Contract Cnc Programming Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: CNC Machinist and Programmer
Job Description

This role focuses on the proper setup, programming, and operation of CNC machinery in a busy machine shop environment. You will work with CNC mills, lathes, and vertical milling machines to produce precision components, using blueprints, sketches, and customer samples. The position offers opportunities on both 1st and 2nd shift and is ideal for an experienced machinist who enjoys hands-on work, problem solving, and contributing to high-quality production for a variety of customers.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC machinery, including mills, lathes, and vertical milling machines, to produce precision parts according to specifications.
• Program CNC machines, including creating, editing, and optimizing programs to ensure efficient and accurate machining operations.
• Use precision measuring tools to inspect and verify dimensions, tolerances, and quality of machined components.
• Select and use appropriate cutting tools, boring bars, fixtures, and related tooling to achieve required finishes and tolerances.
• Interpret and work from blueprints, rough sketches, schematics, and customer samples to determine machining processes and setups.
• Perform machine setups for new jobs, including loading tools, setting offsets, and verifying programs before production runs.
• Operate and monitor HAAS and Okuma machines, adjusting as needed to maintain quality and productivity.
• Troubleshoot machining and programming issues, making adjustments to programs, tooling, or setups to resolve problems.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, following shop safety procedures and proper use of equipment.
• Collaborate with team members and support production goals in a fast-paced environment with consistent workflow.
• Perform basic grinding and finishing operations as needed to meet part requirements.
• Document work performed and communicate any issues or improvements related to machining processes.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 5 years of experience in setting up and operating CNC machinery.
• Strong ability to set up and operate CNC mills, lathes, and vertical milling machines.
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Hands-on experience using cutting tools, boring bars, fixtures, and related tooling.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from blueprints, rough sketches, and customer samples.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced production environment with multiple jobs and priorities.
• Practical experience in CNC programming and machine operation.
• Ability to perform accurate machine setups and changeovers.
• Familiarity with working from schematics and technical drawings.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with HAAS vertical mills and HAAS machines is a plus.
• Experience with Okuma machines is a plus.
• Experience with Surfcam programming software is a plus.
• Any CNC programming experience beyond basic operation is a plus.
• Any Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) experience is a plus.
• Experience with grinding operations is beneficial.
• Ability to work effectively on either 1st or 2nd shift as needed.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable, well-established company with a steady workload and strong customer relationships in the Middle Tennessee area. The organization offers room to advance, providing opportunities to grow your skills and build a long-term career in CNC machining and programming. You will be part of a team-oriented environment where your contributions are valued and where consistent work supports professional development and job security.

Work Environment

This position is based in a traditional machine shop environment that can be hot or cold and is not climate controlled. The company provides uniforms and laundry service, ensuring you have appropriate work attire for the shop setting. The standard schedule for 1st shift is Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (5/8s), and 2nd shift runs Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (4/10s). You will work around CNC mills, lathes, vertical milling machines, and related tooling and equipment, following established safety practices in a production-focused environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbia, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $32.00/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 Columbia,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 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.