Entry Level Cnc Machine Operator Jobs in California

Job Title: Machinist

Job Description

This role focuses on setting up, programming, and operating CNC machines and related equipment to meet production requirements efficiently and accurately. The machinist performs daily maintenance, monitors machine performance, inspects finished parts using precision instruments, and collaborates with other departments to ensure quality and continuous improvement in the manufacturing process.

Responsibilities

• Set up jobs on CNC and related machinery to ensure production requirements are met in a timely, effective, and efficient manner.
• Provide training and guidance to other machine operators to support consistent and safe operations.
• Perform daily maintenance on machines, including making program adjustments as needed and operating equipment according to established procedures.
• Monitor machines while running to adjust feeds, maintain appropriate temperatures, and quickly identify any issues or irregularities.
• Work collaboratively with other departments to support production goals and resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Measure, examine, and test completed units using precision instruments to detect defects and ensure conformance to specifications.
• Maintain tooling inventory and keep the department organized according to company standards.
• Identify and suggest areas for improvement in the production process, document all changes, and clearly communicate updates to co-workers and supervisors.
• Perform secondary bench operations as required, including inspection, deburring, and cleaning of parts.
• Promptly raise any machining or quality issues to the operations manager to ensure timely resolution.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance and punctuality, and work in a self-starting, proactive manner with minimal supervision.
• Follow through on commitments and accept responsibility for actions while maintaining professionalism in all interactions.
• Assist around the shop as needed, supporting manufacturing, assembly, finishing, and packaging activities.
• Set up Y-axis machines, lathes, mills, and other machinery to support production requirements.
• Program at the machine controller and operate equipment, including performing routine maintenance and repairs.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe work area in accordance with company standards.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 3 years of machine operator experience, including setup and entry-level CNC programming.
• Hands-on experience with CNC machines, including operation and basic troubleshooting.
• Ability to use Mastercam or similar software for CNC programming and machining operations.
• Experience operating mills and related machining equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of machine operation and maintenance.
• Ability to monitor and adjust machine feeds and temperatures during operation.
• Proficiency in using precision measuring instruments to inspect and verify part dimensions and quality.
• Capability to perform routine machine maintenance and basic repairs.
• Strong troubleshooting skills to quickly identify and resolve machining and quality issues.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high productivity.
• Demonstrated professionalism, including treating others with respect, reacting well under pressure, and following through on commitments.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality, with a proactive and self-motivated work approach.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Troubleshooting or mechanical maintenance experience is a plus.
• Experience with Y-axis machines, lathes, and mills in a production environment.
• Comfort with programming at the machine controller for CNC operations.
• Ability to perform secondary operations such as inspection, deburring, and cleaning of parts.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining tooling inventory and organized workspaces.
• Willingness to assist in manufacturing, assembly, finishing, and packaging as needed.
• Effective communication skills to document process changes and share information with co-workers and supervisors.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments to support production and quality goals.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive suite of programs designed to promote health, financial security, and work-life balance for themselves and their families. Available offerings include medical and dental coverage, company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance, holiday pay, and paid personal time off. The organization supports long-term financial wellbeing through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and a 401(k) plan. A generous paid holiday schedule includes New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, helping employees enjoy meaningful time away from work.

Work Environment

The role is based in a hands-on manufacturing environment focused on the production, assembly, finishing, and packaging of precision products. Machinists work with Y-axis machines, lathes, mills, and other equipment, performing machine setup, programming at the controller, and daily operation. The environment involves routine machine maintenance and repairs, as well as maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work area. Work is performed on the shop floor around active machinery and production processes, requiring attention to safety procedures and care in handling tools, materials, and finished parts.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Antioch, CA.

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $36.00/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 Antioch,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 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.