Entrylevel Lathe Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

This role offers an excellent opportunity for a developing CNC professional, particularly someone coming out of trade school, to grow their skills operating Swiss-style CNC machines in a high-quality medical device manufacturing environment. You will operate Citizen and Star Swiss machines, perform light setups and program edits, and collaborate closely with engineering and design teams to produce high-volume precision components while maintaining strict quality standards.

• Operate Citizen and Star Swiss CNC machines to produce precision components in a high-production environment.
• Perform light setups, including loading programs, making minor edits, changing tools, and verifying machine readiness.
• Make program edits using Gibbscam software on Fanuc controls to optimize machining processes and ensure part accuracy.
• Run high-volume production jobs, typically in the range of 1,500 to 2,000 parts, while maintaining consistent quality and throughput.
• Interpret and work from various machining prints, blueprints, and technical drawings to meet exact specifications.
• Collaborate with engineering and both internal and external designers to improve final products and tooling designs.
• Understand engineering objectives and design intent and provide feedback to enhance manufacturability and performance.
• Maintain quality standards through in-process inspection of parts and continuous monitoring of machining processes.
• Use measuring tools and numerical control techniques to verify dimensions and ensure parts meet required tolerances.
• Follow established safety procedures and contribute to a safe and organized work environment.

• Hands-on experience operating Swiss-style CNC machines, such as Citizen and Star Swiss equipment.
• Practical Swiss machining or Swiss operation experience, including familiarity with lathe-style Swiss machining processes.
• Experience with CNC machining and numerical control operations in a production environment.
• Ability to make program edits using Gibbscam software on Fanuc controls.
• Proficiency with shop math and applied mathematics for machining, including basic geometry and trigonometry as used in machine setup and inspection.
• Ability to read and interpret machining prints, blueprints, and technical drawings.
• Experience using measuring tools to perform dimensional inspections and verify part quality.
• Capability to perform light setups, tool changes, and troubleshooting on CNC machines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high quality standards through in-process inspection.
• Effective communication skills to work with engineering and design teams and provide feedback on design intent and manufacturability.

• Trade school education or formal training in CNC machining, Swiss machining, or a related field.
• Experience working in a high-production environment with runs of 1,500 to 2,000 parts.
• Familiarity with medical device manufacturing standards and precision requirements.
• Comfort working with both internal and external designers to refine tooling and product designs.
• Interest in continuous learning and skill development in advanced CNC and Swiss machining techniques.
• Ability to contribute ideas for process improvements and efficiency gains on the shop floor.

This organization offers a comprehensive and supportive total rewards package, including a monthly production bonus opportunity of up to 4% of salary, a 401(k) plan with company matching contributions, and robust health benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance. You will also receive company-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, paid parental leave, two weeks of sick pay, and two weeks of paid time off. The culture emphasizes recognition and well-being, with monthly safety drawings, regular appreciation events like free ice cream days, and a strong focus on safety and wellness. Employees enjoy a modern, comfortable facility with on-site amenities and opportunities to balance work and personal wellness.

The work environment is a very clean, modern, and well-maintained manufacturing facility that emphasizes employee wellness and comfort. The site features a spacious lunch and break room with an on-site market where employees can purchase food, snacks, and drinks. There is an employee wellness plan and a dedicated wellness room, as well as a workout facility within the building. The break room includes a ping pong table, providing a relaxed space for employees during breaks. Walking trails surround the facility, allowing employees to enjoy walks during breaks or lunch. The company regularly hosts a shoe truck on-site for full-time employees to purchase steel-toed or safety shoes at discounted rates. The overall atmosphere is described as a great place to work, with a strong emphasis on safety, cleanliness, and employee well-being.

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

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $28.00/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 St Paul,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 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.