CNC Lathe Machinist

Aerotek; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k)

Two weeks paid time off (increases to

Annual raises

Weekly pay

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a skilled CNC Lathe Machinist in Tacoma, WA to set up, program, and operate CNC lathes, read blueprints, and produce production-ready parts in a busy shop.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years of hands-on CNC lathe experience, strong knowledge of Okuma controls with light programming at the machine, and proficiency in G&M codes for 3- and 4-axis machining; day shift with competitive pay and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• At least 3+ years of CNC lathe machining experience.
• Hands-on CNC machinist experience, including full set-ups (not just machine operation).
• Working knowledge of Okuma controls with the ability to create simple programs at the machine.
• Proficiency with G & M codes, including reading, understanding, and editing code at the control.
• Experience with 3-axis and 4-axis machining.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments and inspection tools to verify part quality.
• Experience editing CNC codes and performing light programming at the machine.
• Good attendance record and a strong, self-motivated, go-getter mentality.
• Comfort working with jigs, fixtures, and complex machinery to produce high-quality parts.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC lathes and related machine tools to produce precision metal parts.
• Use measuring instruments and precision tools to verify dimensions and ensure parts meet specifications.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and other technical instructions to manufacture metal components.
• Create and edit simple CNC programs at the machine using Okuma controls and G & M codes.
• Perform tooling set-ups, including jigs and fixtures, to support efficient and repeatable production.
• Make code edits and adjustments at the control to improve part quality and machining efficiency.
• Apply light programming skills to optimize machining processes and support automation where possible.
• Use manual machines when needed to support production or secondary operations.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all shop safety practices.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance and a proactive, go-getter approach to daily tasks and production goals.

Skills

CNC Lathe Machining

Setups and Programming

Okuma Controls

G & M Codes

3- and 4-Axis Machining

Blueprint Reading

Precision Measurement Tools

CNC Code Editing

Light CNC Programming

Reliability & Attendance

Tools

Manual Machines

Job description

Job Title: CNC Lathe Machinist

Job Description

Join a busy machine shop as a CNC Lathe Machinist where you will set up, program, and operate CNC equipment to produce high-quality, production-ready metal parts. You will work with jigs and fixtures, automate processes where possible, and use your precision machining expertise to support a growing organization. This role requires a true machinist who can perform set-ups, make edits, and do light programming at the machine using Okuma controls and G & M codes.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC lathes and related machine tools to produce precision metal parts.
• Use measuring instruments and precision tools to verify dimensions and ensure parts meet specifications.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and other technical instructions to manufacture metal components.
• Create and edit simple CNC programs at the machine using Okuma controls and G & M codes.
• Perform tooling set-ups, including jigs and fixtures, to support efficient and repeatable production.
• Make code edits and adjustments at the control to improve part quality and machining efficiency.
• Apply light programming skills to optimize machining processes and support automation where possible.
• Use manual machines when needed to support production or secondary operations.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all shop safety practices.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance and a proactive, go-getter approach to daily tasks and production goals.

Essential Skills

• At least 3+ years of CNC lathe machining experience.
• Hands-on CNC machinist experience, including full set-ups (not just machine operation).
• Working knowledge of Okuma controls with the ability to create simple programs at the machine.
• Proficiency with G & M codes, including reading, understanding, and editing code at the control.
• Experience with 3-axis and 4-axis machining.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments and inspection tools to verify part quality.
• Experience editing CNC codes and performing light programming at the machine.
• Good attendance record and a strong, self-motivated, go-getter mentality.
• Comfort working with jigs, fixtures, and complex machinery to produce high-quality parts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Manual machining experience, including operation of manual machines for secondary or support work.
• Ownership of personal tools suitable for a machinist role.
• Additional lathe experience beyond the minimum required.
• Experience working in a high-mix, large machine shop environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail in precision machining.

Why Work Here?

You will join a growing organization that values long-term development, offering comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as a 401(k) plan. You start with two weeks of paid time off in your first year, which increases to four weeks after one year, supporting a healthy work-life balance. The shop provides annual raises and offers significant room for growth, giving you the opportunity to advance your skills and career over time.

Work Environment

This role is based in a large machine shop located in the Port of Tacoma that manufactures a variety of products, including clips, joiner doors, pallets, and large carts. The environment can be loud and noisy, with typical machine shop conditions that may be dirty at times. Temperatures can be cold in the winter and hot in the summer, so you should be comfortable working in changing conditions. The position is on a day shift schedule from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You will work around CNC lathes, manual machines, and other industrial equipment in an active production setting, following appropriate safety practices and wearing suitable shop attire and protective gear as required.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tacoma, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $40.00/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 jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Tacoma,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 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.