Job Title: Level 3 Machinist – CNC & Machine Shop OperationsJob DescriptionThis mid-level machinist role is based in a large, high-volume machine shop responsible for metal cutting, drilling, grinding, and deburring parts according to detailed control plans, blueprints, and work instructions. The Level 3 Machinist stages material, operates a variety of CNC and related equipment, performs continuous quality checks using precision measuring tools, and supports a wide range of machine shop activities to ensure parts are ready for production and final quality inspection. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, can move between different machines and tasks, and takes pride in maintaining high quality standards throughout every step of the manufacturing process.
Responsibilities
- Follow detailed control plans, blueprints, and work instructions to perform metal cutting, drilling, grinding, deburring, and other machining operations to specification.
- Set up and operate CNC machines, ensuring proper tooling, material placement, and machine parameters for each job.
- Stage raw materials using sit-down and stand-up forklifts and pallet jacks, and transport material throughout the facility as required.
- Load machines with raw material, monitor operations, and offload finished parts safely and efficiently.
- Operate wash tanks and other auxiliary equipment as part of the machining and finishing process.
- Perform continuous quality checks at every step of the process using dial gauges, calipers, micrometers, tape measures, dial bores, steel rulers, and other precision measuring tools.
- Determine part conformity by comparing measurements against specifications, using basic math to evaluate gauge readings and decide whether parts pass or fail.
- Assist with deburring operations, including cutting plugs and removing excess metal from blocks using air-powered tools and other equipment.
- Support changeovers and machine operation adjustments to maintain productivity and quality standards.
- Troubleshoot everyday production and quality issues, identifying root causes and implementing practical solutions.
- Float between multiple machines and work areas as needed, providing general helper support across the machine shop.
- Perform basic quality inspection on finished parts, including reading and interpreting blueprints and measurement requirements where applicable.
- Use inspection equipment and gauges correctly, including understanding which side of a caliper to use for internal or external diameter measurements.
- Maintain equipment and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition, completing daily housekeeping responsibilities.
- Adhere to all safety policies and shop goals, including proper PPE usage and compliance with cell phone and listening device policies.
- Complete daily truck and hoist inspection cards and ensure equipment is safe and ready for use.
- Participate in thorough safety training related to assigned jobs and follow all safety requirements consistently.
- Arrive at line-up areas on time with required PPE and prepared to begin work at the start of each shift.
Essential Skills- Experience working in a manufacturing environment, preferably in or around machine shop operations.
- Hands-on experience running machines in a manufacturing environment, with CNC machine operation strongly preferred.
- Baseline experience with gauging and quality checks using precision measuring tools.
- Proficiency using quality measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, dial bores, steel rulers, and similar instruments.
- Ability to read and interpret metric measuring dials and gauges accurately.
- Experience operating sit-down and stand-up forklifts to move material safely within a facility.
- Solid math skills, including confident use of addition and subtraction to determine deviations from specification and evaluate gauge readings.
- Troubleshooting ability to solve routine production and quality problems on the shop floor.
- Flexibility and willingness to move from one machine to another and support various tasks across the machine shop.
- Commitment to safety, housekeeping, and adherence to established quality and process standards.
Additional Skills & Qualifications- Experience reading and interpreting blueprints to understand dimensional and quality requirements.
- Experience performing quality inspection on finished parts in a manufacturing or machine shop environment.
- Prior deburring experience, including use of air-powered tools to remove excess material and finish parts.
- Ability to explain and demonstrate proper use of calipers for internal and external diameter measurements.
- Understanding of gauge calibration procedures, such as comparing gauges to known standards or gauge blocks to verify accuracy.
- Familiarity with the operation of micrometers, including reading measurements from the sleeve and thimble scales and combining them for precise results.
- Comfort working in a large machine shop environment with multiple shifts and high production volumes.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow clear, repeatable instructions and quality standards.
Why Work Here?Employees join a large, well-established manufacturing operation that actively invests in its people and community. The organization promotes strong community engagement through partnerships with local institutions and initiatives, and fosters a sense of belonging with regular employee events such as seasonal celebrations and family-friendly activities. There is a clear pathway to full-time employment after a defined period, with attendance and performance as the primary considerations, and long-term opportunities across multiple shifts. Full-time team members enjoy a robust benefits package that includes generous paid time off, multiple paid holidays, a competitive 401(k) match, and comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage starting on the first day of employment. The culture emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and continuous training, creating a supportive environment where employees can build stable careers and grow their skills over time.
Work Environment
The role is based in a large, temperature-controlled manufacturing facility that is split between assembly operations and a machine shop. The machine shop is substantial in size and supports over 500 employees across five shifts, including weekend coverage. Multiple shift options are available, including traditional weekday shifts (1st: 7:30am–3:30pm, 2nd: 3:30pm–11:30pm, 3rd: 11:30pm–7:30am) as well as 12-hour shifts on designated days and nights. Production is currently scheduled with overtime on alternating Saturdays for much of the year, subject to change. The environment is clean and well-maintained, with minimal debris such as metal scraps, packaging, or oil spills, reflecting a strong commitment to safety. Dress code is relaxed and practical: sweatshirts, t-shirts, and hats are allowed, with work pants or jeans required; leggings and sweatpants are not permitted. Required PPE includes steel or composite toe shoes, earplugs, and protective glasses, with hearing protection and safety glasses provided on-site. Policies emphasize safe equipment use, completion of daily truck and hoist inspections, proper cell phone usage limited to break areas, and no use of headphones or other listening devices while working. New employees receive thorough safety training for their specific jobs, and are expected to maintain organized work areas and arrive at designated line-up locations on time with all required PPE.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lafayette, IN.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $24.47 - $24.47/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 TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Lafayette,IN.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jul 15, 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.