Job Title: CNC Mill Operator / Machinist (1st Shift)Job DescriptionThis role operates and sets up CNC milling machines in a low-volume job shop environment, focusing on accurate production, high-quality parts, and efficient use of equipment. You will program, set up, and run CNC mills, perform secondary operations, and ensure all parts meet blueprint and customer specifications while maintaining a safe, organized work area.
Responsibilities
- Check work instructions, material type, and material size to ensure accurate job setup before beginning work.
- Receive, load, and run CNC programs, modifying, editing, and adjusting them as needed to achieve optimum production and efficiency.
- Set appropriate tool offsets and verify all tooling and fixtures are correctly installed for each job.
- Multi-task by setting up, running, or overseeing multiple machines at once to maximize efficiency and throughput.
- Manufacture or select appropriate tooling and fixtures required to complete each job accurately and safely.
- Run production parts, including secondary operations such as drilling, deburring, and polishing, within the routed timeframe on a variety of machinery and equipment.
- Visually inspect production parts for surface finish, burrs, scratches, rust, and other defects and take corrective action when necessary.
- Perform in-process and final inspections by checking parts against blueprints or drawings using micrometers, calipers, profile projectors/comparators, and other measuring equipment to ensure all quality standards are met or exceeded.
- Count, mark, and pack parts when required to support production and shipping needs.
- Perform mechanical tasks such as loading and unloading vises, fixtures, and parts from machines and workstations.
- Return all tools to the tool crib and all measuring equipment to the quality department after use to maintain proper control and organization.
- Communicate instructions and oversee jobs run by lower-skilled personnel when requested, helping ensure consistent quality and productivity.
- Keep the work area neat, orderly, and free from safety hazards throughout the shift.
- Complete Operations Sheets and other required documents neatly, accurately, and in a timely manner.
- Use real-time data collection systems to record working hours and log into and out of production operations accurately.
- Work with leads and engineering personnel to confirm accurate setup times and run times and to help improve estimates when needed.
- Follow all company and machine safety policies and procedures, including those related to equipment operation and shop safety.
- Work in accordance with documented work instructions, policies, and procedures, including those governing the quality system as defined by ISO/AS standards and outlined in the quality policy and procedure manuals.
- Communicate production information such as quality issues, scrap rates, and other problems to the appropriate personnel, including leads, supervisors, engineering, and the quality department.
- Participate in activities that increase personal skill level, improve departmental processes, and enhance overall product quality.
- Receive, understand, and follow all written and oral instructions related to jobs, safety, and quality requirements.
- Resolve day-to-day issues by working effectively and cooperatively with others in the shop.
- Accept and complete other duties as assigned by supervision to meet overall company needs.
- Remain accountable for accurate job setups, meeting rates specified in the Operations Sheet, maintaining part quality, and following established processes for quality and production rates.
Essential Skills
- Expert technical ability to set up and run secondary operations, including drill press, deburring, and polishing.
- Ability to load and unload tools and enter tool offsets as necessary on CNC milling machines.
- Expert technical ability to read, modify, and edit CNC programs, including those using Fanuc controls.
- Strong ability to read, understand, and interpret blueprints and customer specifications, and to assist others when needed.
- Strong ability to use and interpret calibrated metrology devices for piece-part inspection, including micrometers, calipers, and profile projectors/comparators.
- Ability to distinguish different raw materials, such as stainless steel versus cold rolled steel.
- Understanding of machining properties of various raw materials, including differences between grades such as 303 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel.
- Working knowledge of appropriate mathematical skills, including basic trigonometry, for machining and inspection tasks.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate in English.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately and consistently.
- Experience operating CNC mills in a job shop environment, particularly with low-quantity runs.
- Familiarity with CNC setup, CNC operation, and CNC programming concepts.
- Ability to work safely in accordance with OSHA-related training such as lock-out/tag-out, hazard communication, personal protective equipment, and emergency evacuation procedures.
- Capability to use real-time data collection systems for time and production tracking.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Prior experience working in a job shop environment with low-quantity production runs, typically in the range of 20100 pieces.
- Experience working with multiple CNC machines simultaneously to maximize efficiency.
- Comfort working with six or more modern CNC machines and related shop equipment.
- In-house training on all assigned machinery and equipment will be provided as needed.
- Ability to mentor or guide lower-skilled personnel by communicating instructions and overseeing their work.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high quality standards in every part produced.
- Willingness to participate in ongoing training and continuous improvement activities to enhance skills and processes.
Why Work Here?Employees benefit from a strong 401(k) matching program and a robust paid time off and benefits package once they become permanent. The organization values internal growth and actively promotes from within, creating clear opportunities for long-term career development. The average employee tenure of 1530 years reflects a stable, supportive environment where people choose to build their careers over the long term. Work EnvironmentThis is a first-shift position, working Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with a typical workweek of approximately 4550 hours. The facility operates as a smaller job shop with around 22 shop workers on first shift, fostering a close-knit, collaborative environment. The shop features six brand new CNC machines and focuses on low-quantity production runs, typically between 20 and 100 pieces, requiring flexibility and variety in daily tasks. The environment emphasizes safety, adherence to documented work instructions and ISO/AS-based quality systems, and the consistent use of appropriate personal protective equipment as required for a machining shop. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Elk Grove Village, IL. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $52000.00 - $72800.00/yr. 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.Insurance: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance. Life & Disability: Life and Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance. Retirement: 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions. Time Off: Paid vacations. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Elk Grove Village, IL. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Elk Grove Village,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.
