Setup Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Setup Operator

Job Description

The setup operator works in the cold heading department, running production machines that form hard metal and steel wire into precision components such as fasteners, screws, bolts, pins, and similar parts used in automotive and industrial equipment. In this role, you primarily run and monitor multiple machines, catch and inspect parts, and perform quality checks using measuring tools. This position offers a clear path to learn machine setup and grow into a setup technician or move into other departments for long-term career development.

Responsibilities

• Run cold heading machines to form metal and steel wire into finished components such as fasteners, screws, bolts, pins, and other precision parts.
• Monitor machines continuously to ensure stable operation, consistent part quality, and adherence to production standards.
• Catch parts as they come off the machines and perform visual inspections to identify defects or irregularities.
• Use micrometers, calipers, and other basic measurement tools to perform quality checks and verify that parts meet specifications.
• Accurately complete all required quality and production documentation in a timely and legible manner.
• Achieve machine operational run times and output targets as established on work orders.
• Operate more than one machine at a time while maintaining safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Analyze machine performance and determine when adjustments are needed to maintain desired results for each production run.
• Make basic mechanical adjustments to production machines under guidance to optimize performance and part quality.
• Follow standard operating procedures, safety guidelines, and housekeeping practices to maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Collaborate with setup technicians and other team members to resolve issues and support continuous improvement.
• Participate in training to learn new machines, processes, and potentially the full setup process for career advancement.

Essential Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude and a demonstrated ability to understand how machines and equipment operate.
• Experience working with hand tools and power tools in an industrial, mechanical, or similar environment.
• Ability to learn and train on new machines, processes, and production methods.
• Capability to lift 50+ pounds as part of regular job duties.
• Basic math skills, including working with decimals and fractions and converting between metric and standard measurements.
• Comfort working around industrial machinery, moving parts, and shop equipment.
• Attention to detail for performing visual inspections and completing quality documentation accurately.
• Willingness to work with metal components and perform repetitive production tasks safely and consistently.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Machine operation or machine setup experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• CNC machine experience or exposure to automated equipment.
• Experience reading blueprints, schematics, or basic technical drawings.
• Familiarity with robotics or automated systems in an industrial setting.
• Troubleshooting experience with machinery or mechanical systems.
• Experience using basic measurement tools such as micrometers and calipers.
• Experience as a farm hand, hobby mechanic, automotive mechanic, or similar hands-on mechanical experience.
• Experience with deburring parts or finishing metal components.
• Prior exposure to cold heading processes or Acme screw machines, which is considered a strong plus.

Why Work Here?

You join a small, close-knit shop that values trust, independence, and hands-on learning. The company offers a unique opportunity to learn a specialized trade in a niche manufacturing industry, even if you do not have prior machine experience. Team members enjoy a family-style environment without heavy micromanagement, where employees are encouraged to grow into setup, maintenance, and other advanced roles. The workplace culture includes team events such as barbecues and group activities that foster camaraderie. Employees benefit from profit sharing, a matching 401(k) plan, and excellent medical and dental benefits, supporting both long-term financial security and personal well-being.

Work Environment

The role is based in a shop environment with approximately 40 employees and a variety of industrial machines, moving parts, and forklifts. The facility is well organized and focused on safe, efficient operations. The standard schedule is a first shift from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with no regular weekend work; overtime is available on Fridays as needed. The shop is not temperature controlled, so it can become warmer in the summer months, but fans are in place to improve comfort, and wearing shorts is allowed in accordance with safety guidelines. The environment suits individuals who are comfortable working around industrial equipment, handling metal parts, and performing physical tasks throughout the day.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Branch, MN.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/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 North Branch,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 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.

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.