VTL Operator

Aerotek; Erlanger (KY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Job summary

Aerotek is hiring a VTL Operator in Erlanger, KY. The role involves setting up vertical turning lathes and milling machines, loading parts, and inspecting components to ensure tight tolerances within a climate-controlled manufacturing environment.

You will operate multiple machines, perform tool changes, and collaborate with engineering and quality teams to drive continuous improvement and meet safety standards.

Qualifications

• Experience operating vertical turning lathes and milling machines in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to set up and operate EDM equipment (wire, sinker, or hole drill) to produce precision components.
• Strong reading of blueprints and technical specifications.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate vertical turning lathes and milling machines to manufacture precision metal components according to work instructions and specifications.
• Load and unload new parts onto machines with proper fixturing and alignment.
• Perform part inspections using height gauges, micrometers, calipers, and other measuring instruments.
• Carry out tool changes and adjust machine parameters to maintain tolerances and surface finishes.
• Run and monitor multiple machines within a manufacturing cell to meet production goals.
• Read blueprints and specifications to determine machining requirements.
• Inspect finished parts and document results to ensure quality.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area and follow safety procedures.
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to troubleshoot and improve processes.

Skills

Vertical turning lathes

Milling machines

CNC/EDM experience

Blueprint interpretation

Precision measurement tools

Tool changes & maintenance

Tools

EDM equipment

Job description

Job Title: VTL Operator

Job Description

The VTL Operator sets up, operates, and maintains vertical turning lathes and milling machines to produce precision metal components in a clean, climate-controlled manufacturing environment. This role involves loading and unloading parts, performing inspections, making tool changes, and running multiple machines within a manufacturing cell while adhering to quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate vertical turning lathes and milling machines to manufacture precision metal components according to work instructions and specifications.

• Load and unload new parts onto machines, ensuring proper fixturing, alignment, and secure clamping.

• Perform part inspections during and after machining using height gauges, micrometers, calipers, and other measuring instruments to verify dimensions and tolerances.

• Carry out tool changes and adjust machine parameters as needed to maintain required tolerances and surface finishes.

• Run and maintain the function of two or more machines simultaneously within a manufacturing cell to meet production goals.

• Use various power tools and measurement tools safely and effectively in daily operations.

• Perform preventative maintenance and minor mechanical adjustments on machines to ensure reliable operation and minimize downtime.

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

• Monitor machining processes, identify issues, and make appropriate adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency.

• Inspect finished parts and document results to ensure they meet quality standards and customer requirements.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, following all safety procedures and housekeeping standards.

• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to resolve machining issues and support continuous process improvement.

• Conduct routine checks on equipment and report any malfunctions or maintenance needs promptly.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating machine tools such as vertical turning lathes and milling machines in a manufacturing environment.

• Ability to set up and operate electrical discharge machining (EDM) equipment, including wire, sinker, or hole drill machines, to produce precision metal components.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience with CNC and EDM equipment.

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, work instructions, and technical specifications.

• Skilled in using measurement tools such as height gauges, micrometers, calipers, and other precision instruments for part inspection.

• Ability to perform basic tool changes, machine adjustments, and minor mechanical maintenance.

• Attention to detail and commitment to meeting tight tolerances and high-quality standards.

• Understanding of safe machine operation practices and adherence to safety protocols.

• Capability to run and monitor multiple machines simultaneously while maintaining productivity and quality.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience performing preventative maintenance on machining equipment to ensure consistent performance.

• Familiarity with electrical discharge machining processes and parameters for achieving required surface finishes.

• Comfort working with various power tools in a production environment.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering and quality teams to troubleshoot and improve machining processes.

• Strong organizational skills for maintaining a clean, orderly, and efficient work area.

• Experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting.

Why Work Here?

Employees work in a clean, climate-controlled facility that supports comfort and safety throughout the day. The organization offers growth opportunities, encouraging skill development and career advancement within a stable manufacturing environment. Team members benefit from a culture that values quality, continuous improvement, and collaboration.

Work Environment

The role is based in a climate-controlled manufacturing facility designed to provide a clean and comfortable work setting. Operators work with vertical turning lathes, milling machines, EDM equipment, precision measurement tools, and various power tools. The environment emphasizes safety, organization, and cleanliness, with well-maintained equipment and clear procedures to support efficient production.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Erlanger, KY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/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 job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available 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 Erlanger, KY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Erlanger,KY.

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.