Job Title: 3rd Shift CNC Lead
Job Description
The 3rd Shift CNC Lead oversees complex CNC machining operations during the overnight shift, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This role combines advanced CNC setup and operation with hands-on leadership, training, and coordination across machinists and support teams. The CNC Lead serves as the go-to expert for troubleshooting, quality verification, and workflow optimization on CNC mills and lathes.
Responsibilities
Perform complex setups on CNC mills and lathes, including selecting and installing tooling and fixtures, setting offsets, and completing first-article validation.
Operate CNC equipment to produce parts to specification while monitoring tool wear, adjusting offsets, and maintaining consistent production output.
Lead and guide machinists on 3rd shift by assigning tasks, prioritizing work, and supporting production goals across machines and jobs.
Interpret and review engineering blueprints and drawings to ensure accurate machining processes and adherence to dimensional and GD&T requirements.
Inspect parts using precision measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and bore gauges to verify quality and conformance.
Identify and resolve machining issues, including dimensional drift, chatter, tool failure, and fixture instability, to minimize scrap and downtime.
Coach and mentor machinists on proper setup techniques, safe machine operation, best machining practices, and documentation requirements.
Collaborate with supervisors, engineers, and quality personnel to coordinate workflow and maintain a smooth and efficient production schedule.
Oversee routine machine checks and basic preventive maintenance, and coordinate more extensive repairs or service with maintenance resources.
Ensure that training documentation, setup sheets, and programs are updated and followed to support repeatable and reliable machining processes.
Promote and enforce safety standards by maintaining a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area and encouraging safe work practices among the team.
Essential Skills
Proven experience setting up and operating CNC mills and CNC lathes in a production environment.
Strong supervisory or lead experience directing machinists and coordinating work on a shift.
Proficiency in blueprint reading and blueprint interpretation for complex machined components.
Hands-on experience with CNC machining processes, including milling and turning.
Ability to inspect parts using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and bore gauges.
Working knowledge of GD&T requirements and how they apply to machining and inspection.
Experience with CNC controls and platforms such as Haas, Okuma, and Fanuc.
Ability to understand and work with G-code and CNC programming concepts.
Competence in troubleshooting machining issues, including dimensional inaccuracies, chatter, and tool or fixture problems.
Strong communication skills to lead, train, and support machinists across the shift.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience programming CNC machines, including creating or editing programs at the control or using CAM software such as Mastercam.
Familiarity with SolidWorks or similar CAD software for reviewing part models and features.
Experience with vertical mills and vertical CNC mill setup.
Experience with manual lathes and manual milling machines.
Ability to create and maintain training documentation and setup instructions.
Prior experience in a lead, supervisor, or experience CNC operator role on any shift.
Why Work Here?
You will join a production environment that values technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The organization encourages knowledge sharing, mentorship, and professional growth, giving you the opportunity to expand your CNC and leadership skills. You will have the chance to influence processes, contribute to quality and efficiency improvements, and work with a variety of modern CNC technologies. The culture emphasizes safety, reliability, and teamwork, fostering a supportive atmosphere where your expertise is recognized and your input matters.
Work Environment
This role is based in a manufacturing facility on 3rd shift, working primarily with CNC mills, CNC lathes, and related machining equipment. You will regularly interact with Haas, Okuma, and Fanuc-controlled machines, and may work with programming tools such as Mastercam and design software such as SolidWorks. The environment is hands-on and fast-paced, with a focus on meeting production schedules while maintaining high quality standards. Work is performed on the shop floor around running machinery, where adherence to safety procedures and the use of appropriate protective equipment are essential. The workspace emphasizes organization, cleanliness, and safe operation of all equipment throughout the shift.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Eagan, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $35.00/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 Type
This is a fully onsite position in Eagan,MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 31, 2026.
About Aerotek
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 meets 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 solving for 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.
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.
