Machine Shop Operator

Job Title: Level 3 Machinist – CNC Machine Shop

Job Description

This mid-level machinist role works in a large, high-volume machine shop performing metal cutting, drilling, grinding, deburring, and quality inspection to control plan and blueprint specifications. You will stage and move material, set up and operate CNC machines, perform frequent quality checks with precision measuring tools, and support a variety of machining operations rather than staying on a single machine. The position plays a key role in ensuring that parts meet strict quality standards before moving to final inspection and production.

Responsibilities

• Follow detailed control plans, blueprints, and written instructions to machine metal parts to specification.
• Stage raw material using forklifts and pallet jacks and load material into CNC machines safely and efficiently.
• Set up and operate CNC machines, including changeovers, basic troubleshooting, and routine adjustments to maintain quality and throughput.
• Perform metal cutting, drilling, grinding, boring, reaming, deburring, and related machining operations as required.
• Use air-powered tools to deburr parts and remove excess metal from blocks, including cutting plugs and smoothing edges.
• Operate wash tanks and other auxiliary equipment as part of the machining and finishing process.
• Offload machines, handle finished parts, and move material around the facility using sit-down and stand-up forklifts.
• Conduct quality checks at every step of the process using gauges, calipers, micrometers, dial bores, steel rulers, tape measures, and other precision measuring tools.
• Accurately read metric and standard measuring dials and gauges, compare measurements to specifications, and determine if parts pass or fail.
• Interpret and follow quality and process standards consistently to meet production and quality goals.
• Maintain a high level of housekeeping in the work area, keeping equipment and floors clean, organized, and free of debris.
• Participate in daily truck and hoist inspections and complete required inspection and housekeeping documentation.
• Adhere to all safety policies, including proper use of PPE and compliance with cell phone and listening device rules.
• Arrive on time to designated line-up areas with all required PPE and be prepared for shift assignments.
• Demonstrate flexibility by floating between multiple machines and tasks as production needs change.
• Apply basic troubleshooting skills to resolve routine machine and process issues and escalate when necessary.
• Assist as a general helper throughout the machine shop to ensure parts move efficiently to production.
• Support thorough training practices by following established safety and operational procedures during all tasks.

Essential Skills

• Experience working in a manufacturing environment, preferably in or around machining operations.
• Hands-on experience running a machine in a manufacturing environment, with CNC machine experience preferred.
• Baseline experience with gauging and precision measurement in a production setting.
• Proficiency using quality measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, dial bores, steel rulers, gauges, and similar inspection tools.
• Ability to perform frequent quality checks and interpret measurement results against specification tolerances.
• Experience operating sit-down and stand-up forklifts to move material and finished parts safely.
• Ability to read and understand metric and standard measuring dials and gauges.
• Solid math skills, including addition and subtraction, to calculate deviations from specifications and make pass/fail decisions on parts.
• Capability to troubleshoot everyday machine or process issues and make basic adjustments.
• Willingness and ability to move between different machines and tasks rather than operating a single machine all day.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to following established quality and process standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience reading and interpreting blueprints and control plans.
• Experience performing quality inspection on finished machined parts.
• Previous deburring experience using hand tools or air-powered tools.
• Familiarity with drill presses, boring mills, grinding operations, and general machine operation.
• Understanding of how to select the appropriate side of a caliper for internal versus external diameter measurements.
• Knowledge of gauge calibration procedures, such as comparing gauges or micrometers to known standards or gauge blocks.
• Ability to explain and apply the operation of a micrometer, including reading both the sleeve and thimble scales and combining them for an accurate measurement.
• Comfort working in a large machine shop environment with multiple shifts and high production volume.

Why Work Here?

You will join a large, well-established manufacturing facility that invests heavily in community and employee engagement through partnerships with local organizations and regular on-site events for employees and their families. The organization offers a clear path from temporary to full-time employment, with eligibility to apply for full-time roles after 90 days based on attendance and performance. Full-time employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous paid time off, multiple paid holidays, a 100% 401(k) match up to 6%, and health, dental, vision, and life insurance effective on the first day of employment. The culture emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and long-term stability, with multiple shifts available to support different scheduling needs and opportunities for progression over time.

Work Environment

The role is based in a very large, temperature-controlled manufacturing facility that is split between assembly operations and a machine shop. The machine shop employs hundreds of people across five shifts, including weekend crews, and uses CNC machines, drill presses, boring mills, grinding equipment, wash tanks, forklifts, and a wide range of precision inspection tools. The environment is clean and organized, with minimal debris, and safety is a top priority. Dress code is relaxed, allowing sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, work pants, and jeans, while leggings and sweatpants are not permitted. Required PPE includes steel or composite toe shoes, earplugs, and safety glasses, with hearing protection and glasses provided on-site. Policies prohibit the use of cell phones while walking and restrict phone use to break areas; headphones and other listening devices are not allowed. Employees receive thorough safety training, participate in daily equipment and hoist inspections, and are expected to maintain a clean, orderly work area throughout each shift.

- A(N1): M, T, W (7pm-7am) ($25.33)

- B (D1): M, T, W (7am-7pm ($24.47)

- C (N2): Th, F, Sa (7pm-7am)($25.33)

- D (D2): Th, F, Sa (7am-7pm) ($24.47)

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lafayette, IN.

The pay range for this position is $24.47 - $24.47/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 Lafayette,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 16, 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.