CNC Lathe Machinist

Job Title: CNC Lathe Machinist

Job Description

This role focuses on setting up and operating CNC lathes and mills, primarily Makino mills and Mazak lathes, to produce high-precision components in a clean, climate-controlled machine shop. You will perform frequent setups, execute tool changes and offsets, and complete detailed inspections using precision measuring equipment while working to very tight tolerances.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC lathes and mills, including Makino mills and Mazak lathes, in a high-precision production environment.
• Perform 1–3 machine setups per day, depending on production run length and job requirements.
• Read and interpret blueprints to determine machine setups, tooling requirements, and machining sequences.
• Perform tool changes and adjust tool offsets to maintain dimensional accuracy and surface finish.
• Use precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, calipers, and various gauges, to verify part dimensions.
• Inspect parts to very tight tolerances, including tolerances as tight as +/- 0.5, and document inspection results as required.
• Monitor machine performance during production runs and make necessary adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Perform preventative maintenance on CNC machines to ensure reliable operation and minimize downtime.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with shop standards.
• Collaborate with leads and team members to resolve machining issues and improve processes.
• Follow all established work instructions, quality procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Support cross-training efforts within the facility by learning additional machines and processes as needed.

Essential Skills

• 1–3 years of CNC lathe or mill operating experience for entry-level operator tiers (OP1).
• 3+ years of CNC lathe or mill operating experience for mid-level operator tiers (OP2).
• 1–3 years of CNC lathe or mill setup and operating experience for setup operator tiers (Set OP1).
• 5+ years of CNC lathe setup experience for advanced setup operator tiers (Set OP2).
• 1+ year of experience changing tooling and fixtures for operator tiers (OP1).
• 1–2 years of experience changing tooling and fixtures for operator tiers (OP2).
• 3+ years of tool and fixture change experience for setup operator tiers (Set OP1).
• 5+ years of experience changing tooling and fixtures for advanced setup operator tiers (Set OP2).
• 1+ year of blueprint reading experience for entry-level operator tiers (OP1).
• 1–2 years of blueprint reading experience for mid-level operator tiers (OP2).
• 3+ years of blueprint reading experience for setup operator tiers (Set OP1).
• 5+ years of blueprint reading experience for advanced setup operator tiers (Set OP2).
• 1+ year of experience reading micrometers, calipers, and other precision measuring equipment for entry-level tiers.
• 1–2 years of inspection experience with tolerances as tight as +/- 0.5 for mid-level tiers.
• 3+ years of inspection experience with tolerances as tight as +/- 0.5 for setup tiers (Set OP1).
• 5+ years of inspection experience with tolerances of +/- 0.5 for advanced setup tiers (Set OP2).
• Ability to read and interpret technical blueprints to determine machining setups and processes.
• Proficiency in using micrometers, calipers, and various gauges for quality inspection.
• Experience performing tool changes and adjusting offsets on CNC lathes and mills.
• Capability to work to very tight tolerances and maintain consistent quality throughout production runs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with Makino CNC mills and Mazak CNC lathes.
• Experience in CNC setup, including turning and milling operations.
• Familiarity with CNC machine preventative maintenance practices.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, multi-machine CNC shop environment.
• Interest in cross-training on additional machines and processes to expand skills.
• Ability to collaborate with a cell lead and team members and openness to future advancement opportunities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, precision components.

Why Work Here?

The company offers a comprehensive benefits package and a strong focus on employee well-being and retention. The employer pays 100% of the employee cost of medical premiums and 97% of dental premiums, representing a substantial weekly savings compared with many other workplaces. Team members on second shift receive an additional hourly shift premium, and the organization makes monthly contributions to Health Savings Accounts for both single and family coverage. The company fully covers the cost of life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability policies for every employee, and supports professional growth through an education reimbursement program and a 401(k) plan. Employees receive reimbursement for prescription safety eyeglasses and steel-toe safety shoes, paid vacation time, and paid holidays. The shop is clean, well ventilated, and climate controlled, and leadership is actively investing in additional comfort improvements, including exploring facility upgrades. The organization encourages cross-training, offers optional overtime with bonus vacation days for consistent Friday work, and continues to experiment with creative ways to keep employees engaged and happy, including recreational amenities such as an outdoor basketball hoop and potential indoor games. Overall, the culture emphasizes stability, skill development, and a positive, supportive work environment.

Work Environment

You will work in a CNC machine shop that operates 26 machines, including both mills and lathes, with Makino mills and Mazak lathes as primary equipment. Openings are available on second shift, and there is also an opening on a weekend shift. The standard schedule consists of 10-hour shifts: first shift runs from 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and second shift runs from 3:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The company offers optional overtime on Fridays, with no limit on how many consecutive Fridays can be worked. The shop is clean, well organized, well ventilated, and climate controlled, with approximately 50 employees on site. You will report to a cell lead, providing a clear structure and a pathway for advancement for machinists who want to grow into leadership roles. The environment emphasizes safety, precision machining, and teamwork in a modern CNC production setting, where appropriate work attire includes safety gear such as prescription safety eyeglasses and steel-toe safety shoes, which are supported through reimbursement programs.

This is a Permanent position based out of KENOSHA, WI.

The pay range for this position is $40352.00 - $65000.00/yr.

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This is a fully onsite position in KENOSHA,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on May 12, 2026.

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.