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CNC Machinist - Big Lake at Howmet Aerospace

Howmet Aerospace Big Lake, MN $25 - $40/hour

Job Description

At a Glance

  • Company: Howmet Aerospace
  • Location: Big Lake, Minnesota
  • Job Type: Full-Time
  • Pay Range: $25 - $40/hr (based on experience)
  • Shift: 2nd Shift
  • Shift Differential: %
  • Overtime: Paid after 8 hours per day
  • Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level
  • Work Authorization: U.S. work authorization required (no visa sponsorship)

Why This Role Exists

This role supports long-term production needs at Howmet's Big Lake facility, part of the company's aerospace structures business. Machinists here are responsible for producing precision parts and assemblies that meet exact aerospace and defense requirements.

The Work You'll Be Doing

In this role, you will:

  • Plan machining and assembly sequences
  • Set up and operate CNC machining equipment
  • Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
  • Assemble machined components into finished assemblies
  • Perform drilling, tapping, deburring, and finishing operations
  • Inspect parts using precision measuring tools
  • Complete quality and production documentation
  • Troubleshoot issues and support process improvements
  • Collaborate with engineering, quality, and inspection teams
  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment following 5S standards

Machines, Controls & Inspection

  • Machines: CNC mills, lathes, and grinding equipment (3-, 4-, or 5-axis)
  • Controls: Siemens, Fanuc
  • Inspection Tools: CMMs, micrometers, indicators, height gages

What We're Looking For

Required:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 1+ year of machinist experience
  • Blueprint and specification reading ability
  • Experience setting up and operating machine tools
  • Strong attention to detail

Preferred (Not Required):

  • Trade school training or extended machining experience
  • Multi-axis machining exposure
  • GD&T knowledge
  • ERP system experience
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills

Materials You'll Work With

  • Aerospace-grade metals including titanium and advanced alloys

Why Machinists Like Working Here

  • Stable aerospace work with long-term programs
  • Competitive hourly pay with shift differential
  • Excellent benefits starting Day 1
  • Clean, structured, safety-driven environment
  • Opportunities to grow skills within a global aerospace company

Pay, Benefits & Schedule

  • Pay: $25 - $40/hr DOE
  • Shift Differential: 20%
  • Overtime: Paid after 8 hours/day
  • Medical, Dental, Vision: Day 1 eligibility
  • 401(k): 4.2% match + additional 3% company contribution (7.2% total)
  • Target Performance Pay: 5%
  • PTO + 10 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave: Up to 3 weeks at 100% pay
  • Life Insurance & Employee Assistance Program

Apply

Interested machinists can apply directly through hireCNC.
Apply now or save this role for later.

$52k - $83k beats the market for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic nationally

National salary averages
$52k - $83k
↑ 45% vs typical mid-level
Entry
Mid
Senior
This job
$35k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $65k

This is a strong offer—weigh total comp and growth potential.

Slight employer advantage

Standard dynamics. Preparation and demonstrated value matter most.

Hiring leverage
Balanced
Wage leverage âš  Disconnect
Constrained
Mobility
Limited
Durability
Mostly durable

Who this leverage applies to

Weaker for: Entry-level candidates, Career switchers

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Watch out for

Wage disconnect: Hiring is active but pay hasn't responded—negotiate on other terms.
Limited mobility: Few adjacent roles—switching employers is harder.

Focus on demonstrating unique fit and value.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Stable but flat

Steady work, but limited growth in both jobs and pay.

-20%
10yr growth
Most openings come from retirements and turnover, not new positions.
Typical: High school diploma or equivalent

Consider building adjacent skills to stay marketable.

Labor data: BLS 2024