About this role
Job Title: CNC Milling Operator / Machinist1st shiftPay: Ranges between 25-35 based on experience Job DescriptionThe CNC Milling Operator / Machinist sets up and operates CNC vertical milling machines to produce precision features on fabricated and welded components. This role directly supports value-added manufacturing operations by ensuring all parts meet dimensional, quality, and customer specifications. You will work hands-on in a high-mix manufacturing environment, applying strong setup capability, solid machining fundamentals, and careful inspection practices to deliver high-quality parts consistently.
Responsibilities
- Set up and operate CNC vertical milling machines to produce components to specified dimensions and tolerances.
- Load, verify, and run CNC programs on the machine, including setting tool and work offsets and performing test runs to confirm accuracy.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and setup sheets to determine machining requirements and sequence of operations.
- Select appropriate cutting tools and determine correct feeds and speeds based on material, tooling, and required surface finish.
- Make minor program edits and adjustments at the machine to optimize performance and correct issues as needed.
- Perform in-process inspections using standard measuring equipment such as calipers and micrometers to verify dimensions and quality.
- Maintain dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and overall part quality in line with customer and internal standards.
- Identify machining, quality, or process issues promptly and communicate them to management to support continuous improvement.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in accordance with established safety standards and shop practices.
- Support metal fabrication machinery operations as needed when machining workload is lighter, working in that department as required.
- Follow all shop procedures, quality guidelines, and safety protocols, and complete other duties as assigned by management.
Essential Skills
- Minimum 3 years of experience operating CNC vertical milling machines.
- Proven ability to independently set up and operate CNC vertical mills from start to finish.
- Strong familiarity with Haas CNC machines and Haas controllers.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints and basic GD&T to understand tolerances and part requirements.
- Solid understanding of machining principles, tooling selection, feeds, and speeds for various materials.
- Experience performing precision measurement and inspection using calipers, micrometers, and other standard tools.
- Ability to work with G and M code for CNC machining operations.
- Hands-on experience in CNC milling, including machine setup, tooling, and operation.
- Strong attention to detail and a consistent commitment to producing high-quality work.
- Ability to work effectively in a high-mix manufacturing environment with varied parts and setups.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience machining welded or fabricated components.
- Experience in fabrication or mixed-process manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with fixturing for irregular or non-standard parts.
- Experience working with vertical mills beyond Haas, including other CNC platforms such as Fanuc-controlled machines.
- Understanding of machining programming concepts and basic on-machine programming or program editing.
- Exposure to metal fabrication machinery and willingness to support that department when machining workload is lighter.
- Ability to interpret detailed blueprints and setup sheets for complex parts.
- Comfort working with various tooling solutions to optimize machining performance and part quality.
Why Work Here? Employees receive a highly competitive benefits package that prioritizes affordable, high-quality healthcare. After 60 days, the company contributes 80% toward health, dental, and vision coverage, resulting in a weekly cost in the approximate $30$35 range for employees. The medical plan features a low $500 copay and a strong prescription drug benefit, reflecting a commitment to providing coverage that is genuinely accessible rather than shifting costs through high-deductible plans.
This focus on meaningful benefits demonstrates an investment in long-term employee well-being and financial security. Work EnvironmentThis is a first-shift position, working Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Overtime opportunities are available once you become a permanent employee, though overtime is not permitted during the contract-to-hire period. You will work in a manufacturing environment with CNC vertical milling machines, Haas controllers, and related tooling and inspection equipment such as calipers and micrometers.
The facility includes both machining and metal fabrication areas, and you may occasionally support the fabrication department when machining volume is lower. The shop operates with established safety standards and expects a clean, organized work area and appropriate work attire suitable for a production floor, including adherence to all safety and personal protective equipment requirements.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of St. Charles, IL.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $25.00 - $32.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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)
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in St. Charles,IL.
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.