a working knowledge of CNC programming fundamentals to set up and run jobs.

• Ensure all work produced consistently meets required specifications and quality standards.

• Monitor coolant quality on assigned machines and change coolant as required to maintain proper operating conditions.

• Perform daily and weekly Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) tasks with accuracy and consistency.

• Troubleshoot machining and mechanical issues as they arise to minimize downtime and maintain part quality.

• Perform other duties within the same salary grade or below as assigned by the supervisor.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience as a machinist with strong trade skills and knowledge of machine shop practices.

• Ability to interpret and work from engineering drawings, blueprints, sketches, written specifications, and schematics.

• Hands-on experience setting up and operating a wide variety of conventional machines and machine tools.

• Demonstrated ability to perform machining operations to very close tolerances and handle unusual or complex requirements.

• Proficiency in using machinists' hand tools for measurement, layout, and fitting.

• Ability to determine machinability of metals and select appropriate tooling geometry and cutting parameters.

• Experience operating CNC machines, including a working knowledge of CNC programming fundamentals.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of basic mechanical principles.

• Solid grasp of shop mathematics for layout, measurement, and machining calculations.

• Troubleshooting skills for resolving machining and mechanical issues.

• Ability to work with minimal supervision while maintaining high quality and productivity.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Two (2) year vocational or accredited school graduate, or equivalent education.

• Approximately three (3) years of machining experience in a machine shop environment.

• Knowledge of machining practices and techniques across different materials and part types.

• Familiarity with setups, tooling applications, and operating methods for various machine tools.

• Experience working from and verifying complex blueprints and mechanical drawings.

• Comfort using CNC equipment and related software at a fundamental programming level.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to meeting specifications and quality standards.

• Ability to follow established maintenance routines, including daily and weekly TPM tasks.

• Effective communication skills to work with supervisors and team members on job requirements and issues.

• Willingness to work assigned shifts, including second or weekend shifts as needed.

Why Work Here?

You will join a workplace that values your technical skills and supports your long-term growth. The organization offers competitive compensation with additional bonus opportunities, along with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage effective from your first day. A best-in-class 401(k) plan with a strong company match helps you build a secure financial future. Generous paid time off and holidays support a healthy work-life balance, while tuition reimbursement and continuous learning opportunities encourage ongoing professional development and career advancement.

Work Environment

This position is based in a production machine shop environment with access to a wide range of conventional and CNC machine tools, machinists' hand tools, and coolant systems. The role requires regular performance of daily and weekly Total Productive Maintenance tasks and routine monitoring and changing of coolant. Multiple shifts are available, including a first shift from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, a second shift from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and a weekend (fourth) shift from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The environment is hands-on, mechanically focused, and suited to individuals who enjoy working with machinery, maintaining equipment, and producing precision components.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of North Mankato, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $68806.00 - $83200.00/yr.

Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary with additional bonus opportunities.

Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective from your first day.

Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a best-in-class company match to support your financial future.

Work-Life Balance: Generous time off package, including PTO and holidays.

Education Assistance: Tuition reimbursement and continuous learning opportunities to support your professional growth.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in North Mankato,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 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.