Entry Level Cnc Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: CNC Machine Operator
Job Description

This role focuses on operating CNC machines in a high-volume manufacturing environment to produce quality parts safely and efficiently. You will load raw materials, monitor automated equipment, and perform precise inspections using measuring tools to ensure parts meet specifications. The position offers strong development potential for individuals who are mechanically inclined and eager to learn CNC technology.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC machines in a production manufacturing environment according to established procedures and work instructions.
• Load raw materials into CNC machines and ensure materials are correctly positioned and secured for each production run.
• Monitor machine operations, including automatic machines with robotic arms, and promptly address basic issues such as jams or misfeeds.
• Use micrometers, calipers, and other hand measurement tools to inspect parts as they come off the machine and verify they meet quality specifications.
• Read and follow basic work instructions, production orders, and job travelers to ensure correct setups, materials, and processes are used.
• Perform visual inspections and basic quality checks to identify defects or inconsistencies in finished parts.
• Handle and move materials safely throughout the production area, including loading, unloading, and staging parts as needed.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, following safety and housekeeping standards in the manufacturing facility.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors about production status, quality concerns, and equipment issues.
• Demonstrate an active interest in learning CNC operations, asking questions, and seeking guidance to improve skills and progress to higher-level roles.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 6+ months of experience in a role requiring mechanical inclination, such as lube technician, construction, shop class, or similar hands-on work; or 6+ months of manufacturing experience, ideally involving machine operation.
• Ability to operate machinery safely in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Capability to read and understand basic work instructions and follow standard operating procedures.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with tools, machines, and automated equipment.
• Strong interest in learning CNC machines and processes, with the ability to clearly explain this motivation during interviews.
• Willingness to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining attention to detail and quality.
• Basic understanding of measurement and quality concepts, with the ability to learn micrometers, calipers, and other inspection tools if not already experienced.
• Dependable work habits, including consistent attendance, punctuality, and reliability in a production setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating any CNC machine with a computer-controlled interface, such as CNC mills, lathes, routers, injection molding machines, extrusion equipment, or industrial printers (preferred but not required).
• Prior experience in manufacturing environments performing machine operation or production work (preferred).
• Experience inspecting parts in manufacturing using hand tools such as micrometers and calipers (preferred but not required).
• Demonstrated curiosity and proactive mindset, including asking thoughtful questions and actively seeking feedback about CNC operations.
• Interest in career growth toward setup-level operator, leadership, engineering, or maintenance roles.
• Comfort working with automated systems and robotic arms in a production environment.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a strong long-term culture with an emphasis on development, stability, and internal advancement. Team members benefit from a shift differential for 2nd and 3rd shifts, a sign-on bonus structure upon hire, and access to significant overtime opportunities for those seeking higher earnings. Employees can take advantage of tuition reimbursement of up to $3,000 per year, with training and certification courses covered up front, supporting both technical skill development and career progression. The environment encourages motivated individuals to grow from entry-level roles into more advanced positions in setup, leadership, engineering, or maintenance, providing a clear pathway for long-term career growth.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large manufacturing facility that is fully air conditioned, offering a comfortable work setting compared to many production environments. While the building exterior is older, the interior is well maintained and the equipment is up to date, including CNC machines and some automatic machines with robotic arms. The setting is a production floor where employees work around active machinery, handle materials, and follow safety and cleanliness standards throughout their shift. The environment supports regular overtime, particularly for those interested in additional hours, and emphasizes safe machine operation, quality focus, and teamwork.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Cambridge, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $27.00/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 Cambridge,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 23, 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.