CNC Operator

Job Title: CNC Lathe Machine Operator – 1st Shift

Job Description

The CNC Lathe Machine Operator will set up and operate Haas and OKUMA CNC lathes to complete production runs in a job shop environment that prioritizes quality over quantity. You will read and interpret blueprints, adjust tooling, and perform precise inspections using micrometers and calipers to ensure each part meets customer specifications.

Responsibilities

• Operate Haas and OKUMA CNC lathe machines to complete production runs according to job specifications.
• Read and interpret blueprints to determine machining operations, dimensions, and tolerances.
• Install and adjust cutting tools and tooling components based on job requirements.
• Load, run, and monitor CNC programs, making basic control adjustments as needed.
• Use micrometers, calipers, indicators, edge finders, and other precision measuring tools to inspect parts.
• Perform in-process and final quality inspections to verify parts meet customer requirements.
• Deburr and handle finished parts carefully to maintain dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
• Follow established work instructions, job travelers, and computerized instructions for each job.
• Troubleshoot basic machining issues and make appropriate adjustments to improve part quality and consistency.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in the machining department.
• Collaborate with other CNC operators and team members in machining, fabrication, packing, assembly, and welding as needed.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and quality standards throughout the production process.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with CNC lathe operations.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints accurately.
• Proficiency in using calipers, micrometers, indicators, and edge finders.
• Basic understanding of CNC controls and cutting tools.
• Ability to perform quality inspections using precision measuring instruments.
• Basic mechanical skills related to machining and machine operation.
• Ability to deburr and properly handle parts to meet customer requirements.
• Capability to install and follow computerized instructions on CNC equipment.
• Experience operating CNC machines in a production or job shop environment.
• Competence in machine operation and machining processes on CNC lathes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with CNC mills in addition to CNC lathes.
• Familiarity with Haas CNC equipment, including Haas mills and lathes.
• Exposure to CNC programming and basic program adjustments.
• Experience with Mastercam or similar CAM software.
• Troubleshooting skills for machining processes and CNC equipment.
• Experience in milling and general machining operations.
• Ability to perform detailed quality inspections and documentation.
• Comfort working within a well-organized, multi-department manufacturing environment (machining, fabrication, packing, assembly, welding).

Why Work Here?

You will join a company that invests in its people through comprehensive benefits, long-term financial support, and meaningful time off. Employees enjoy paid vacation, paid holidays plus floating days, and an extended 16-week maternity and paternity leave program that supports work–life balance. The benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, disability and life insurance, a 401(k) with company match, and a company HSA contribution to support your healthcare expenses. You can grow your skills with tuition reimbursement and benefit from referral bonuses for helping build the team. Safety is a priority, with reimbursement for safety shoes and safety glasses once permanent, and a culture that values a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Work Environment

This is a full-time 1st shift role in a clean, well-organized machine shop. Standard hours are 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; during 10-hour schedules, the shift runs from 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with an additional 5 hours on Saturday if needed. The machining department operates approximately 24 CNC machines, primarily Haas equipment, with a mix of mills and lathes, and includes around 10 CNC lathe operators. You will work alongside teams in machining, fabrication, packing, assembly, and welding in a structured production environment that emphasizes safety, organization, and quality. Safety shoes and safety glasses are required, with reimbursement provided upon becoming permanent.

This is a Permanent position based out of Cary, IL.

The pay range for this position is $41600.00 - $62400.00/yr.

Paid Vacation TimePaid Holidays + 2 FloatingReferral Bonus401k + Company MatchHealth Insurance - BCBSVision InsuranceDental InsuranceDisability Insurance$500 HSA Contribution Life InsuranceBereavement Pay16 WEEKS for MAT/PAT Leave Tuition ReimbursementSafety Shoes & Safety Glasses Reimbursement (when perm)

This is a fully onsite position in Cary,IL.

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.