Cnc Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on setting up and operating 5-axis CNC machines to efficiently and safely produce high-quality parts and materials. You will interpret technical drawings, translate instructions into machine commands, and ensure that each part meets precise specifications. Success in this position requires strong mechanical aptitude, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to work with advanced CNC equipment in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up, maintain, and operate CNC machines, including 5-axis CNC machines, to produce parts according to specifications.
• Review blueprints, mechanical drawings, and job specifications to understand the requirements and desired outcomes for each task.
• Translate written and verbal instructions into computer commands so CNC machines perform the correct functions.
• Read and interpret G-codes and M-codes to operate CNC programs and machines effectively.
• Verify tool lists in programs and ensure the correct tools and tool numbers are used for each job.
• Manually install and change tools in CNC machines as required by the program and job setup.
• Load the correct CNC program for each part and verify it aligns with job specifications.
• Set up appropriate fixtures and workholding devices for parts being machined.
• Identify, pull, and verify the correct material required to fulfill each order.
• Multitask by operating two CNC machines simultaneously to produce parts for different orders when required.
• Load raw material into CNC machines and unload finished or in-process parts safely and efficiently.
• Deburr and inspect parts produced to ensure they meet customer drawings and requirements.
• Perform secondary operations such as sanding, deburring, labeling, packaging, cutting material, and completing required forms.
• Cut material using table saws and band saws as needed to prepare stock for machining.
• Prepare and run test programs to confirm that machines produce outputs according to specifications before full production.
• Set machines to run full cycles for high-volume production of parts while monitoring output quality.
• Supervise machines during operation and make necessary adjustments to improve part quality or resolve issues.
• Inspect and measure finished products using precision instruments and compare results to engineering requirements and tolerances.
• Check and maintain CNC machinery daily to ensure proper functionality and reduce downtime.
• Maintain a lean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with workplace standards.
• Complete assigned tasks within the established production schedule and timelines.
• Maintain housekeeping standards within assigned areas to support a safe and efficient work environment.
• Use tools and equipment such as tape measures, calipers, micrometers, sandpaper, orbital sanders, power tools, manual hand tools, table saws, band saws, compressed air, label machines, personal computers or laptops, and Excel spreadsheet software.
• Follow company policies, quality system documentation, and health and safety requirements at all times.
• Work overtime as needed to support production demands.
• Stand for the duration of the shift and safely lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the shift.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 2+ years of experience operating 5-axis CNC machines.
• Proficiency in CNC operation and CNC machining, including the use of CNC controls such as Fanuc.
• Experience operating CNC lathes and CNC mills.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, and engineering documents.
• Strong skills using precision measuring instruments, including dial, vernier, and digital calipers; outside and inside micrometers; dial indicators and test indicators; height gauges; surface plates; and gauge blocks.
• Ability to understand and inspect Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), including true position, flatness, perpendicularity, parallelism, concentricity, profile of a surface, and datum structures and datum reference frames.
• Ability to verify part conformance to engineering specifications and tolerance requirements.
• Mechanical aptitude and solid general math skills applicable to machining and measurement.
• Basic understanding of computer programming and CAD/CAM concepts.
• Ability to use manual and power tools, including standard and metric tape measures, digital calipers, sandpaper, orbital sanders, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, table saws, band saws, compressed air tools, and label machines.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and perform work according to quality system documentation.
• Ability to operate a computer and use Excel spreadsheet software.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Ability to work overtime as needed.
• Ability to understand and follow company policies and health and safety requirements.
• Ability to maintain reliable attendance in accordance with company attendance policies.
• Ability to work in a non-climate-controlled manufacturing facility.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds continually throughout the shift.
• Ability to stand for the duration of the shift.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Technical or vocational training in machining is preferred.
• Experience in aerospace, medical, defense, or precision manufacturing environments is preferred.
• Forklift certification is beneficial.
• Experience using micrometers, gauges, and other precision measurement tools beyond the minimum requirements.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM systems and basic CNC programming adjustments.
• Comfort working around heavy industrial CNC machinery and within a team-based manufacturing environment.

Why Work Here?

The position offers the opportunity for long-term employment in a stable manufacturing environment, with structured training on specific CNC machines to build on your existing experience. Once you transition to full-time status, you gain access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being. You may also have the opportunity to work overtime when available, providing additional earning potential. You join a collaborative team where your technical skills and attention to detail directly contribute to high-quality production and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing environment working alongside a team of approximately 50 employees, including around 10 CNC operators. You will work around heavy industrial CNC machinery and related equipment, including 5-axis CNC machines, table saws, band saws, and various power and hand tools. The facility operates as a non-climate-controlled manufacturing space, so temperatures may vary with the seasons. The position requires standing for most of the shift and frequently lifting up to 50 pounds. You will use computers or laptops and Excel software as part of your daily tasks, and you will maintain a clean, organized, and safety-focused work area in alignment with lean manufacturing and housekeeping standard30

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lancaster, TX.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $27.25/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 fully onsite position in Lancaster,TX.

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

About Aerotek

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.

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 meet 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 in solving 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.