Machine Operator

This role involves setting up, operating, and maintaining CNC machines, lathes, and related manufacturing equipment to produce high-quality components in a clean, climate-controlled environment. You will use your mechanical aptitude and precision measurement skills to ensure parts meet specifications while following safety and manufacturing standards. The position requires close attention to detail, consistent documentation, and collaboration with the production team to support efficient and reliable operations.

• Set up and operate CNC machines, lathes, and related manufacturing equipment to produce precision components.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, work instructions, and specifications to determine machining requirements.
• Monitor machine performance during production and make necessary adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and troubleshoot basic equipment issues to minimize downtime.
• Inspect finished products using precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges to verify conformance to specifications.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area in accordance with company safety policies and manufacturing procedures.
• Accurately complete production and quality documentation, including recording measurements, counts, and process data.
• Collaborate with supervisors and team members to improve production efficiency, workflow, and process reliability.
• Follow all safety policies, standard operating procedures, and manufacturing guidelines at all times.
• Use basic math skills, including addition and subtraction, to perform measurements, calculations, and adjustments during production.
• Assist with general production, assembly, and inspection tasks as needed to support overall manufacturing operations.

• Minimum 3 years of manufacturing and machine operation experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and proven problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and specifications.
• Experience using measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
• Ability to perform basic math, including addition and subtraction, in a production environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment to quality.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly as required by the job.
• Willingness to follow all safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment.

• Previous experience operating and setting up CNC machines and lathes.
• CNC programming knowledge or exposure to CNC programs.
• Manufacturing, machining, or technical certification is preferred.
• Experience in general production, assembly, and inspection work.
• Comfort working with CNC machines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including first, second, or weekend shifts as needed.

Employees benefit from a supportive environment that values both performance and well-being, including paid holidays, a paid birthday, and PTO accrual to support work-life balance. Competitive health insurance benefits help provide security and peace of mind, while a quarterly bonus incentive program rewards strong performance and contributions. Team members enjoy a clean, climate-controlled facility with varied work that keeps each day engaging, along with clear opportunities for advancement and professional growth.

The facility is clean and climate controlled, providing a comfortable and organized manufacturing environment. Team members use CNC machines, lathes, and precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges as part of daily operations. Personal protective equipment is required, including gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toe safety shoes. Standard hours include a first shift from Monday to Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., a second shift from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., and a weekend shift from Friday to Sunday, 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., offering multiple scheduling options to support production needs.

This is a Contract position based out of Ames, IA.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $21.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Ames,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 22, 2026.

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.