Cnc Setup Operator

Aerotek; Bethel (CT); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a CNC Setup Operator in Bethel, CT to set up, operate, and optimize CNC machining equipment to produce precision metal components.

You will perform machine setups, tooling changes, program verification, and first-piece inspections while collaborating with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to improve processes and reduce downtime.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 3 years CNC setup experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to set up CNC lathes, mills, and machining centers.
• Strong ability to read blueprints and technical drawings.
• Solid understanding of machining processes, tooling, feeds, and speeds.
• Hands-on experience using precision inspection tools (micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, height gauges).
• Mechanical aptitude with troubleshooting skills for machining/equipment.`
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Set up CNC lathes, mills, and machining centers for production runs.
• Install and qualify tooling, fixtures, jaws, and other work-holding devices to ensure secure and accurate machining.
• Load, verify, and troubleshoot CNC programs prior to and during production.
• Establish and adjust work offsets, tool offsets, and machine parameters for optimal performance.
• Read and interpret blueprints, GD&T requirements to determine machining methods and tolerances.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using precision measuring instruments.
• Make machine adjustments as needed to maintain part quality and optimize cycle times.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and equipment issues to minimize downtime and scrap.
• Verify part quality and ensure all components meet customer specifications and internal quality standards.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to improve manufacturing processes and resolve technical issues.
• Complete setup documentation, inspection records, and production reports accurately and on time.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, and efficiency.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with company policies and OSHA standards.
• Work safely around machining equipment and moving mechanical parts.

Skills

CNC setup

Blueprint reading

GD&T

First-piece inspection

Tooling changes

Troubleshooting

Measurement tools

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Haas

Mazak

Okuma

Fanuc

Precision measuring tools

Job description

Job Title: CNC Setup Operator Job Description

This role focuses on setting up, operating, and optimizing CNC machining equipment to produce precision metal components that consistently meet customer specifications and quality standards. You will perform machine setups, tooling changes, program verification, and first-piece inspections while working closely with cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing processes and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Set up CNC lathes, mills, and machining centers for production runs.

• Install and qualify tooling, fixtures, jaws, and other work-holding devices to ensure secure and accurate machining.

• Load, verify, and troubleshoot CNC programs prior to and during production.

• Establish and adjust work offsets, tool offsets, and machine parameters for optimal performance.

• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, work instructions, and GD&T requirements to determine machining methods and tolerances.

• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using precision measuring instruments to verify part conformity.

• Make machine adjustments as needed to maintain part quality and optimize cycle times.

• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and equipment issues to minimize downtime and scrap.

• Verify part quality and ensure all components meet customer specifications and internal quality standards.

• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to improve manufacturing processes and resolve technical issues.

• Complete setup documentation, inspection records, and production reports accurately and on time.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, and efficiency in the machining area.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with company policies and OSHA standards.

• Work safely around machining equipment and moving mechanical parts, following all safety procedures.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.

• Minimum of 3 years of CNC setup experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Proven ability to set up CNC lathes, mills, and machining centers for production.

• Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.

• Solid understanding of machining processes, tooling, feeds, and speeds.

• Hands-on experience using precision inspection tools, including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and height gauges.

• Mechanical aptitude with strong troubleshooting skills for machining and equipment issues.

• Ability to perform first-piece and in-process inspections to tight tolerances.

• Capability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritize multiple tasks.

• Ability to stand for extended periods and frequently bend, lift, and reach.

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• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely.

• Ability to work safely around machining equipment and moving mechanical parts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with CNC controls such as Haas, Mazak, Okuma, Fanuc, or similar platforms.

• Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

• Familiarity with Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies.

• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, medical device, or precision metal manufacturing industries.

• Ability to edit G-code programs and optimize machining processes for quality and efficiency.

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or other Continuous Improvement practices.

• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams.

• Mechanically inclined with a focus on precision and attention to detail.

Why Work Here?

Join a growing manufacturing organization that is actively expanding and investing in its operations, creating strong opportunities for career growth and advancement. You will work on a high volume of challenging and technically demanding projects, including work for aerospace and military customers, providing exposure to precision manufacturing and advanced machining practices. The company values continuous improvement, offers a stable workload, and provides an environment where skilled trades professionals can develop their expertise and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Work Environment

This position is based in a manufacturing environment focused on CNC machining of precision metal components, including work for aerospace and military-related applications. You will work around CNC lathes, mills, and machining centers, as well as a variety of precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and height gauges. The role involves standing for extended periods, frequent bending, lifting, and reaching, and handling parts and tooling that may weigh up to 50 pounds. The environment includes moving mechanical parts and active machining operations, so adherence to safety procedures and use of appropriate personal protective equipment is essential. The work setting is shop-floor oriented, with an emphasis on cleanliness, organization, and maintaining a safe and efficient production area.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bethel, CT.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $32.00/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 Bethel, CT.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 10, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Bethel,CT.

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.