Cnc Machinist

Aerotek; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek in Elgin, IL is seeking a CNC Machinist (Swiss Lathe) to set up and operate Citizen Swiss CNC machines, read blueprints, and run production for precision parts.

This 2nd-shift role involves changeovers, troubleshooting, and basic preventive maintenance in a climate-controlled manufacturing environment focused on safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience setting up and operating Citizen Swiss CNC machines.
• Ability to read blueprints and schematics for setup.
• Experience with machine changeovers and tooling.
• Committed to safety, quality, and lean manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate Citizen Swiss CNC machines to produce parts.
• Interpret blueprints and schematics to configure settings.
• Perform machine changeovers at the controller.
• Monitor performance and troubleshoot issues with maintenance.
• Adjust programs and parameters as needed.
• Perform minor preventive maintenance.
• Maintain clean, organized workspace.
• Collaborate with team to meet production goals.

Skills

CNC setup

Blueprints reading

Tooling setup

Changeovers

Troubleshooting

Program adjustments

Preventive maintenance

Safety & quality

Tools

Citizen Swiss Lathe

CNC programming basics

Quality inspection tools

Job description

Job Title: CNC Machinist (Swiss Lathe)

Job Description

This role focuses on setting up and operating Citizen brand Swiss CNC machinery in a clean, climate-controlled manufacturing environment. You will use blueprints and schematics to configure machines for production runs, perform changeovers at the controller, and troubleshoot minor production issues. The position also involves completing basic preventive maintenance tasks to keep equipment running reliably and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate Citizen brand Swiss CNC machines to produce high-quality parts according to specifications.
• Interpret and utilize blueprints and schematics to configure machine settings and tooling for production runs.
• Perform machine changeovers at the controller when production requirements or part designs change.
• Monitor machine performance during production and identify issues that may affect quality or output.
• Troubleshoot minor production and machine operation issues and partner with the maintenance team to address and resolve them.
• Adjust CNC programs and machine parameters as needed to maintain accuracy, efficiency, and product quality.
• Complete minor preventive maintenance on CNC equipment, such as cleaning, basic inspections, and routine adjustments.
• Follow established manufacturing procedures, safety guidelines, and quality standards at all times.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and ensure tools, materials, and equipment are properly stored and handled.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet production goals and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience setting up and operating CNC machinery, preferably Citizen brand Swiss CNC machines or similar Swiss lathes.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply information from blueprints and schematics for machine setup and production.
• Proficiency in CNC machine operation, including loading materials, setting tools, and monitoring production runs.
• Experience performing machine changeovers at the controller to accommodate different parts or production requirements.
• Practical troubleshooting skills for resolving minor production and equipment issues and coordinating with maintenance when needed.
• Basic understanding of CNC programs and the ability to make adjustments to support accurate and efficient production.
• Prior experience working as a machine operator in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Commitment to following safety procedures, quality standards, and established work instructions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with Swiss lathe operations or Swiss-style CNC machining.
• Familiarity with preventive maintenance practices on CNC equipment.
• Comfort working in a structured, lean manufacturing environment with organized workstations.
• Ability to work effectively on 2nd shift and maintain consistent attendance and reliability.
• Strong attention to detail and quality, with a focus on producing precise and consistent parts.
• Team-oriented mindset with willingness to collaborate and support a positive, goal-driven culture.

Why Work Here?

You will join a long-established, family-owned organization with over 75 years of history that values hard work, community involvement, and having fun together. The culture emphasizes personal, company, and customer success, supported by activities such as holiday drives and paid voluntary time off for community service. The workplace regularly hosts celebrations, theme days, sweater parties, and seasonal events to foster a friendly and engaging environment. Employees benefit from an on-site café, best-in-class clean facilities, company-provided PPE, and secure locker rooms. The organization has invested significantly in expanding its operations, creating new opportunities and modern workspaces. Temporary roles are structured as 90-day contract-to-hire, with generous paid time off starting on the first day of full-time employment, comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k), and a strong team-first mentality that supports long-term growth and work-life balance.

Work Environment

The position is based in a clean, lean manufacturing facility on 2nd shift. The building is divided into separate assembly departments, and this role is located in the cable solutions area. The environment is climate controlled, well-lit, and highly organized, with each employee assigned a dedicated workstation or rotating among organized stations. The facility uses modern CNC and injection molding technologies and maintains best-in-class cleanliness standards. Company-provided PPE is available, and locker rooms with locks are provided for personal storage. The structured, team-oriented atmosphere supports efficient production while maintaining comfort and safety throughout the workday.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elgin, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $30.00/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 & 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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elgin, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Elgin,IL.

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.