CNC Operator

Job Title: CNC Operator
Job Description

This fast-paced CNC Operator role focuses on operating and fabricating sheet metal components using CNC equipment such as press brakes, lasers, and other fabrication machinery. You will perform machine setup, adjustments, and basic preventative maintenance while ensuring parts are produced accurately to blueprint specifications and quality standards. The position requires strong attention to safety, quality, and efficiency in a high-speed production environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC fabrication equipment, including press brakes, lasers, and related cutting and bending machinery, to produce sheet metal components to specification.
• Set up CNC machines by installing and adjusting tooling, setting back gauges, selecting appropriate dies, and dialing in bend parameters to achieve accurate parts.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance on equipment, including monitoring lubrication, checking hydraulic pressure, cleaning sensors, and reporting mechanical issues promptly.
• Safely load, position, and support sheet metal to prevent damage, misalignment, or safety hazards during machine operation.
• Interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and work orders to determine material requirements, dimensions, tolerances, and production steps.
• Conduct quality inspections using micrometers, calipers, tape measures, and other precision measuring tools, applying math skills for decimals and fractions to verify dimensions.
• Follow strict safety procedures at all times, maintain a clean and organized work area, and use required personal protective equipment.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and report equipment, process, or safety issues to maintain production metrics and minimize downtime.
• Assist with inventory and material management by tracking materials, supplies, and work-in-progress as needed.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts focused on efficiency, quality, and safety within the production environment.
• Work effectively in a high-speed manufacturing or job shop setting, meeting production schedules and quality targets.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to support smooth workflow across shifts and production areas.

Essential Skills

• 2–3 years of experience in CNC operations, specifically press brake operation, in a high-speed manufacturing environment or job shop.
• Strong knowledge of production machinery, including setup and changeover of CNC press brakes, lasers, and related fabrication equipment.
• Proficiency in CNC machine setup, including tooling installation, back gauge adjustment, die selection, and bend parameter configuration.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and work orders accurately.
• Hands-on experience with laser cutting and press brake operations in a production environment.
• Competence in using precision measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, and tape measures for quality inspection.
• Solid math skills, including working with decimals and fractions, to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Understanding of and adherence to manufacturing safety practices, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
• High school diploma or GED.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Schooling or certifications in machining, CNC operations, or a closely related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience working in a fast-paced production environment with sheet metal fabrication.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement practices and a willingness to contribute ideas for process, quality, and safety enhancements.
• Ability to troubleshoot basic mechanical and process issues and communicate them clearly to maintenance or leadership.
• Comfort working overtime, including weekends, when required to meet production demands.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage with highly competitive rates, along with FSA and HSA options to support health and financial wellness. The organization invests in long-term success through retirement incentives and tuition reimbursement, encouraging ongoing learning and career growth. New hires receive holiday pay after a short introductory period and gain access to personal time upon completion of probationary status, supporting work-life balance. Safety is prioritized with increased safety shoe reimbursement and a strong focus on protective equipment. Compensation is enhanced by double-time pay on Sundays and for hours worked beyond 60 in a week, providing meaningful earning potential for those who choose additional hours.

Work Environment

This role is based in a clean, well-organized, temperature-controlled manufacturing facility designed for efficient workflow. There are openings on 2nd shift, Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and on 3rd shift, Monday through Friday from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., with overtime potential on weekends. Overtime may be required for 2nd shift every other Saturday, and average hours currently range from 50 to 55 per week, with efforts underway to reduce hours as additional positions are filled. Sundays are paid at double time, and any hours over 60 in a week are also paid at double time, including Saturday night shifts that run into Sunday morning for 3rd shift and any Sunday work for 2nd shift. The environment includes areas with elevated noise levels, so hearing and eye protection are required. Uniforms are available through a uniform service once permanent, or employees may wear their own work clothes, typically jeans or work pants, short-sleeve shirts, and steel-toe boots; some responsibilities require cut-resistant gloves. The facility uses modern CNC fabrication equipment, including press brakes and lasers, and emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and comfort for employees throughout the plant.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lexington, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $28.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lexington,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

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.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

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 meet 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 in solving 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.