Drilling Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Gun Drill Operator

Job Description

The Gun Drill Operator sets up and operates specialized gun drilling machines to produce precision holes in metal components. This role focuses on accurate machining, careful job setup, and consistent quality control while working in a fast-paced, production-oriented environment. The operator uses precision measuring tools, maintains tooling and coolant systems, and ensures that all parts meet stringent dimensional and finish requirements.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate gun drilling machines to produce precision holes in metal parts.
• Configure and secure work holding fixtures to ensure safe and accurate machining.
• Perform deep hole gun drilling operations while maintaining tight tolerances for roundness, straightness, size, surface finish, and concentricity in a single pass.
• Interpret and follow blueprints and job specifications to determine drilling requirements and setups.
• Use precision measuring tools to verify part dimensions and confirm conformance to design specifications.
• Inspect parts throughout the process to maintain consistent quality and identify any deviations or defects.
• Maintain and sharpen drill heads to ensure optimal cutting performance and extend tool life.
• Monitor and follow coolant system protocols, including flow, concentration, and cleanliness, to support tool life and part quality.
• Operate and handle CNC and other precision machining equipment as required for drilling operations.
• Use hand and power tools safely to support setup, adjustment, and maintenance activities.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment while meeting tight deadlines and daily output targets.
• Stand for extended periods and perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting and moving materials and components up to 50 lbs.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety procedures and shop guidelines.

Essential Skills

• Proven ability to set up and operate gun drilling machines for precision machining applications.
• Experience using precision measuring tools to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Knowledge of CNC and precision machining equipment and their safe operation.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Hands-on experience with deep hole gun drilling processes.
• Proficiency using hand tools and power tools in a machining environment.
• Typically 2+ years of experience in machining or closely related roles.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks safely.
• Ability to stand for long periods and work effectively in a fast-paced production setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating or familiarity with gun drilling machine brands such as Dehoff and El Dorado, or similar equipment (brand-specific experience is not required).
• Backgrounds working with drilling machines and general machining operations.
• Attention to detail and a strong focus on part quality and dimensional accuracy.
• Solid understanding of coolant systems and their impact on tool life and surface finish.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills in a production machining environment.

Why Work Here?

You will work in a production environment that values precision, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement. The role offers the opportunity to deepen your expertise in specialized gun drilling and machining while contributing directly to high-quality, technically demanding products. You can expect a culture that emphasizes safety, reliability, and consistent performance, with opportunities to grow your technical skills and take on more complex setups and responsibilities over time.

Work Environment

This position is based in a shop-floor production environment focused on precision machining and deep hole gun drilling. You will work primarily with gun drilling machines, CNC and precision machining equipment, and a variety of hand and power tools. The role requires standing for extended periods, regularly lifting and moving materials up to 50 lbs, and working at a steady pace to meet production schedules and tight deadlines. The work area involves exposure to typical machining conditions, including coolant systems, metal chips, and machine noise, with appropriate safety practices and protective equipment in place. Work attire typically consists of practical shop clothing suitable for a machining environment, along with required personal protective equipment.

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

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $38.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Tacoma,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 2026.

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.