Job Title: CNC Machinist
Job Description
This role sets up and operates a variety of conventional and CNC machine tools to produce aerospace-quality hardware to very close tolerances. You will work with 3- and 4-axis mills and lathes, using controls such as Fanuc, Okuma, and Haas, and apply strong shop math and trigonometry skills to support a high-mix, high-volume production environment.
Responsibilities
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Set up and operate conventional and CNC machine shop equipment, including engine lathes, vertical mills, milling machines, punch presses, forming presses, shears, press brakes, expanders, and related machinery.
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Machine parts to very close tolerances, including holding dimensions within .001 inch, using appropriate tooling and fixturing.
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Perform production CNC work in a high-mix, high-volume environment with frequent set-ups, tear-downs, and edits across a large number of part numbers.
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Use CNC controls such as Fanuc, Okuma, and Haas to set up, operate, and edit programs for 3- and 4-axis machines.
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Interpret and follow manufacturing planning, written instructions, engineering blueprints, sketches, and drawings, including GD&T symbols and revision control.
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Use precision measuring instruments to verify dimensions, tolerances, and overall quality of parts, ensuring aerospace-quality standards.
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Detect faulty processes, nonconforming conditions, or equipment issues and provide input to help resolve them.
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Perform shop mathematics and trigonometry calculations required for machine operations, setups, and layout work.
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Develop some new jobs, including determining setups, tooling, and machining sequences for new or complex parts.
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Assist in improving machining processes, tooling, and methods to increase quality, efficiency, and repeatability.
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Serve as a resource for resolving complex machining challenges and provide technical guidance to others when needed.
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Train others in basic operations on a variety of machines and skills as required.
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Ensure all work complies with established standards, procedures, and safety requirements at all times.
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Enter accurate documentation into manufacturing planning systems, including correct quantities and process details.
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Record time and activity accurately in a paperless timecard system.
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Produce threaded features and other critical details by following drawings and specifications.
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Work with a variety of materials, including stainless steel and, when applicable, challenging alloys such as Inconel.
Essential Skills
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Strong experience in CNC milling with demonstrated experience in set-up, operation, and program editing.
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Experience with CNC controls and programming on systems such as Fanuc and Okuma; experience with Haas controls is also relevant.
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Preferably 5 or more years of experience in a journey-level or comparable CNC machining position.
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Proficiency in operating 3- and 4-axis CNC machines, including vertical mills and lathes.
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Ability to machine to very close tolerances, including within .001 inch, using appropriate precision techniques.
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Fully proficient in reading and interpreting manufacturing planning, engineering blueprints, sketches, and specifications.
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Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), including views, symbols, and revision control.
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Ability to perform shop mathematics and trigonometry associated with machine operations.
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Familiarity with machine tools, precision instruments, and proper setup and use of tooling associated with each machine.
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Good manual dexterity and hand–eye coordination for precise machining tasks.
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Ability to detect faulty processes and recognize when to stop and ask for clarification.
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High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
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Ability to communicate and understand verbal and written instructions clearly.
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Demonstrated expertise in working across various machine types and processes, including operations that involve multiple machines.
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Ability to read and interpret threads and other critical features from drawings.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
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Experience in aerospace machining environments, including work on complex, high-precision hardware.
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Experience with high-mix, high-volume production, including frequent set-ups and tear-downs.
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Experience working with materials such as Inconel and stainless steel.
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Experience with vertical mills and CNC mills, including set-up and operation.
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Comfort working with a wide range of part numbers and configurations in a production CNC role.
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Ability to assist in process and tooling improvements and contribute ideas for continuous improvement.
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Capability to train others on basic operations and support colleagues as a technical resource.
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Willingness to work closely with planning and engineering to develop new jobs and resolve complex issues.
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Familiarity with paperless timecard systems and electronic manufacturing documentation.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment while maintaining quality.
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Comfort working in a setting that values highly skilled machinists and expects active engagement rather than simple button-pushing.
Why Work Here?
You will join a workplace that offers comprehensive benefits and supports long-term financial security, professional growth, and work–life balance. Employees have access to robust medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance options, along with a 401(k) plan featuring a strong company match and an additional defined-contribution retirement plan. The organization invests in your development through career growth opportunities and tuition reimbursement, and provides a range of supportive programs such as paid parental leave, disability coverage, adoption assistance, and financial planning resources. Generous paid time off, company-paid holidays, and participation in an annual incentive program further enhance the overall employment experience.
Work Environment
The role is based in an aerospace machine shop supporting major commercial aircraft programs. You will work with conventional and CNC equipment, including 3- and 4-axis mills and lathes, using controls such as Okuma Crown, Haas, and other CNC platforms. The environment emphasizes precision, quality, and adherence to aerospace standards, with frequent use of precision measuring instruments and GD&T-based inspection. Production involves a high mix of part numbers and a high-volume workload, requiring frequent set-ups, tear-downs, and close collaboration with planning and engineering. Multiple shift options are available, including a first shift from 4:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, a second shift from 2:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and a weekend shift from 5:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The shop follows established safety procedures and standards appropriate for an aerospace manufacturing environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Kent, WA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $32.20 - $43.70/hr.
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 & 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)
This is a fully onsite position in Kent,WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 2026.
We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.
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.
