Machinist

Job Title: CNC Machinist – 3rd Shift (3 & 5 Axis)

Job Description

This role involves setting up, operating, and troubleshooting manual and CNC machining equipment, with a strong focus on 3-axis and 5-axis milling. You will produce high-precision components with close tolerances and high-quality aesthetics for a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, energy, chemical, and environmental sectors. The position requires strong technical machining skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team on 3rd shift.

SHIFT: 3rd

Direct hire with benefits!

Responsibilities

• Set up CNC machines using edge finders and indicators to ensure accurate alignment and proper workholding.
• Perform 3-axis and 5-axis CNC machining operations to produce parts with close and exacting tolerances and high-resolution surface finishes.
• Qualify first-piece production through detailed inspections, make necessary adjustments, and fine-tune machine settings for optimal performance.
• Operate a variety of CNC and manual equipment, including 3-axis mills such as Fadal, Okuma, Makino, and Mazak, as well as 5-axis mills such as Hurco and Mikron.
• Work with multiple controller types, including Heidenhain, Fanuc, Okuma, Hurco, Makino Pro 5 and Pro 6, and Fadal controls.
• Enter machining instructions and offsets into CNC equipment based on programmer-defined programs and job requirements.
• Set up machines with the correct tooling, attachments, fixtures, and materials required to complete each job.
• Operate and monitor multiple machines simultaneously while maintaining quality and throughput standards.
• Troubleshoot issues related to machine programming, tooling, and setup, and resolve problems to minimize downtime.
• Read and interpret blueprints, plans, work orders, and other technical documents to collect data and complete inspection sheets.
• Perform in-process and final inspections using calipers, micrometers, depth micrometers, gage pins, and other precision measuring instruments.
• Apply knowledge of GD&T and the decimal system to verify part dimensions and tolerances.
• Follow work instructions, standard operating procedures, and ISO 9001 quality practices (ISO 9001 knowledge preferred).
• Assist with preventive maintenance (PMP) duties by inspecting and maintaining equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Utilize CMM familiarity or knowledge to support inspection and quality verification as needed.
• Select and use appropriate cutting tools, including end mills, bullnose cutters, ballnose cutters, chamfer mills, drills, and related tooling.
• Collaborate closely with engineers, management, and other team members to resolve technical issues and improve processes.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and regulations while maintaining a clean and organized work area.
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail and good listening skills to ensure parts meet specifications and customer requirements.
• Contribute positively to a team-oriented environment by communicating effectively and supporting coworkers on the shift.

Essential Skills

• 3–10 years of CNC machining experience.
• Proven ability to set up own machine, including selecting tooling, establishing work offsets, and verifying programs.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Hands-on experience with 3-axis and 5-axis CNC machining.
• Proficiency in operating both manual and CNC machines.
• Mastercam and CAD/CAM knowledge for understanding and supporting programmed toolpaths.
• Familiarity with G and M codes and their application in CNC machining.
• Experience working with mills and lathes in a production environment.
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Experience collecting dimensional data from blueprints, plans, and work orders to complete inspection sheets.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems (preferred).
• Ability to enter instructions and data into CNC controls accurately and efficiently.
• Skill in setting up CNC equipment with correct attachments, fixtures, and parts.
• Capability to operate and monitor multiple machines at one time while maintaining quality.
• Troubleshooting skills related to machine programming, setup, and tooling issues.
• Strong understanding of safety procedures and willingness to follow all safety regulations.
• Experience collaborating with engineers, leadership, and other team members.
• Ability to inspect and maintain equipment and perform basic preventive maintenance tasks.
• CMM familiarity or knowledge to support inspection and quality checks.
• Proficiency using calipers, micrometers, depth micrometers, and gage pins.
• Familiarity with different types of cutting tools, including end mills, bullnose tools, ballnose tools, chamfer mills, and drills.
• Attention to detail and strong listening skills to ensure accurate execution of instructions.
• Understanding of the decimal system for precision measurement and dimensioning.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Trade school completion in machining or a related technical field.
• Approximately 5 years or more of machinist experience in a production environment is a strong plus.
• Prior aerospace and defense machining experience is highly desirable.
• Experience working in environments supplying automotive, aerospace, energy, chemical, and environmental industries.
• Comfort working with a variety of CNC controls, including Heidenhain, Fanuc, Okuma, Hurco, Makino Pro 5 and Pro 6, and Fadal.
• Familiarity with Mazak, Okuma, Fadal, and similar CNC machine tools.
• Experience in a large production shop with high-volume precision machining.
• Knowledge of GD&T for interpreting and applying geometric tolerances.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team-oriented, collaborative production group.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and complex projects.

Why Work Here?

You will join a global leader in electrical specialties and advanced materials that supports high-tech industries across the world. The organization maintains a strong culture of innovation, with more than a century of experience developing custom solutions for emerging technologies. With an international footprint that includes dozens of industrial sites and R&D centers, you gain exposure to cutting-edge applications in wind and solar power, electronics, electric vehicles, aeronautics, space, and many other sectors where technology is rapidly advancing. The company offers a stable, large-scale production environment with extensive overtime opportunities available on a voluntary basis, allowing you to shape your work–life balance. You will work alongside a sizeable team of skilled machinists and engineers, fostering continuous learning, collaboration, and professional growth.

Work Environment

This position is based in a large precision machining production shop that employs more than 160 machinists and engineers. The facility supports automotive, aerospace, energy, chemical, environmental, and other high-tech industries. You will work primarily on 2nd shift (approximately 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.) or 3rd shift (approximately 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.), with shift differentials offered for both shifts. Overtime is widely available and currently offered on a voluntary basis rather than as a mandatory requirement. The work environment is highly technical and equipment-rich, featuring 3-axis mills such as Fadal, Okuma, Makino, and Mazak, as well as 5-axis mills including Hurco and Mikron. You will interact with multiple CNC control platforms, including Heidenhain, Fanuc, Okuma, Hurco, Makino Pro 5 and Pro 6, and Fadal controls, and you will use precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, depth micrometers, and gage pins, along with CMM equipment. The facility follows structured safety procedures and ISO-oriented quality practices, providing a professional, process-driven environment focused on precision, reliability, and continuous improvement. Appropriate industrial work attire is expected to support safety and professionalism on the shop floor.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Bay City, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45760.00 - $58240.00/yr.

MedicalDental Vision401kVacation and holiday

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Bay City,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026.

About Aerotek:

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.

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