Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

This role operates a variety of metal fabrication machinery to cut, bend, drill, and shape steel components used in catwalks, stairs, and other agricultural structures. You will set up and run multiple machines, verify parts against production prints, and help maintain efficient workflow in a growing manufacturing facility.

Responsibilities

• Operate machines such as lasers, CNC mills and lathes, angle-masters, press brakes, and other equipment to cut, fold, bend, drill, and mold steel components used in structural products.
• Work autonomously on at least three different machines within the plant, ensuring safe and efficient operation throughout the shift.
• Measure, inspect, and sign off on all parts to verify they meet production prints and quality standards.
• Interpret and work from blueprints and production drawings to set up machines and produce accurate parts.
• Collaborate and communicate clearly with detailing staff, industrial engineering technicians, and other team members regarding prints, programming, tooling, and equipment issues or improvements.
• Assist with or perform basic off-line programming for machines when needed, contributing to process efficiency.
• Operate forklifts, overhead cranes, jib cranes, and other material-handling equipment to move, load, and unload raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, following established safety procedures and production guidelines.
• Identify and report machine or equipment issues promptly, and support troubleshooting and continuous improvement efforts.
• Train other team members on machine controls, processes, and overall equipment use to support team capability and cross-training.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating manufacturing machinery such as lasers, CNC mills or lathes, press brakes, angle-masters, or similar equipment in a production environment.
• Prior work experience in a steel manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and production prints accurately.
• Ability to measure accurately and read a tape measure with precision.
• Experience operating forklifts, overhead cranes, jib cranes, or other material-handling equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and familiarity with sheet metal and steel fabrication processes.
• Effective communication skills to work with detailing, engineering, and production teams regarding prints, programming, tooling, and equipment concerns.
• Capability to work independently and operate multiple machines with minimal supervision.
• High school diploma or GED.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Off-line programming experience for CNC or laser equipment is highly desirable but not required.
• Experience with CNC saws and laser operation in a production setting.
• Ability and willingness to train others on machine operations and processes.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, growing manufacturing environment with evolving processes.

Why Work Here?

You join a company that is actively investing in its future and yours. The organization is experiencing significant growth, with a goal to double in size over the next three years, and is dedicating substantial resources to updating equipment and reorganizing the shop for better workflow. You benefit from modernized tools, improved processes, and the opportunity to grow your skills alongside an expanding team of welders and machine operators. A standard 50-hour workweek offers consistent hours and the chance to earn additional income through regular overtime, providing both stability and financial opportunity.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, first-shift position, typically working 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with additional hours on Fridays to reach an approximately 50-hour workweek. The role is based in a steel manufacturing plant that uses equipment such as lasers, CNC mills and lathes, press brakes, CNC saws, and various material-handling systems including forklifts, overhead cranes, and jib cranes. The facility experiences seasonal temperature changes; summers can be hot and humid inside the building, and winters can be cold, especially when working near open overhead doors. You work on the production floor around sheet metal and steel fabrication processes, following appropriate safety procedures and wearing suitable industrial work attire and protective equipment as required for a manufacturing environment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $23.00/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 Des Moines,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

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.

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.