Travel CNC Machinist

Aerotek; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 170,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem $166/day

Holiday pay

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking experienced CNC machinists for a contract role based in Indianapolis, IN, with travel to a rural Illinois facility. You will operate and optimize CNC lathes, mills, and grinders with Fanuc/Siemens controls on high-velocity production lines, producing pistons and exhaust components to tight tolerances.

The role requires 5+ years in CNC machining, the ability to work 12-hour shifts, and up to 70+ hours per week. Per diem and holiday pay are provided to support travel assignments.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of machining experience in CNC environments.
• Hands-on experience with Fanuc and Siemens controls.

Responsibilities

• Perform production-style CNC machining with minimal setups while maintaining sub-micron tolerances on high-precision engine components.
• Operate Tsugami Swiss-style lathe with 5-axis capability and Fanuc controls.
• Run Robodrill CNC vertical machining centers with Fanuc controls for high-speed production.

Skills

Machining experience

CNC operation

Fanuc controls

Siemens controls

Travel willingness

Shift work

Tools

Tsugami Swiss-style lathe

Robodrill CNC centers

Bahmueller grinding

Fanuc controls

Siemens controls

Job description

• Project located in central IL - must be able to travel and stay there
• $40hr and $166/day per diem paid all 7 days
• Holiday pay
• 6+ month contract
• Looking for folks to join the team 10/19, 10/26, 11/2 and 11/9.

Job Description

This role focuses on high-precision, production-style CNC machining with minimal setups and sub-micron tolerances. You will travel to a rural Illinois facility to manufacture critical engine components such as pistons, bypass pills, and Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) fittings that support advanced fuel injection and exhaust aftertreatment systems. The work centers on operating and optimizing CNC lathes, mills, and grinding equipment using Fanuc and Siemens controls in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform production-style CNC machining with minimal setups while maintaining sub-micron tolerances on high-precision engine components.
• Manufacture pistons, bypass pills, and Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) fittings that are critical to advanced fuel injection and exhaust aftertreatment systems.
• Operate a Tsugami Swiss-style CNC lathe with 5-axis capability and Fanuc controls to produce small, precision components.
• Run Robodrill CNC vertical machining centers with Fanuc controls, focusing on high-speed, high-volume production machining.
• Operate Bahmueller high-precision CNC grinding machines with Siemens controls and integrated Fanuc robot cells to achieve exacting surface and dimensional requirements.
• Set up, adjust, and monitor CNC equipment to ensure consistent quality and adherence to tight tolerances, including sub-micron where required.
• Work within a high-velocity production environment, prioritizing throughput and repeatability over job shop-style, one-off machining.
• Interpret machine controls, make offsets, and perform basic troubleshooting on Fanuc and Siemens control systems.
• Follow established training plans, including 1–2 days of classroom learning and 2–4 weeks of on-the-job training (OJT), to become proficient on assigned machines and shifts.
• Collaborate with trainers and team members during initial training weeks, remaining open to assignment on day or night shift starting in the second week.
• Adhere to all safety procedures, quality standards, and union facility work rules while operating CNC machines and associated equipment.
• Work extended hours, including 12-hour shifts, weekends, and potential 6–7 day workweeks, to meet production demands.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and properly handle tools, fixtures, and materials to support efficient, high-quality machining operations.
• At least 5 years of machining experience in a CNC environment (7 years preferred).
• Hands-on experience with Fanuc controls and/or Siemens controls on CNC equipment.
• Proven ability to work within tight tolerances, preferably including sub-micron tolerances.
• Experience in high-precision machining operations focused on production and high velocity rather than job shop work.
• Capability to operate CNC lathes, mills, and grinding machines in a production setting.
• Ability to work a minimum of 55 hours per week, with overtime potential up to 70+ hours.
• Willingness and physical ability to work 12-hour days, 6 days per week, on day or night shifts.
• Availability to work weekends, including both Saturday and Sunday, as required by operations.
• Adaptability to varying schedules, including 8-hour and 12-hour days and potential alternate work schedules (AWS) on 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m. shifts.
• Commitment to complete classroom and on-the-job training and to continue learning during the initial weeks of employment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Tsugami Swiss-style lathes, including 5-axis small precision work.
• experience operating Robodrill CNC vertical machining centers in high-speed, production machining environments.
• Experience with Bahmueller high-precision CNC grinding operations, including working with Siemens controls and Fanuc robot cells.
• Familiarity with production-style machining processes that emphasize repeatability, throughput, and tight process control.
• Comfort working in a unionized manufacturing facility.
• Ability to thrive in a rural community setting while on a travel assignment.
• Flexibility to transition from training to assigned shift, including day or night schedules, and to adjust to changing operational needs.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers a generous per diem for travel work, providing financial support while you are on assignment away from home. You will join a structured training program that combines classroom instruction with on-the-job learning, helping you deepen your expertise with advanced CNC equipment and controls. The environment emphasizes high-precision, cutting-edge machining technology, giving you the chance to work on complex components that support modern engine and exhaust systems. Extended-hour schedules can provide substantial earning potential, while the union facility setting offers clear work rules and a defined structure for daily operations.

The role is based at a manufacturing facility in a rural community in Pontiac, Illinois, operating within a union environment. You will work with advanced CNC technologies, including Tsugami Swiss-style lathes with Fanuc controls, Robodrill vertical machining centers with Fanuc controls, and Bahmueller high-precision CNC grinding machines with Siemens controls and integrated Fanuc robot cells. The facility runs high-velocity, production-style machining operations with tight, often sub-micron tolerances.

#AeroCATjobs26

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Indianapolis, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $40.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Indianapolis, IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Indianapolis,IN.

Equal Opportunity Employer

If you require an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact [e-mail] . Aerotek provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals. Employment decisions at Aerotek are based on merit, qualifications and abilities. Aerotek does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color and religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disabilities or any other characteristics protected by law.

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.