Start Immediately - 1st Shift CNC Machinist

Aerotek; Cerritos (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) plan with match

Weekly pay

Paid time off

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a 1st Shift CNC Machinist in Cerritos, CA. You will set up and operate NL2500 and NLX3000 lathes, read blueprints, and inspect parts in a high‑mix, low‑volume aerospace/defense environment.

Join a stable manufacturing team offering a first‑shift schedule (6:30 AM–3:00 PM) with comprehensive benefits, weekly pay, and opportunities to contribute to precision tooling and project‑based work.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of CNC machining experience or completion of a recognized CNC apprenticeship.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, planning sheets, and technical data.
• Experience setting up and operating NL2500 and DMG-Mori NLX3000 or similar lathes.
• Proficiency in calculating tool positions, depths of cut, speeds and feeds.
• Competence in inspecting parts with calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and dial indicators.
• Experience in a high-mix, low-volume production environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC lathes and other machine shop equipment.
• Perform setups following established procedures and documentation.
• Run machines according to operation sheets to meet production goals.
• Read blueprints and technical data to determine workholding and settings.
• Troubleshoot process issues and adjust as needed for quality.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.

Skills

CNC machinist

Read blueprints

NL2500 NLX3000 setup

Tool setting

Dimensional inspection

High-mix low-volume

Job description

Job Title: 1st Shift CNC Machinist

Job Description

This role supports the production of high-speed turbo motors, generators, and turbomachinery equipment for the aerospace and defense industry by setting up and operating CNC machine tools and related equipment on the first shift. You will work Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM with a focus on precision machining, quality inspection, and safe, efficient operation in a high-mix, low-volume machine shop environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC machine tools, including NL2500 and DMG-Mori NLX3000 lathes, as well as other general machine shop equipment.

• Perform machine set-ups in accordance with established procedures and documentation.

• Run machines following operation sheets to efficiently manage each operation and meet production requirements.

• Confer with supervisors and technical staff to exchange technical information and clarify requirements.

• Troubleshoot work in process when program, speed, tolerance, or surface finish issues arise, making appropriate adjustments.

• Read and interpret blueprints, planning sheets, sketches, and related technical data to determine workholding requirements, setup procedures, control settings, machining methods, and machining sequences.

• Calculate and set machine controls to position cutting tools relative to the workpiece and regulate depth of cut, speed, feed, and coolant flow.

• Inspect and measure parts as required using conventional inspection equipment to verify conformance to specifications.

• Design fixtures and tools as needed to support the fabrication of parts.

• Perform routine machine maintenance, including cleaning and lubricating machines, tools, and equipment.

• Check and add fluids, replace coolant, and change filters as part of regular equipment upkeep.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in accordance with shop standards.

• Adapt to a high-mix, low-volume production environment and support project-based work as needed.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of experience as a CNC machinist or completion of a recognized CNC programming/machinist apprenticeship program, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

• Hands‑on experience setting up and operating CNC lathes, including NL2500 and DMG-Mori NLX3000, or similar equipment.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, planning sheets, sketches, and related technical documentation.

• Proficiency in calculating and setting machine controls for tool positioning, depth of cut, speeds, feeds, and coolant flow.

• Ability to inspect parts using conventional inspection equipment such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, comparators, and dial indicators.

• Strong attention to detail and a highly detail‑oriented approach to machining and inspection tasks.

• Capability to perform routine maintenance on machines, including checking and adding fluids, replacing coolant, and changing filters.

• Ability to work effectively in a high‑mix, low‑volume shop environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities.

• Experience working in a machine shop supporting project‑based work, with familiarity in aerospace or medical manufacturing environments.

• Comfort working in a medium‑size manufacturing setting and collaborating with a mechanical assembly department.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Completion of a recognized CNC programming or machinist apprenticeship program.

• Knowledge of on‑machine programming for CNC equipment.

• Experience in aerospace manufacturing environments is preferred, with openness to candidates who have experience in medical device machining.

• Demonstrated agility and flexibility when working on diverse, project‑based assignments.

• Strong communication skills to effectively confer with supervisors and technical team members.

• Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work area.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable manufacturing organization that offers a consistent first‑shift schedule from Monday through Friday, supporting work‑life balance without mandatory overtime. The company provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical coverage, dental and vision benefits, and a 401(k) plan with a 3% employer match to support your long‑term financial security. You will work alongside an experienced team in a specialized environment focused on high‑performance equipment for demanding industries, offering opportunities to refine your machining skills and contribute to technically challenging projects.

Work Environment

The role is based in a medium‑size manufacturing facility with approximately 120 employees, within a mechanical assembly department of about 20 people. You will work primarily on the first shift from 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with no scheduled overtime. The environment includes CNC machining and mechanical assembly operations, where you may alternate between sitting and standing depending on the specific tasks and assembly line requirements. You will be exposed to typical shop conditions, including the presence of glue odors and machining‑related noise. Safety is a priority, and steel‑toed or safety shoes are required as part of the dress code. You will work with CNC lathes such as NL2500 and DMG‑Mori NLX3000 and other general machine shop equipment, as well as conventional inspection tools, in a high‑mix, low‑volume production setting.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $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 & 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 Cerritos, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Cerritos,CA.

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.