CNC Operator

Job Title: CNC Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on operating CNC mills to produce new and replacement metal parts for mechanical equipment. You will run pre-set programs, remove completed parts from the machine, perform basic inspection and light deburring, and present finished parts to quality assurance for final approval. The position emphasizes reliable operation, attention to detail, and consistent quality rather than complex CNC setup or editing.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC mills to produce metal parts according to written instructions, specifications, and existing machine programs.
• Interpret written instructions and specifications to understand job requirements, part dimensions, and machining steps.
• Plan and lay out work based on provided documentation, ensuring proper sequencing of machining operations.
• Use machinist hand tools and precision measuring instruments to inspect parts and verify dimensions.
• Remove completed parts from CNC machines and perform light deburring to remove burrs and sharp edges.
• Inspect finished parts using tools such as micrometers and calipers to ensure they meet specified tolerances.
• Present completed parts to quality assurance for final approval before moving to the next job.
• Perform standard shop computations related to dimensions, tooling, feeds, and speeds of machining.
• Shape metal parts to close tolerances, working with materials such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and other alloys as required.
• Select appropriate standard materials, parts, and equipment required to complete assigned work.
• Fit and assemble machined parts into mechanical equipment as needed to support repair or production activities.
• Work primarily as a CNC operator or “button pusher,” focusing on machine operation rather than programming or complex setup.
• Collaborate with supervisors, quality assurance, and other team members to maintain consistent production quality.
• Follow all shop safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Participate in interviews and skills discussions that may include questions about materials, machines, offsets, tolerances, and inspection methods.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience operating CNC mills in a machine shop or machining environment.
• Ability to interpret written instructions, specifications, and blueprints to understand machining requirements.
• Understanding of CNC mill offsets, including X, Y, and Z axes.
• Familiarity with machining close tolerances, such as plus or minus thousandths (e.g., ±0.0005 or ±0.005).
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments such as micrometers and calipers for part inspection.
• Knowledge of basic deburring techniques and removal of burrs and sharp edges.
• Understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and how it appears on blueprints.
• Knowledge of where tolerances are located on blueprints, typically in the title block area.
• General knowledge of common metals and their working properties, including aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and other alloys.
• Capability to make standard shop computations related to dimensions, tooling, feeds, and speeds.
• Rounded training in machine-shop practice, typically gained through formal apprenticeship or equivalent training and experience.
• At least 2 years of experience as a sheet metal fabricator or in a closely related machining role.
• Ability to discuss prior experience with materials such as aluminum (e.g., 6061, 7075, 2024), stainless steels (e.g., 17-4, 302, 304, 316), steels (e.g., 4130, 4340), and potentially Inconel or titanium.
• Familiarity with common CNC mills such as Fadal, HAAS, Mazak, or Okuma.
• Basic understanding of lathe operation for turning work, even if primary focus is milling.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Huntsville, AL.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $30.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Huntsville,AL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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.