Job Title: CNC Machine Operator
Job Description
This role operates a variety of CNC and fabrication equipment to cut, drill, and form steel plate and structural materials in a high-volume steel fabrication shop. The CNC Machine Operator sets up machines, imports and verifies programs, performs safety checks, and ensures that all parts meet precise specifications and quality standards while maintaining a strong focus on safety and efficient production flow.
Responsibilities
Import CNC programs into machines, verify that the loaded file matches the required job, and complete a full safety check before operation.
Set up and operate the burn table to process plate materials according to design specifications and production requirements.
Select and adjust correct machine settings for burning, drilling, cutting, and forming operations to achieve optimal performance and quality.
Operate a variety of shop equipment, including drill presses, drill lines, plasma tables, burn tables, brake presses/press brakes, shears, band saws, and CNC saws.
Transfer layout data accurately onto materials to ensure precise cutting, drilling, and forming operations.
Perform basic machine maintenance, cleaning, and troubleshooting to keep equipment in safe and reliable working condition.
Safely rig, lift, and position heavy steel beams and plate using overhead cranes, slings, and rigging hardware.
Inspect rigging equipment before use and follow all safety protocols when moving materials throughout the shop.
Move materials efficiently through the shop to support continuous production flow and minimize downtime.
Measure materials and finished parts to ensure conformance with design specifications and tolerances.
Read and interpret CAD drawings, symbols, notes, and cut lists to guide cutting, drilling, and forming operations.
Verify dimensions using tape measures, squares, calipers, and other measuring tools to within 1/16 of an inch.
Inspect finished parts for accuracy, quality, and compliance with fabrication standards.
Work collaboratively with the structural department and other shop personnel to meet production schedules and maintain a safe work environment.
Essential Skills
Experience operating CNC machines such as burn tables, plasma cutters, drill lines, and CNC saws.
Experience operating overhead cranes and rigging heavy materials safely in an industrial environment.
Prior work experience in steel fabrication or heavy manufacturing.
Familiarity with steel grades, tolerances, and fabrication processes.
Ability to read and interpret CAD drawings, symbols, notes, and cut lists.
Proficiency in using measuring tools such as tape measures, squares, and calipers to verify dimensions to within 1/16 of an inch.
Ability to set up and operate fabrication equipment including drill presses, plasma tables, burn tables, brake presses/press brakes, shears, band saws, and CNC saws.
Strong focus on safety procedures when operating machinery and rigging equipment.
Capability to perform basic machine maintenance, cleaning, and troubleshooting.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Hands-on experience as a machine operator in metal manufacturing or structural steel environments.
Comfort working with tools related to fabrication, including saws, presses, punches, brakes, and welding equipment.
Ability to transfer layout data accurately onto steel materials.
Strong attention to detail and quality when inspecting finished parts.
Ownership of basic personal tools suitable for a steel fabrication shop.
Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented shop environment supporting structural projects.
Why Work Here?
Employees benefit from a structured paid time off program and a competitive retirement plan with company matching. After three months of employment, team members receive one week of PTO, increasing to two weeks after six months. After five years of service, PTO grows by an additional day each year until reaching three weeks, rewarding long-term commitment. The retirement plan includes a 401(k) match, with a 100% company match on the first 3% contributed and a 50% match on the next 2%, meaning a 6% employee contribution earns a 4% company contribution. The organization emphasizes safety, professional craftsmanship, and long-term growth, creating a stable environment where skilled tradespeople can develop their careers.
Work Environment
The position is based in a steel fabrication shop that supports structural steel projects in a loud, heavy industrial environment. Safety is a top priority, with overhead cranes operating throughout the facility and a mix of both new and older equipment in daily use. The role supports the structural department and involves frequent handling of heavy steel materials. Employees have access to their own welding station and work closely with other shop personnel. Appropriate industrial attire is required, including steel-toe boots and safety glasses, and employees are expected to provide their own basic tools suitable for fabrication work.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Richmond, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $26.00/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 Richmond,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 14, 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.
