Cnc Operator

Aerotek; Petaluma (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Aerotek in Petaluma, CA is seeking a CNC Lathe/Milling Operator to set up, operate, and maintain CNC and manual lathes in a busy aerospace and commercial machine shop.

You will read blueprints, edit G-code, run programs, and measure parts with calipers/micrometers to ensure tight tolerances and quality while supporting production goals. This contract-to-hire role offers growth and a stable team environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on CNC lathe experience in production environments.
• Ability to set up lathes, tooling, and program loading.
• Proficient reading of blueprints and machining drawings.
• Experience editing G-code/M-code to optimize CNC programs.
• Skilled with calipers, micrometers and measuring equipment.

Responsibilities

• Set up CNC lathes, tooling, fixtures, and programs for production runs.
• Operate CNC and manual lathes to produce parts per blueprints.
• Walk between machines to load/unload parts and monitor jobs.
• Run CNC programs, adjusting machine settings as needed.
• Use calipers/micrometers to verify tolerances and质量.
• Inspect parts regularly to maintain quality.
• Maintain CNC machines with routine checks and basic maintenance.
• Edit G-code and M-code to optimize programs.
• Read and interpret blueprints to set up/run jobs.
• Prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and production goals.
• Monitor job timing and material usage for efficiency.
• Collaborate with team to solve machining challenges.
• Follow safety procedures and use PPE at all times.
• Maintain an organized work area in a loud shop.

Skills

CNC lathe operation

Setup and tooling

Blueprint reading

G-code editing

Measuring with calipers

Quality inspection

Independent work

English communication

Tools

Mastercam

CMM programming

Job description

Job Title: CNC Lathe/ Milling Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on setting up, operating, and maintaining CNC and manual lathes in a busy aerospace and commercial machine shop environment. You will run production parts, ensure they meet precise specifications, and use measuring tools to verify tolerances and quality. The position requires strong attention to detail, efficient program and tool operation, and the ability to troubleshoot and solve problems creatively during daily machining tasks.

Responsibilities

• Set up CNC lathes and prepare tooling, fixtures, and programs for production runs.

• Operate CNC and manual lathes to produce high-quality parts according to blueprints and specifications.

• Walk between machines to load and unload parts, monitor jobs, and keep production flowing smoothly.

• Run CNC programs efficiently, making adjustments to machine settings as needed based on part performance.

• Use measuring tools such as calipers and micrometers to check tolerances and ensure parts meet quality standards.

• Inspect parts regularly throughout the production process to maintain consistent quality.

• Maintain CNC machines by performing routine checks and basic preventive maintenance.

• Edit G‑code and M‑code as needed to optimize programs and correct issues.

• Read and interpret blueprints and machining drawings to set up and run jobs correctly.

• Manage job flow independently, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and production goals.

• Monitor job timing and material usage to support efficient and cost‑effective operations.

• Collaborate with team members to solve machining challenges and improve processes.

• Follow shop safety procedures and use appropriate personal protective equipment at all times.

• Maintain an organized work area within a loud, high‑activity machine shop environment.

Essential Skills

• Hands‑on experience operating CNC lathes in a production or machine shop environment.

• Ability to set up lathes, including tooling, workholding, and program loading.

• Basic CNC lathe and milling experience, with understanding of machining processes.

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints and machining drawings.

• Skill in using measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and other inspection equipment.

• Ability to edit G‑code and M‑code to adjust and optimize CNC programs.

• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with tools, machines, and metal components.

• Ability to work independently, manage job flow, and meet production deadlines.

• Strong attention to detail with a focus on part quality and dimensional accuracy.

• Effective time management skills in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment.

• Proficiency in English for reading work instructions and communicating verbally in the shop.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with manual milling machines and manual lathes.

• Experience in aerospace or commercial machine shop environment.

• Familiarity with CNC programming concepts and lathe programming.

• Exposure to machining software such as Mastercam.

• Experience with CMM programming and inspection is a plus.

• Comfort working in a unionized environment with established processes and standards.

• Strong work ethic, reliability, and motivation to grow with the company.

• Ability to perform assembly tasks related to machined components.

• Preference for candidates with some prior shop experience rather than recent graduates, unless they were top of their class.

Why Work Here?

You will join a tight-knit, long-tenured team where most employees have been with the company for many years, creating a stable and supportive environment. As a union shop, you gain access to union benefits after conversion, providing strong long‑term security and coverage. The role offers direct-hire potential, opportunities for growth, and the chance to learn from highly experienced machinists, including a retiring expert who will help train his successor. Performance is recognized through clear metrics such as job completion time and material efficiency, allowing driven and motivated individuals to excel.

Work Environment

The position is based in a busy aerospace and commercial machine shop that is loud and dirty but well sectioned and organized for efficient workflow. You will work in a fast‑paced, hands‑on machining environment with CNC and manual lathes, mills, and standard machine shop equipment. Typical shifts run from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The dress code includes jeans without holes, a T‑shirt, and required PPE. The company provides disposable coveralls, protective eyewear, gloves, and masks, while steel‑toed boots are strongly recommended. The shop culture values driven, motivated individuals with a strong work ethic who focus on productivity, avoid excessively long breaks, and contribute positively to a collaborative, union‑based environmen

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Petaluma, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $48.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Petaluma,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 14, 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.