Machine Operator- 3rd Shift Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Machine Operator – 3rd Shift (CNC / Grinding)

Job Description

This role operates production machinery on 3rd shift in a clean, safety-focused manufacturing environment that produces precision pins for transmissions and semi-trailers. You will primarily load and unload CNC machines or grinders, use micrometers and calipers to verify part quality, and follow detailed instructions while being trained on mills, lathes, and potentially grinding operations. The position starts on 1st shift for training and then transitions to 3rd shift, with a consistent four 10-hour day schedule and opportunities to grow into more advanced machining responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Operate production machinery, including CNC mills, CNC lathes, and automated grinding equipment, following established procedures and safety standards.
• Load and unload parts from machines efficiently while maintaining attention to detail and part orientation.
• Use manual micrometers and calipers to measure parts and verify dimensions against specifications.
• Follow training instructions to learn mill, lathe, and grinding operations, starting on a mill or lathe before progressing to other equipment.
• Monitor machine operation during production runs and report any abnormalities, quality issues, or equipment concerns promptly.
• Perform basic machine adjustments as directed to maintain product quality and productivity.
• Read and interpret blueprints or production documentation as needed to understand part requirements and tolerances.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with 5S and safety practices.
• Handle grinding tasks such as grinding pins ranging in size from approximately 5/16" to 2 1/2"–3" while holding tight tolerances around ±0.0005, if trained on grinders.
• Work reliably on a 3rd shift schedule and maintain excellent attendance, arriving on time and ready to work each scheduled shift.
• Follow all safety rules and use required personal protective equipment while working around machinery and grinding equipment.
• Collaborate with team members and trainers to continuously improve skills, learn new processes, and support production demands.
• Adapt to schedule adjustments such as occasional Friday or Saturday work and potential changes in workdays based on production needs.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of manufacturing experience as a machine operator with the same employer within the last 3–5 years.
• Proven experience operating production machinery in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to accurately read and use micrometers and calipers for precision measurement.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to consistently follow instructions and procedures.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with machines, tools, and production equipment.
• Reliability and commitment to consistent attendance, especially on 3rd shift.
• Willingness to train on mills, lathes, and other equipment and to learn new processes.
• Ability to work 3rd shift hours of approximately 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on a four 10-hour day schedule.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience operating CNC mills and CNC lathes.
• Automated grinding experience or manual grinding experience.
• Experience with cylindrical and precision grinding processes.
• In plastics or metals manufacturing where attention to detail is critical.
• Experience with Sheffield gauges.
• Experience running Cincinnati and Norton grinding or machining equipment.
• Acme machine experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with reading blueprints and working to tight tolerances.
• Prior 3rd shift work experience is beneficial.

Why Work Here?

This is a contract-to-hire opportunity with a company that invests in its employees through training, skill development, and long-term career paths. You join a stable production environment with clear schedules, a strong focus on safety, and the chance to grow from basic machine operation into more advanced CNC and grinding roles. The organization values dependable team members, offers consistent hours, and provides a supportive environment where your mechanical aptitude and attention to detail can develop into a lasting career in precision manufacturing.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean, high-volume manufacturing facility that produces precision pins for transmissions and semi-trailers. The operation runs on a 24/5 schedule with occasional Saturday work based on production needs. Standard production schedules follow four 10-hour shifts, typically Monday through Thursday, with some teams working Tuesday through Friday depending on demand. For 3rd shift, hours are generally 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., Sunday night through Wednesday night, and there may be occasional Friday work of around 8 hours. Training usually begins on 1st shift, which operates approximately 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., before transitioning to 3rd shift. The environment prioritizes safety above all else, with strict adherence to safety procedures around CNC machines, grinders, and other production equipment. Attendance is also a high priority, and consistent presence is expected. Employees work around CNC machines, mills, lathes, cylindrical and precision grinders, and measuring equipment such as micrometers, calipers, and gauges. The facility maintains clean production areas and emphasizes organized workstations and safe work practices throughout the plant

This is a Contract position based out of Millington, MI.

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $17.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Millington,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 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.

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 meet 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 in solving 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.

Company Description

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 meet 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 in solving 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.