Cnc Operator

Job Title: CNC Machine Operator

Job Description

This role operates computer-controlled CNC vertical and horizontal machines to perform precision machining functions required to produce customer orders. The CNC Machine Operator sets up, runs, and monitors equipment, interprets technical documentation, and ensures parts meet exact specifications while supporting departmental goals for efficiency, quality, and scrap reduction.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate automated CNC vertical and horizontal machines in accordance with work instructions and safety procedures.
• Accurately locate and identify the X, Y, and Z axes on vertical and horizontal machines to ensure proper part alignment and machining accuracy.
• Perform daily point checks on assigned machines, document findings, and promptly report concerns to supervisory personnel; initiate maintenance requests when appropriate.
• Meet departmental and company goals related to efficiency, scrap control, time and motion, and setup time reduction.
• Interpret and follow product blueprints, drawings, sketches, setup sheets, and other work instructions to determine machining requirements.
• Use scales, calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and other precision measuring instruments to verify that parts are machined to required specifications.
• Remove and replace dull or worn cutting tools following established safety protocols and instructions.
• Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
• Listen to machines during operation to detect irregular sounds such as dull cutting tools or excessive vibration, make necessary adjustments, and notify lead or supervisory personnel as needed.
• Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or modify machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or when machines malfunction.
• Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setups, or workpiece placement according to required machining sequences.
• Lift and position workpieces onto machines manually or using hoists or cranes, following safe material-handling practices.
• Enter control instructions into machine control units and start operations according to job requirements.
• Monitor and adjust coolant systems as needed to maintain proper machining conditions.
• Transfer commands from servers to CNC modules using computer network links to load programs and job files.
• Set up future jobs, perform in-process inspections or part checks, clean the work area, and perform other productive tasks while machines are operating.
• Assist in training new operators by sharing knowledge of machine setup, operation, and safety practices when requested.
• Deburr machined parts as required to meet work-in-process and finished-part standards.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures and consistently use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Communicate effectively in English and follow both verbal and written instructions.
• Perform other tasks and assignments as required to support production and operational needs.
• Maintain regular on-site attendance at the workplace as required for this position.

Essential Skills

• Proven ability to set up and operate automated CNC vertical and horizontal machines.
• Strong understanding of X, Y, and Z axes and their accurate identification on vertical and horizontal machining centers.
• Ability to read and interpret product blueprints, engineering drawings, sketches, setup sheets, and other technical work instructions.
• Proficiency in using precision measuring tools such as scales, calipers, micrometers, and height gauges to verify part dimensions.
• Experience mounting, installing, aligning, and securing tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on CNC machines.
• Skill in detecting irregular machine sounds, identifying issues such as dull cutting tools or excessive vibration, and adjusting machines accordingly.
• Capability to adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, and modify machine controls when required.
• Ability to safely lift and position workpieces using manual methods or hoists and cranes.
• Competence in entering control instructions into CNC machine control units and starting operations.
• Experience monitoring and adjusting coolant systems to maintain proper machining conditions.
• Familiarity with transferring commands and programs from servers to CNC modules via computer network links.
• Ability to perform in-process inspections and part checks to ensure quality and compliance with specifications.
• Commitment to following all safety policies and procedures and consistently using required PPE.
• Ability to communicate verbally in English and follow both verbal and written instructions.
• Reliability in maintaining regular on-site attendance and meeting production expectations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience performing daily machine point checks and initiating maintenance requests when needed.
• Experience in meeting production goals related to efficiency, scrap control, time and motion, and setup time reduction.
• Experience deburring machined parts as part of work-in-process or final finishing.
• Ability to multitask by setting up future jobs, conducting inspections, and maintaining a clean work area while machines are running.
• Experience assisting with training new CNC operators or sharing best practices with peers.
• Familiarity with mills and other machining equipment in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Comfort working with hand tools and precision measuring instruments in a production setting.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees health, financial security, and work-life balance. Team members have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage Starts on the first of the month after 30 days, as well as life insurance and both short-term and long-term disability coverage. A 401(k) plan with company match helps employees plan for the future, while paid time off, personal days, and eight paid holidays each year provide meaningful time away from work. The company fosters a stable, long-term manufacturing environment with a focus on precision, quality, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

The role is based in a production facility focused on high-speed precision machining, fabrication, and assembly. Work is performed on computer-controlled CNC vertical and horizontal machines, mills, and related equipment. Operators regularly use hand tools, hoists or cranes for material handling, and precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, scales, and height gauges. The environment emphasizes safety, requiring consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to established safety policies and procedures. Employees work on-site in a collaborative manufacturing setting where regular attendance is essential, and tasks may include machine operation, inspections, deburring, and maintaining a clean and organized work area.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kent, WA.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $35.00/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)

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kent, WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 19, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Kent,WA.

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.