Travel CNC Machinist

The Travel CNC Machinist sets up and operates a variety of CNC machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments in a manufacturing environment. This role involves frequent travel, working with both short and very long cycle times, and handling large components using lifting devices. The machinist fabricates and modifies parts, ensures quality through precise measurement and inspection, and independently manages machine setups, tool changes, and basic CNC program functions.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate a variety of CNC machine tools, including mills and lathes, to produce precision parts and instruments.
• Use overhead cranes and other lifting devices, along with chains and straps, to safely move large parts and materials.
• Perform independent machine setups, including aligning and securing holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials onto machines.
• Calculate dimensions and tolerances using mathematics and quality tools to ensure parts meet specifications.
• Monitor machine feed and speed during the machining process and make adjustments as needed to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Measure, examine, and test completed units to detect defects and verify conformance to specifications and quality standards.
• Set machine controls to regulate machining operations or enter commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control media.
• Perform independent tool changes on CNC machines to support efficient production and part quality.
• Read and interpret blueprints and written standard work instructions to determine machining requirements and process steps.
• Fabricate and modify parts to make or repair tools, fixtures, or machines as required.
• Support machine changeovers between different jobs or part numbers, ensuring accurate setup and minimal downtime.
• Apply knowledge of CNC programming concepts, including start, stop, and program recovery functions, to keep machines running effectively.
• Work with varying cycle times, ranging from a few minutes to extended runs of up to several hours, while maintaining attention to detail and process control.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety procedures when operating machines and lifting equipment.

• 5+ years of relevant experience working as a CNC Machinist in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience operating CNC machines, including mills and lathes.
• Ability to perform independent CNC machine setup, including fixturing and tool selection.
• Ability to understand and work with CNC program start, stop, and recovery functions.
• Ability to independently perform tool changes on CNC machines.
• Strong blueprint reading skills and the ability to follow written standard work instructions.
• Proficiency with CNC machining processes, including machining, setup, and programming concepts.
• Experience with machine setup, machine changeovers, and operating both mill and lathe equipment.
• High school diploma or GED.

• Experience working with larger parts that require the use of overhead cranes.
• Experience using chains and straps to safely move heavy parts and materials.
• Familiarity with Fanuc and Siemens CNC controls.
• Experience in a high-precision machining environment.
• Comfort working with long cycle times and monitoring extended machining operations.

This opportunity offers a traveling role with per diem, allowing you to work in different locations while being compensated for travel-related expenses. The position provides pay rates that are above market for the required skill set, reflecting the value placed on experienced CNC machinists. You will work in a professional manufacturing setting where your technical expertise, independence, and attention to detail are recognized and rewarded, with the chance to further develop your skills on a variety of machines and controls.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role in a manufacturing environment. You will work around CNC mills and lathes, overhead cranes, and other lifting equipment used to handle large parts. The setting is production-focused, with a strong emphasis on safety, proper use of chains and straps for material handling, and adherence to standard work instructions. You will operate and monitor machines that run both short and long cycle times, and you will regularly interact with CNC control systems such as Fanuc and Siemens. The environment is typical of a machine shop or industrial facility, with appropriate safety gear and attire required.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Detroit, MI.

The pay range for this position is $37.00 - $37.00/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 Detroit,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on May 7, 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.