Cnc Machinist

Aerotek; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Life insurance

PTO

Job summary

Aerotek in North Chicago, IL is seeking a CNC Lathe Machinist to set up, operate, and maintain CNC lathes and mills for high‑performance thermoplastic components. You will interpret blueprints, perform precise measurements, and upload CNC programs while ensuring safety and quality in a 5S environment. The role involves daily use of ERP systems for data collection, fixtures setup, and loading tools.

Expect periods of standing, lifting up to 50 lbs, and shifts 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. or 4:00 p.m.

Qualifications

• Must have CNC machining experience and be able to setup and produce parts.
• Ability to read blueprints and interpret tolerances accurately.
• Proficient in editing and writing CNC programs.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC lathes and mills for production runs.
• Perform in-process inspections and use gauges to verify dimensions.
• Maintain clean, safe 5S workspace and support TPM/maintenance.

Skills

High school diploma or equivalent

CNC machining experience

Blueprint reading

CNC programming editing/writing

Use of inspection gauges

Math skills / Trigonometry

ERP data collection / time logging

3-axis mill setup

2-axis lathe setup

GD&T understanding

Manual inspection tools familiarity

Safety & 5S adherence

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

ERP software

Job description

Job Title: CNC Lathe Machinist

Job Description

This role focuses on setting up, operating, and maintaining CNC lathes and mills to produce high-performance thermoplastic components used in demanding industrial applications. You ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality production by interpreting blueprints and work orders, performing precise measurements, and executing machining programs. You contribute directly to a clean, orderly, and continuously improving manufacturing environment that supports sustainable, long-term growth.

Responsibilities

• Promote a positive, safe, and stable work environment aligned with continuous improvement and sustainability values.
• Ensure a safe workplace, efficient production processes, minimal downtime, and a clean, orderly production area.
• Use ERP software for data collection to accurately log time and production activities.
• Read and interpret work orders, flow sheets, and part drawings to determine all aspects of each job to be manufactured.
• Check and verify blueprint dimensions using manual inspection equipment and gauges.
• Load and verify tools required for each job, ensuring correct selection and secure installation.
• Load and verify fixtures and make basic fixtures as needed to support production.
• Pull material from the staging area for specific jobs and verify correctness against the work order or WOPAC.
• Set up and operate 3-axis mills proficiently for production runs.
• Set up basic 2-axis lathe work, including tooling, fixturing, and program verification.
• Upload and download CNC programs to and from machines as provided by the programmer.
• Indicate vices straight and accurately align workholding devices.
• Pick up the center of fixtures and establish accurate workpiece zero points.
• Submit first article and final inspection parts to Quality Assurance to verify dimensions and any features not checked manually.
• Run all parts required for each production order according to specifications and quality standards.
• Perform in-process inspections during production runs to ensure dimensional accuracy and product quality.
• Maintain a clean work area and machine, consistently practicing 5S principles.
• Perform daily and monthly preventative maintenance on assigned machines.
• Communicate effectively with team members to ensure successful completion of production jobs.
• Complete additional duties as directed to support production and operational needs.
• Adhere to and support all safety and quality system requirements in a safety-sensitive position.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3–5 years of CNC machining experience, or CNC certification plus 1–2 years of CNC machining experience.
• Hands-on experience with CNC machining operations, including setup and production.
• Proficiency in blueprint reading to interpret dimensions, tolerances, and machining requirements.
• Ability to use manual inspection gauges and equipment to verify part dimensions.
• Experience editing and writing CNC programs.
• Basic math skills with trigonometry knowledge preferred.
• Basic knowledge of ERP software for data collection and time logging.
• Proficiency with setup on 3-axis mills.
• Ability to set up basic 2-axis lathe work.
• Understanding and practical use of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
• Mechanical aptitude and familiarity with CNC machining equipment, including lathe and mill technologies.
• Ability to lift up to approximately 50 pounds and stand for long periods of time.
• Commitment to safety and adherence to safety-sensitive work practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with high-performance thermoplastic materials and composites is a plus.
• Prior use of ERP systems in a manufacturing environment is beneficial.
• Familiarity with 5S and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Comfort working with various manual gauges and inspection tools.Ability to collaborate effectively with production, programming, and quality teams.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality parts.
• Interest in ongoing learning and development related to machining and manufacturing.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from comprehensive, competitive benefits that start on day one, supporting both health and financial well-being. The organization offers BCBS health benefits designed to reduce medical insurance costs, a 5% 401(k) match with 100% vesting, and profit sharing to reward collective success. Team members have access to Employee Assistance Programs and curated, self-paced learning and development programs for continuous professional growth. Practical support includes an annual steel toe voucher and a glasses voucher to help cover essential work‑related gear. The company emphasizes safety, with a strong record of accident‑free operations over multiple years, and fosters a culture focused on sustainability, long‑term stability, and improvement.

Work Environment

The role is based in a manufacturing environment that produces high‑performance thermoplastic components using CNC lathes and mills, supported by ERP software and manual inspection equipment. Typical shifts run Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or from 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., providing structured, full-time hours. The facility emphasizes cleanliness and organization through 5S principles, with regular machine preventative maintenance and a strong focus on safety as this is a safety‑sensitive position. Team members use gauges, blueprint reading tools, and CNC technologies in a production area that is kept orderly and efficient. The environment requires standing for extended periods and occasionally lifting up to approximately 50 pounds, with appropriate steel‑toe footwear and safety glasses supported through company vouchers.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $36.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in North Chicago,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2026.

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.