Lathe CNC Machinist

Aerotek; Roscoe Township (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan – pre-tax and Roth

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a CNC Machinist to set up and operate Okuma B300 CNC lathes in a low-volume, high-precision environment in Roscoe, IL. You will perform tooling and offset adjustments, and conduct your own inspections to ensure parts meet strict tolerances.

Responsibilities include reading blueprints, maintaining quality, troubleshooting, and collaborating with engineers. This contract-to-hire role offers a clear schedule with overtime potential and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years of experience setting up and operating Okuma CNC lathes.
• Hands-on CNC lathe operation including changeovers and tooling setup.
• Strong understanding of precision machining with tight tolerances.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and work instructions.
• Proficiency with micrometers, calipers, and bore gauges for inspections.
• Independent first-piece, in-process, and final inspections.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate Okuma B300 CNC lathes to machine precision components in a low-volume, non-production environment.
• Perform strong, repeatable setups for various jobs and ensure proper machine configuration.
• Read blueprints and instructions to determine machining requirements.
• Make tooling and offset adjustments to meet dimensional specs.
• Conduct first-piece, in-process, and final inspections with precision tools.
• Monitor machine performance and troubleshoot issues to maintain output.
• Maintain production and quality standards while meeting daily goals.
• Use inspection tools to verify tight tolerances and document results.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and keep areas clean and organized.
• Collaborate with engineers to address machining challenges and improve processes.
• Complete mandatory training and apply learned procedures on the floor.

Skills

Okuma CNC lathe setup

Lathe tooling setup

Blueprint reading

Precision inspection

First-piece inspection

Low-volume machining

Measurement math

Troubleshooting

Quality control

Maintenance & cleanliness

Job description

Job Title: CNC Machinist

Job Description

This role focuses on setting up and operating Okuma CNC lathes to machine precision components with tight tolerances, particularly in a low-volume, high-precision environment. You will perform your own inspections, make tooling and offset adjustments, and ensure all parts meet stringent quality standards. Programming is not required, as engineers load the programs, allowing you to concentrate on precision machining, setup, and quality inspection.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate Okuma B300 CNC lathes to machine precision components in a low-volume, non-production machining environment.

• Perform strong, repeatable setups for various jobs, ensuring machines are properly configured for each run.

• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and work instructions to determine machining requirements and specifications.

• Make tooling and offset adjustments to ensure all parts meet dimensional and quality specifications.

• Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and bore gauges.

• Monitor machine performance during operation and troubleshoot machining issues as they arise to maintain consistent output.

• Maintain production and quality standards while meeting daily output goals without compromising precision.

• Use inspection tools to verify tight tolerances and document inspection results as required.

• Perform routine machine maintenance, including cleaning and basic upkeep, to ensure reliable machine performance.

• Keep work areas clean, organized, and compliant with shop standards to support safety and efficiency.

• Collaborate with engineers and other team members to address machining challenges and improve processes when needed.

• Complete mandatory training and apply learned procedures and standards consistently on the production floor.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 2+ years of experience setting up and operating Okuma CNC lathes.

• Hands-on experience with CNC lathe operation, including changeovers and tooling setup.

• Strong understanding of precision machining and working with tight tolerances.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and work instructions.

• Proficiency with inspection tools such as micrometers, calipers, and bore gauges.

• Ability to perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections independently.

• Experience with low-volume machining and strong setup skills (non-production machining).

• Basic math skills to perform necessary calculations for machining and inspection.

• Troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve machining and quality issues.

• Ability to maintain production and quality standards while meeting daily output goals.

• Capability to perform routine machine maintenance and keep the work area clean and organized.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Okuma B300 CNC lathes or similar Okuma CNC equipment.

• Experience in CNC machining environments involving tight tolerances, such as aerospace or other precision industries.

• Familiarity with Swiss lathe, Swiss CNC, or Swiss machining is beneficial.

• Experience performing heavy quality inspection as part of daily machining responsibilities.

• Comfort working with detailed blueprints and precision components.

• Prior experience working independently on inspection tasks using micrometers, bore gauges, and other precision tools.

• Willingness to complete a mandatory training period and adapt to established machining and quality processes.

• Ability to travel and work on a defined contract duration, with potential for extensions, if applicable.

Why Work Here?

You will join a precision-focused environment where craftsmanship and attention to detail are highly valued, especially in low-volume, high-tolerance machining. The weekend shift structure offers a clear and predictable schedule, complemented by a shift differential that recognizes off-shift work. Travelers may benefit from a daily per diem and the potential for contract extensions, providing both stability and flexibility. A structured training period ensures you receive the guidance and support needed to succeed, while ongoing collaboration with experienced engineers and machinists helps you refine your skills and grow professionally.

Work Environment

This position is based in a CNC machining environment centered around Okuma B300 CNC lathes and other precision equipment. The role involves working with tight tolerances and performing your own quality inspections using tools such as micrometers, calipers, and bore gauges. The schedule follows a weekend shift structure with two primary options: a 3:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. shift from Thursday through Sunday, and a 3:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. shift from Thursday through Sunday. Both shifts include a 10% shift differential, and there is potential for overtime during the week when available. Travelers may receive a daily per diem and typically work on a 4-month assignment with the possibility of extensions. A mandatory training period for the first two weeks runs Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., depending on skill level. The shop environment emphasizes organization, cleanliness, and routine machine maintenance to support consistent, high-quality machining.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $35.00/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 Roscoe,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 8, 2026.

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.