Job Information
Aerotek Cnc Setup Operator in Bristol, Rhode Island
Job Title: CNC Setup Operator – Future Lead
Job Description
This role focuses on setting up and operating CNC machines to produce highly precise custom plastic components in a clean, modern manufacturing facility. You will work with a small team on the production floor, running spindle and Haas machines, and gradually taking on leadership responsibilities as you train to step into a future lead position. The parts you help produce support critical applications in defense, aerospace, food and pharmaceutical equipment, chemical processing, and industrial machinery.
Responsibilities
Set up and operate CNC machines, including spindle machines and Haas equipment, to produce custom plastic parts to exact specifications.
Perform CNC machine setups, including loading tools, configuring workholding, and inputting or adjusting G-code programs as needed.
Run production on multiple CNC machines during the shift, monitoring operations to maintain quality, accuracy, and efficiency.
Use G-code knowledge to make basic program edits, troubleshoot issues, and ensure machines run to required tolerances.
Interpret and work from technical information such as drawings, dimensions, and GD&T requirements to ensure parts meet precise standards.
Inspect parts during and after machining, verifying dimensions and surface quality, and adjusting setups or processes when necessary.
Troubleshoot mechanical and machining issues, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to minimize downtime.
Collaborate closely with other team members on the production floor to coordinate workflow and meet production schedules.
Communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues and leadership about progress, issues, and improvement opportunities.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, following all safety and operational procedures.
Train under the current lead CNC setup operator to learn advanced setup, process, and leadership responsibilities over approximately one year.
Gradually take on oversight of other team members on the floor, providing guidance and support as you grow into a lead role.
Essential Skills
3–4 years of experience as a CNC setup operator, or completion of relevant CNC or machining schooling from a trade or vocational program.
Hands-on experience setting up and operating CNC machines, including spindle machines and Haas equipment.
Strong G-code knowledge and experience, including the ability to read, understand, and make basic edits to programs.
Solid understanding of machining processes such as milling and lathe operations.
Experience with CNC machine setup, including tooling, workholding, and machine offsets.
Ability to read and work with GD&T and other dimensional requirements to ensure part accuracy.
Mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot machine and process issues.
Strong attention to detail to maintain high precision and quality standards.
Professional communication skills and fluency in English.
Ability to work effectively in a production environment as part of a team.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Formal CNC or machining education from a trade school or vocational program is highly valued.
Experience working with plastics, particularly high-performance materials such as PTFE, is a plus.
Background in production machining environments with multiple machines on the floor.
Familiarity with both milling and lathe operations in a CNC setting.
Comfort working with custom, non–mass-produced parts that require high precision and consistency.
Strong professionalism, reliability, and a willingness to learn from a seasoned lead operator.
Interest in growing into a lead role and overseeing other team members on the production floor.
Why Work Here?
You will join a stable, fourth-generation, family-owned organization that values long-term relationships and treats employees like family. The company offers significant opportunities for career growth, including a clear path into a lead role and strong potential for financial advancement. Employees enjoy more paid holidays than required by the state, flexible spending options, health reimbursement benefits, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) with a 50% match up to the highest contribution level. The organization also provides PTO, holiday pay, and fosters a team-oriented culture with regular appreciation events such as pizza parties, company swag, and annual holiday celebrations.
Work Environment
The position is based in a very clean, modern manufacturing facility, featuring a large, well-organized production floor. You will work on a team of about 5–10 people on the floor during your shift, primarily on first shift from approximately 6:00/6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Frida. The environment is highly team-oriented and collaborative, with a strong focus on producing custom, high-precision plastic parts from raw material to finished components. The shop runs spindle and Haas CNC machines.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Bristol, RI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $52000.00 - $99840.00/yr.
They offer more holidays than the state if RI, have flex spending, health reimbursement, life insurance, long term disability, 401k with 50% match up to highest contribution. PTO, Holiday pay, they also do pizza parties, give employees swag, annual christmas parties.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Bristol,RI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 4, 2026.
About Aerotek:
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.