CNC Machinst

Job Title: CNC Set-Up Machinist

Job Description

The CNC Set-Up Machinist coordinates and performs set-up and operation of CNC machines to produce high-quality parts in a safe, efficient, and organized manner. This role oversees day-to-day machining activities including safety, materials handling, job and work order management, scheduling support, and adherence to quality standards. The CNC Set-Up Machinist ensures that parts meet precise specifications, maintains equipment, and supports continuous improvement within the machining department.

Responsibilities

• Perform all work in a manner that prioritizes safety for yourself and fellow team members, following all established safety policies and procedures.
• Follow all quality procedures, work instructions, and documents related to your job and department to ensure consistent, compliant production.
• Log in to assigned job operations promptly and log out upon completion, accurately recording quantities completed and any required production data.
• Verify that all company and personal inspection equipment and tools used are in proper calibration before use.
• Keep CNC machines and the immediate work area clean, organized, and free of debris throughout the shift.
• Ensure sufficient stock and materials are issued to each job before and during production to avoid delays.
• Clean chips from machines at the end of the shift or when a job is completed to maintain machine performance and safety.
• Confirm that all material, documentation, and paperwork for the job being performed are correct and complete before starting work.
• Ensure there are no chips or debris on jaws, fixtures, or parts/materials prior to machining.
• Load parts and materials into fixtures or jaws, verify that they are properly seated and snug against all stops before clamping or tightening.
• Unload parts from the machine after machining, deburr components, and remove foreign object debris (FOD) to meet quality standards.
• Inspect all finished products for precision, accuracy, and conformance to part drawings and workmanship specifications.
• Identify any non-conforming parts or conditions, promptly notify the supervisor, and support proper documentation, disposition, and segregation of affected material.
• Identify any discrepant material left in the work area and notify the supervisor so it can be dispositioned and segregated before the next job begins.
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance tasks such as lubrication, cleaning, and tool replacement to support machine longevity and reliability.
• At the completion of each operation, record the total quantity produced on the route sheet, including MDR numbers, team member number, and date.
• Notify the supervisor immediately of any problems, quality issues, or safety concerns, ideally before or at any point during an operation or work activity.
• Set part fixtures in machines, tram and zero out datums according to the program and/or setup sheets.
• Select tooling based on programs and setup sheets, set tool heights, and verify tool readiness for production.
• Load tools into the machine according to the program sequence and set tool offsets accurately.
• Walk the part through the program during initial runs, checking features as the program runs and making appropriate adjustments to bring the part into specification for first-piece approval.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and well-organized work area throughout the shift.
• Perform all job functions in alignment with established quality policies and procedures.
• Uphold the company’s core values, including commitment to quality, safety, continual improvement, transparency, and collaboration.
• Support production, assembly, and related tasks as needed, including mechanical assembly and basic wiring when required for job completion.
• Carry out other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational objectives.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in CNC machine setup, operation, and diagnostics.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Strong hands-on experience with CNC set-up and operation, including loading tools, setting offsets, and validating programs.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and part drawings to ensure accurate machining and inspection.
• Proficiency using inspection tools and gauges, with the ability to verify calibration status before use.
• Experience working in a production environment with focus on throughput, accuracy, and on-time completion.
• Ability to assemble mechanical components and perform basic assembly tasks as required.
• Capability to follow detailed work instructions, setup sheets, and quality procedures without direct supervision.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify non-conformances and discrepant materials.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple jobs or projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively and cooperatively with team members at all levels.
• Ability to complete assignments within specified timeframes and meet production schedules.
• Flexibility to work overtime in the evenings and on weekends, with or without advance notice.
• Commitment to upholding quality and safety standards and supporting continual improvement initiatives.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in an AS9100-certified environment is preferred.
• Familiarity with CNC production environments that include assembly line operations and mechanical assembly.
• Experience with wiring or basic electrical connections in support of assembly work is beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to support and comply with organizational objectives, guidelines, and commitments to quality and safety.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and job assignments while maintaining accuracy and productivity.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability for machine care, cleanliness, and maintenance.
• Comfort working with production documentation, route sheets, and job travelers, including accurate data entry.
• Positive, collaborative mindset with a willingness to support team goals and cross-functional activities.

Why Work Here?

You will join a team that values collaboration, transparency, and continual improvement, where your technical expertise and ideas can make a visible impact. The organization supports your financial and career growth with competitive compensation structures for some roles and opportunities for learning and development. Comprehensive benefits typically include medical and dental insurance, and in some locations, access to gym subsidies to support your health and well-being. A balanced work-life approach is encouraged through a friendly, supportive atmosphere, hybrid work options for eligible positions, and flexible scheduling where possible. Additional perks may include generous holiday allowances of up to 25 days, cycle-to-work schemes, and, in some cases, paid volunteering leave to support causes that matter to you.

Work Environment

This role operates in a manufacturing environment with regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and CNC machinery. Team members may encounter hot or cold temperatures, chemicals, fumes or airborne particles, loud noise, vibration, risk of electrical shock, and other typical industrial hazards. Appropriate personal protective equipment may be required and is expected to be used consistently. The position requires maintaining a clean, organized workstation and following all housekeeping and safety practices. Work is fast-paced and production-focused, with multiple jobs running and frequent interaction with other machining, assembly, and production personnel. Flexibility in working hours is necessary, including the ability to work 1st or 2nd shift and to support overtime in the evenings and on weekends when business needs require it.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Jessup, MD.

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

This is a fully onsite position in Jessup,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on May 19, 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.