Machine Operator

Job Title: CNC Cutting Machine Operator

Job Description

The CNC Cutting Machine Operator sets up and operates high-pressure waterjet cutting equipment to produce precision components for custom-engineered systems used in scientific, industrial, energy, and aerospace applications. This hands-on role works closely with fabrication and machining teams, using advanced manufacturing technologies to support one-of-a-kind projects. The position offers strong opportunities for long-term growth in machining, fabrication, CAD programming, 3D printing, and reverse engineering.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC waterjet cutting machinery to produce precision parts according to blueprints and technical drawings.
• Set up machines, select appropriate materials, and verify correct tooling and cutting parameters before production runs.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and work instructions to ensure accurate part dimensions and tolerances.
• Use precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and tape measures to inspect parts and verify quality.
• Perform basic manual machining and operate related equipment such as mills, lathes, grinders, and burn tables as needed.
• Assist with laser, plasma, and other CNC cutting operations when required to support production schedules.
• Handle sheet metal and other materials safely, including loading and unloading materials onto cutting tables and workstations.
• Use hand tools and fabrication tools to deburr, finish, and prepare parts for subsequent manufacturing processes.
• Follow quality assurance procedures to maintain high standards of accuracy, detail, and consistency in all produced components.
• Inspect finished parts for defects, dimensional accuracy, and overall quality, and communicate any issues to the appropriate team members.
• Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment safely to move raw materials and finished products within the facility, if qualified.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with shop safety and housekeeping standards.
• Collaborate with machinists, engineers, fabricators, and quality personnel to resolve production issues and improve processes.
• Support general production tasks and assist other team members as needed to meet project deadlines and customer requirements.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating CNC equipment such as waterjet, laser, plasma, router tables, or similar machinery (preferred).
• Previous manufacturing experience in an industrial or fabrication environment (preferred).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings accurately.
• Basic math skills, including measurements, geometry, fractions, and material layout calculations.
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Ability to use precision measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, and tape measures.
• Strong attention to detail with a demonstrated commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Capability to perform frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and material handling throughout the shift.
• Valid driver's license.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with digital fabrication technologies such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, or maker-space equipment.
• Familiarity with CAD software such as AutoCAD or similar programs.
• Manual machining experience, including operation of mills, lathes, and grinders.
• Experience with laser operation, plasma cutting, and burn table operation.
• Sheet metal fabrication experience and general production or construction experience.
• Forklift experience; certification can be provided by the employer.
• Comfort working with hand tools, fabrication tools, and inspection equipment.
• Interest in learning CAD programming, 3D printing, and reverse engineering as part of long-term career development.

Why Work Here?

Employees contribute to one-of-a-kind, custom-engineered projects that support leading scientific, energy, and industrial organizations worldwide. The environment emphasizes continuous learning, with exposure to advanced fabrication technologies, CNC machining, 3D printing, reverse engineering, and custom manufacturing rather than repetitive production work. Team members can steadily expand their technical skills and build a long-term career in a highly specialized and innovative manufacturing setting that values craftsmanship, quality, and collaboration.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean but industrial fabrication and manufacturing environment focused on producing custom cryogenic, process, and engineered equipment. Team members work with CNC cutting machinery, laser and plasma equipment, material handling tools, and a variety of fabrication and manual machining equipment. Daily work involves using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and tape measures to verify part quality. The environment includes exposure to metal materials, machine noise, moving equipment, and active production operations. The position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and material handling throughout the shift. Work is highly collaborative, with operators regularly interacting with machinists, engineers, fabricators, and quality personnel while supporting a wide variety of custom projects instead of repetitive production run

This is a Permanent position based out of South Holland, IL.

The pay range for this position is $41600.00 - $72800.00/yr.

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.

401(k) Retirement Plan 401(k) Company Match Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Life Insurance Paid Time Off (PTO) Tuition Reimbursement Full-Time Employment Stable, long-standing company with over 75 years in business Opportunity to work on custom projects supporting industries such as aerospace, scientific research, energy, and industrial manufacturing

This is a Permanent position based out of South Holland, IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in South Holland,IL.

Aerotek® 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.