Job Information
Aerotek Cnc Set Up And Operator in North Charleston, South Carolina
Job Title: CNC Set-Up and Operator
Job Description
The CNC Set-Up and Operator prepares, configures, and runs CNC mills and lathes to produce precision parts and components. This role ensures machines are correctly calibrated, tools and fixtures are properly installed, and production runs consistently meet quality, safety, and efficiency standards.
Responsibilities
Set up and operate CNC mills and lathes according to detailed job specifications and production requirements.
Review blueprints, job orders, and raw materials to verify accuracy, completeness, and quality before starting production.
Determine and install appropriate fixtures, attachments, and tooling for each job to ensure secure and accurate machining.
Establish work offsets manually and set Z-zero and tool offsets on mills and lathes, using probes where applicable.
Load CNC programs from USB drives, disks, or network locations and verify correct program selection before running parts.
Load and properly set up cutting tools in the machines, including setting and verifying tool length and diameter offsets.
Set up parts in lathes using 3-jaw and 4-jaw chucks and square vises or align fixtures on mills to ensure proper alignment.
Monitor cutting processes during production and make real-time adjustments to feeds, speeds, and offsets to maintain precision.
Perform first-piece inspections and in-process inspections using micrometers, calipers, gauges, and other precision measuring tools.
Maintain quality standards by documenting production results and inspection findings accurately and promptly.
Conduct daily machine maintenance, such as cleaning, lubrication, and basic checks, and promptly report any mechanical or performance issues.
Collaborate with team members to improve setup methods, increase efficiency, reduce errors, and support continuous improvement in the machining process.
Follow all safety procedures and best practices while operating machinery and handling materials.
Essential Skills
Proven ability to independently set up and operate CNC mills and lathes for new jobs.
Hands-on experience establishing work offsets manually and using probes for setup when available.
Ability to load CNC programs from USB drives, disks, or network locations and verify correct program selection.
Skill in loading and setting up cutting tools, including setting and verifying tool length and diameter offsets.
Knowledge of how to square a vise and align fixtures on a CNC mill.
Ability to set up parts in a lathe using 3-jaw and 4-jaw chucks.
Understanding of how to set Z-zero and tool offsets on a lathe.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints and job orders for machining requirements.
Experience performing first-piece and in-process inspections using micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
Ability to maintain quality standards and accurately document production results.
Capability to monitor cutting processes and make real-time adjustments to ensure precision and part conformity.
Experience performing routine daily machine maintenance and reporting issues promptly.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with CNC programming and making minor program edits when needed.
Familiarity with press brake operation and fabrication processes.
Exposure to sheet metal fabrication and machining environments.
Ability to use AutoCAD or similar tools to review or reference part drawings.
Strong general machining experience with an emphasis on precision work.
Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with other machinists and production staff.
Attention to detail and a strong commitment to safety and quality.
Why Work Here?
Join a long-established organization that has been in business for 60 years and offers stability through large, ongoing government contracts. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-supported medical coverage and 401(k) matching to help support your long-term financial well-being. Work in an environment that values skilled trades, precision craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.
Work Environment
This role is based in a non-climate-controlled production environment where you will work directly with CNC mills, lathes, and related fabrication equipment. The schedule is a first-shift position, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. You will spend most of the day on the shop floor setting up and operating machinery, handling raw materials, and performing inspections using precision measuring tools.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Charleston, SC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in North Charleston,SC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 29, 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.