About this role
Job Title: Machinist IJob DescriptionThe Machinist I role is an entry-level position in the machinist progression, designed for individuals who want to build a strong foundation in machine-shop operations. Working under supervision, you will support experienced machinists while developing practical skills in operating a variety of machining equipment, interpreting mechanical drawings, and performing precision measurements. You will contribute to the production of quality components by assisting with material handling, machine setup, and inspection tasks, all while following established safety procedures and maintaining an organized work area.
Responsibilities
- Support experienced machinists by assisting with daily machining and material-handling tasks under supervision.
- Retrieve raw materials and workpieces from designated locations and deliver them to the appropriate workstations.
- Interpret mechanical drawings, blueprints, sketches, and standard drafting symbols to understand job requirements and specifications.
- Prepare workpieces by cleaning, marking, and verifying dimensions prior to machining.
- Set up, position, secure, and fasten workpieces, fixtures, and tooling on machining equipment according to instructions and specifications.
- Operate machining equipment such as radial drill presses, manual lathes, mills, CNC machines, Vertical Turret Lathes (VTLs), horizontal boring mills, grinders, and saws as assigned.
- Monitor machining operations and make basic adjustments as needed to maintain quality and accuracy.
- Use precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, and tape measures, to inspect finished components and verify they meet specifications.
- Inspect completed components against drawings and tolerances, and report any deviations or defects to supervisors or senior machinists.
- Perform basic grinding, deburring, and sawing operations to finish parts and prepare them for further processing.
- Handle materials safely in a fabrication or machine-shop environment, including moving parts and equipment using appropriate tools and methods.
- Follow established safety procedures and safe machine-shop practices when working around industrial machinery and fabrication equipment.
- Maintain an organized, clean, and safe work area, including proper storage of tools, materials, and measuring instruments.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with coworkers to coordinate tasks, clarify instructions, and support production goals.
- Work independently on assigned tasks after receiving appropriate instruction, ensuring work is completed accurately and on time.
- Assist with operating forklifts and overhead cranes, if trained, to move heavy materials and equipment within the shop.
Essential Skills
- High School Diploma or GED.
- 1+ year of machine-shop or related machining experience.
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, blueprints, sketches, and standard drafting symbols.
- Ability to perform basic fractional and geometric calculations.
- Ability to properly use precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, and tape measures.
- Ability to set up, position, secure, and fasten workpieces, fixtures, and tooling.
- Familiarity with machining equipment such as lathes, mills, drill presses, or CNC machines.
- Ability to inspect finished components against specifications and tolerances.
- Understanding of safe machine-shop practices and the ability to safely work around industrial machinery and fabrication equipment.
- Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with coworkers.
- Ability to work independently on assigned tasks after receiving appropriate instruction.
- Ability to perform the physical requirements associated with a manufacturing and machining environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- 1 to 3 years of machine-shop experience preferred.
- Previous experience as a Machinist Helper, Machine Operator, or Drill Press Operator is beneficial.
- CNC machine experience.
- Manual lathe experience.
- Manual mill experience.
- Experience with radial drill presses.
- Vertical Turret Lathe (VTL) experience.
- Horizontal boring mill experience.
- Experience operating drill presses and related equipment.
- Grinding, deburring, and sawing experience.
- Forklift experience.
- Overhead crane experience.
- Material handling experience in a fabrication or machine-shop environment.
Why Work Here? You will join a hands-on, production-focused environment where you can build a strong foundation in machining while working alongside experienced professionals. The role offers the opportunity to gain exposure to a wide range of equipment and processes, helping you grow your technical skills and advance within a machinist career path. You will work in a setting that values safety, teamwork, and continuous learning, providing a solid platform for long-term development in manufacturing and machining.
Work EnvironmentThis position is based in a manufacturing and machine-shop environment that involves working around industrial machinery and fabrication equipment. You will work with a variety of machines, including radial drill presses, manual lathes, mills, CNC machines, Vertical Turret Lathes (VTLs), horizontal boring mills, grinders, and saws. The role requires regular material handling, use of precision measuring instruments, and adherence to safe machine-shop practices. You may also work with forklifts and overhead cranes to move materials and components. The environment is hands-on and production-oriented, with an emphasis on safety, organization, and effective communication with coworkers.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Benicia, CA.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/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 21, 2026.
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Benicia,CA.
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.