Machine Operator

The Machine Operator sets up and operates production equipment to cut, bend, straighten, and form metal parts according to blueprints, lay-up sequences, and templates. This role includes operating multiple types of machinery, performing preventive maintenance, conducting basic troubleshooting, and supporting a high-volume industrial manufacturing environment focused on steel fabrication and highway safety products.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate production machines to cut, bend, straighten, and form parts according to blueprints, lay-up sequences, and templates.
• Operate at least three types of equipment, such as shear, punch press, press brake, saw, drill press, or roller, in a safe and efficient manner.
• Read and interpret blueprints to determine specifications, dimensions, and required machine settings.
• Perform preventive maintenance on assigned equipment to minimize downtime and maintain optimal machine performance.
• Conduct minor troubleshooting on machines to identify and resolve routine operational issues.
• Inspect parts and finished products for quality, accuracy, and conformance to specifications.
• Load and unload materials and parts onto machines and production lines using appropriate methods and equipment.
• Palletize finished products and materials for storage, staging, or shipment.
• Use overhead cranes and other material-handling equipment safely to move heavy materials and components.
• Measure parts accurately using appropriate measuring tools to verify tolerances and dimensions.
• Follow verbal and written instructions, work orders, and standard operating procedures consistently.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in compliance with safety rules and facility guidelines.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors to coordinate work, report issues, and support production goals.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment to meet production schedules and quality standards.
• Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance to support continuous production operations.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a production or industrial manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to operate at least three of the following equipment types: press brake, shear, punch press, saw, drill press, or roller.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints accurately.
• Ability to understand the technical aspects of machine operation and production processes.
• Ability to follow verbal and simple written instructions and procedures reliably.
• Ability to measure accurately using appropriate measuring tools.
• Ability to safely and efficiently perform all essential functions in a heavy industrial environment.
• Ability to follow directions and contribute to a professional work environment.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.
• Consistent, regular, and predictable attendance.

• Prior production line experience in an industrial manufacturing setting.
• Background working in a non-climate-controlled, heavy industrial facility.
• Experience with general production, general labor, and machine operation tasks.
• Experience with loading, unloading, and palletizing materials.
• Experience using overhead cranes for material handling.
• Experience performing basic inspection and quality checks on manufactured parts.
• Ability to maintain focus and productivity in a fast-paced production environment.

Employees benefit from a comprehensive total rewards package that supports their health, financial security, and professional growth. The organization offers medical coverage with a Health Savings Account option, as well as dental and vision insurance. Paid maternity and parental leave, short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance provide added peace of mind. A 401(k) plan with company match helps employees build long-term financial stability. The company invests in professional development and provides access to an Employee Assistance Program and wellness programs to support overall well-being. Generous vacation, holiday, and sick pay further promote work-life balance and time away from work when needed.

Work Environment

This role is based in a heavy industrial steel fabrication facility that produces highway safety products such as guardrails, end terminals, steel barriers, crash cushions, and sign supports. The building is open-air with no climate control, which means it can be hot in the summer and colder in the winter. The environment is fast-paced, production-focused, and centered around large-scale metal fabrication and industrial machinery. Proper personal protective equipment is required at all times, including steel-toe boots, a hard hat, safety glasses, and ear plugs. The work involves operating and working around heavy equipment, overhead cranes, and metal materials, and it requires strict adherence to safety practices and procedures.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fort Worth, TX.

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/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 Fort Worth,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on May 18, 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.