Shop Operator

Aerotek; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision & dental coverage

401(k) plan

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Machine Operator for an on-site role in Chattanooga, TN. You will operate CNC mills and lathes, set up laser cutting, and ensure parts meet exact specifications and safety standards.

In this contract-to-hire position, you’ll read drawings, measure parts with precision tools, troubleshoot minor issues, and collaborate with a small team in a climate-controlled shop. The role emphasizes quality, efficiency, and safe operation in a busy job shop environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience operating CNC machinery in a production or job shop.
• Ability to set up and run laser cutting, press brake, burn table, or press operations.
• Proficiency with tape measure for precise measurements.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC mills and CNC lathes to produce parts to exact specifications.
• Set up and run laser cutting, press brakes, burn tables as required.
• Read drawings and determine machine settings, tooling, and materials.

Skills

CNC operation

CNC mills

CNC lathes

Laser cutting

Micrometers & calipers

Reading tapes & measurements

Tooling & setups

Safety procedures

Team collaboration

Tools

CNC mills

CNC lathes

Laser cutting equipment

Press brakes

Burn tables

Job description

Job Title: Machine Operator

This is an on-site position in Chattanooga, TN

Job Description

This role focuses on operating CNC machinery in a job shop environment, working with various metal fabrication and machining equipment to produce high-quality parts according to specifications and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC machines, including CNC mills and CNC lathes, to produce parts that meet precise specifications.
• Set up and run laser cutting equipment, press brakes, burn tables, and press operations as required for each job.
• Interpret job orders, drawings, and specifications to determine appropriate machine settings, tooling, and materials.
• Measure and inspect parts using tape measures, micrometers, and calipers to verify accuracy and quality.
• Adjust machine settings and tooling to maintain tight tolerances and consistent production quality.
• Monitor equipment during operation to identify and correct issues such as misalignment, tooling wear, or material defects.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in the job shop environment, following safety procedures at all times.
• Collaborate with team members to prioritize jobs, meet production schedules, and support efficient workflow.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance on machines and report any equipment problems promptly.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience operating CNC machinery, including CNC mills and CNC lathes, in a production or job shop environment.
• Ability to operate at least one of the following: laser cutting equipment, press brake, burn table, or press operation.
• Proficiency in reading and using a tape measure to take accurate measurements.
• Skill in using precision measuring tools such as micrometers and calipers for part inspection.
• Basic understanding of tooling and how different tools are used for various machining and fabrication processes.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and apply them to machine setup and operation.
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Strong awareness of shop safety practices and safe machine operation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a job shop environment with varied, custom work is beneficial.
• Comfort working with multiple types of fabrication and machining equipment in a single facility.
• Ability to troubleshoot minor machine and tooling issues to maintain productivity.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple jobs and priorities in a busy shop setting.
• Effective communication skills to coordinate with coworkers and supervisors on job requirements and schedules.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy a climate-controlled facility with a family-like atmosphere that values flexibility and understanding when occasional days are missed. The culture emphasizes comfort, respect, and work-life balance, creating a supportive environment where team members can focus on doing quality work without sacrificing personal needs.

Work Environment

The role is based in a climate-controlled job shop, providing a comfortable temperature-controlled setting throughout the year. Team members work with CNC mills, CNC lathes, laser cutting equipment, press brakes, burn tables, and related tooling in a well-organized production environment. The atmosphere is friendly and collaborative, with a family-like feel and flexibility for personal scheduling needs. Standard shop attire is expected, appropriate for working safely around machinery and fabrication equipment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Trenton, GA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/hr.

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 Trenton,GA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 2026.

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.