Contract Cnc Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CNC Operator

Job Description

This role involves operating and, depending on experience, setting up CNC mills and lathes to perform precision machining operations on various metal components. You will load and unload parts, change tools, monitor machine performance, and use inspection tools to ensure parts meet quality specifications. Over time, you will have the opportunity to learn and perform full machine setups and grow your machining skill set in a professional machine shop environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC mills and lathes to perform machining operations such as turning, boring, facing, and threading on parts including castings, forgings, and bar stock.
• Load and unload parts into CNC machines and ensure proper positioning and secure clamping for safe and accurate machining.
• Change out tools and inserts as needed, and verify that the correct tools are installed for each job according to setup instructions.
• Monitor machine operations during production runs and make basic adjustments to maintain part quality and consistency.
• Follow setup instructions provided by setup machinists and run jobs after machines have been properly set up.
• Use inspection tools, including micrometers and calipers, to measure parts and confirm they meet specified tolerances and quality standards.
• Identify and report any nonconforming parts, machine issues, or tooling problems to the appropriate personnel.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including machines, tools, and surrounding workspace, in accordance with shop standards.
• Learn and develop long-term skills in CNC setup, including understanding offsets, tool selection, and program loading.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines while working with CNC equipment, tooling, and materials.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating CNC mills and/or CNC lathes in a machine shop environment.
• Ability to perform basic machining operations such as turning, boring, facing, and threading.
• Hands-on experience using inspection tools, including micrometers and calipers, to verify part dimensions.
• Familiarity with machining processes and machine shop practices.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions for running CNC jobs after setup.
• Strong soft skills, including reliability, communication, and teamwork.
• Willingness and ability to learn CNC setup responsibilities over time.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with CNC mills and lathes equipped with Fanuc or Haas controls.
• Experience in a machine shop environment with exposure to various machining operations.
• Experience assisting with or performing CNC setups, including tool changes and basic offset adjustments.
• General understanding of CNC machining concepts and production workflows.
• Mechanical aptitude and interest in developing advanced machining and setup skills.

Why Work Here?

You will join a professional machine shop that values hands-on learning, skill development, and long-term growth. The environment encourages operators to expand their capabilities into setup work and more advanced machining tasks. You can expect a supportive team culture, steady work, and the opportunity to build a solid career in CNC machining while working with modern equipment and proven processes.

Work Environment

This position is based in a machine shop environment working with CNC mills and lathes. You will work around metal materials such as castings, forgings, and bar stock, and use inspection tools like micrometers and calipers on a daily basis. The role involves standing for extended periods, regularly loading and unloading parts, and handling tooling and fixtures. You will work on CNC equipment that may use controls such as Fanuc or Haas. Safety procedures are emphasized, and you will be expected to follow shop guidelines for safe machine operation and appropriate industrial work attire.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Alexandria, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $35.00/hr.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Alexandria,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 31, 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.

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.