Job Title: Entry Level CNC Operator (Level 1) Job Description
This entry-level CNC role focuses on operating and setting up CNC twelve-axis lathes, machine tools, and vertical machining centers to produce close-tolerance parts from a variety of materials. The position is ideal for individuals with any level of CNC experience or schooling who are genuinely interested in developing their skills and growing a long-term career in machining.
Responsibilities
Operate CNC twelve-axis lathes, machine tools, and vertical machining centers to produce close-tolerance parts from various materials.
Set up CNC machines, including loading tools, configuring offsets, and preparing workholding as needed for each job.
Interpret and work from blueprints and technical drawings to ensure parts meet specified dimensions and tolerances.
Perform tool changes safely and efficiently to maintain production flow and part quality.
Use micrometers, calipers, gauges, and other measuring devices to inspect parts and verify that they meet quality standards.
Monitor machine operations, identify issues, and make necessary adjustments to offsets and settings to maintain accuracy.
Follow established machining procedures and work instructions to ensure consistency and repeatability in production.
Maintain a clean, organized work area and handle equipment and measuring devices with care.
Collaborate with tooling, quality, and other shop personnel to resolve machining or quality concerns.
Adhere to all safety guidelines and shop rules while working in the machine shop environment.
Work a 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. shift and support production needs as required.
Essential Skills
Any prior CNC experience or exposure, such as operating or setting up CNC machines.
Experience working with CNC lathes, CNC mills, or CNC machining centers.
Ability to perform CNC machine setup, including tooling and basic offset adjustments.
Capability to operate CNC equipment safely and consistently.
Basic blueprint reading skills to understand part requirements and dimensions.
Proficiency using micrometers, calipers, and gauges to measure and inspect parts.
Understanding of tool changes and how they affect machining operations.
Willingness and genuine interest in learning CNC machining and developing technical skills.
Consideration given to candidates with strong machine setup experience who want to transition into CNC work.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Completion of any CNC-related schooling, training program, or coursework.
Experience in general machining or working in a machine shop environment.
Familiarity with CNC offsets and basic troubleshooting of machining issues.
Comfort working with a variety of materials and close-tolerance requirements.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality parts.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and standard operating procedures.
Why Work Here?
Employees enjoy a stable, long-term environment with a strong focus on taking care of people and fostering a sense of community. The organization offers a 7.5% shift premium, a climate-controlled, clean, and well-organized machine shop, and a $1,000 bonus for skilled positions such as CNC operators, tool room, and quality (paid in two installments after hire and 60 days). Team members benefit from numerous perks, including an onsite gym with access to a personal trainer, a breakroom with games such as ping pong, and participation in company golf and bowling leagues. The culture emphasizes appreciation, holiday recognition, and regular events that make the workplace feel welcoming and supportive.
Work Environment
The role is based in a temperature-controlled, very clean, and organized machine shop that includes a well-maintained tool room and readily available gauges and measuring devices. The environment features heating and air conditioning to ensure comfort throughout the year. The standard shift runs from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the facility offers an onsite gym with a personal trainer, a breakroom equipped with a ping pong table and other games, and opportunities to join company recreational leagues such as golf and bowling. Overall, the workspace is structured, orderly, and designed to support both productivity and employee well-being.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Gurnee, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $22.26 - $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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Gurnee,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026.
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.
