CNC Machine Operator

Aerotek; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Machine Operator in Richmond, VA, to operate metal fabrication and CNC equipment. The role involves reading blueprints, setting up machines, and ensuring parts meet tight tolerances in a climate-controlled environment.

You will program and run brakes, shears, drill presses, and CNCs, while maintaining safety and quality. Eligible for competitive benefits and weekly pay with onsite work.

Qualifications

• Read and interpret blueprints for mechanical systems.
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Responsibilities

• Analyze blueprints to determine specifications and fabrication requirements.
• Construct components from raw materials per drawings and specifications.
• Set up, program, and operate fabricating machines to cut, form, drill, and assemble metal components.
• Use welding equipment to fuse and tack-weld parts for final assembly.
• Lay out parts for accurate assembly and alignment.
• Inspect fabricated components to verify dimensions and quality.
• Cut materials with shears, power saws, torches, and chipper knives to required sizes.
• Replace damaged components to maintain integrity and safety.
• Set up and run CNC machines to cut and bend sheet metal as specified.
• Move and position parts to support accurate cutting and forming operations.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow safety procedures.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Fabrication machines operation

CNC machine setup

Tape measure reading

Welding equipment use

Cutting tools usage

Inspection and verification

Lathe and mill operation

Part alignment and assembly

Tools

CNC machines

Brakes

Shears

Drill presses

Welding equipment

Tape measure

Lathe & mill

Power saws

Job description

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

This role operates a variety of metal fabrication and CNC machines to produce high-quality components from raw materials. The machine operator reads and interprets blueprints, sets up and runs equipment, and ensures that all fabricated parts meet precise specifications and quality standards in a clean, climate-controlled environment.

Responsibilities

• Analyze blueprints for mechanical systems to determine component specifications and fabrication requirements.
• Construct components from raw materials according to detailed drawings and specifications.
• Set up, program, and operate fabricating machines such as brakes, shears, and drill presses to cut, form, drill, and assemble metal components.
• Use welding equipment to fuse assembly components and tack-weld fitted parts together to prepare for final welding.
• Lay out parts for assembly by aligning parts or pieces to ensure proper fit and accurate assembly.
• Inspect fabricated components to verify that dimensions, tolerances, and overall quality meet requirements.
• Utilize shears, power saws, cutting torches, and chipper knives to cut materials to the required size and shape.
• Replace damaged or defective structural components as needed to maintain product integrity and safety.
• Set up and run CNC machines to ensure sheet metal is properly cut and bent according to specifications.
• Move and position parts or machine components to support accurate cutting, bending, and forming operations.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety procedures while operating fabrication equipment.

Essential Skills

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints for mechanical systems.
• Proficiency in operating fabrication machines such as brakes, shears, and drill presses.
• Ability to set up and run CNC machines for cutting and bending sheet metal.
• Capability to read a tape measure accurately and work to precise measurements.
• Experience using welding equipment to fuse and tack-weld components.
• Skill in using shears, power saws, cutting torches, and chipper knives to cut materials.
• Ability to inspect fabricated components and verify correct sizing and quality.
• Competence in machine operation, including lathe and mill usage.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to align and assemble parts accurately.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in metal fabrication and assembly work.
• Familiarity with machine setup and programming for fabrication equipment.
• Comfort working with sheet metal and structural components.
• Ability to replace and repair damaged or defective structural components.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to following safety procedures and maintaining a clean work area.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from an employee-owned structure that supports long-term career growth and shared success. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes holidays, vacation, and PTO, as well as ESOP and 401(k) programs to support financial well-being. Team members have access to medical, prescription, vision, and dental insurance, and the role does not require travel, supporting stability and work-life balance.

Work Environment

The facility is climate controlled, well lit, and clean, providing a comfortable and professional setting for fabrication work. Shifts rotate bi-weekly on a 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. schedule. One shift pattern works Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday one week, followed by Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday the next week. The alternate pattern works Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday one week, followed by Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday the next week. The environment is structured around modern fabrication and CNC equipment and is designed to support safe, efficient, and precise manufacturing operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Richmond, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $29.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Richmond, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 28, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Richmond,VA.

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.