Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Machine Operator Job Description

The Machine Operator sets up, operates, and monitors lathe cells and related equipment in a heavy industrial forging environment. This role focuses on safe and efficient machine operation, quality inspection of parts, basic equipment maintenance, and accurate documentation of production activities. The Machine Operator works with both manual and automated processes, including integrated robots, and supports continuous production across multiple shifts.

Responsibilities

• Set up lathes according to current part and process sheets and prepare machines for scheduled jobs.
• Operate lathes in manually loaded mode when required and run the lathe cell in an automated manner, including operation of the integrated robot.
• Change and replace tools as needed to maintain proper machine operation and part quality.
• Clear robot jams and resolve equipment faults safely, following established procedures.
• Perform periodic quality checks according to inspection sheets and part print requirements, and promptly inform supervisors of any out-of-spec readings.
• Verify calibration dates on all gauges and indicators before use to ensure accurate measurements.
• Load and unload conveyors as required to support continuous production flow.
• Inspect parts for visual defects, mark required symbols or designations, and perform spline checks using gauges.
• Identify non-conforming or scrap pieces, place them on designated pallets, tag or mark them with the appropriate discrepancy, and enter information on itemized scrap lists.
• Report product discrepancies and quality concerns to supervisors in a timely manner.
• Assemble parts according to work instructions, including setting up and operating polishers, washers, and presses to complete assembly tasks.
• Perform routine equipment care such as topping off water and coolant, changing filters, and lubricating units as required.
• Track part counts accurately throughout the shift and ensure production records are complete.
• Work on either or both groups of lathes within the same day as production needs require.
• Transport parts within the department on pallets, in baskets, or other containers using cranes, pallet jacks, or other approved means (excluding lift trucks), and stack or load products per requirements.
• Complete all required tags and labels in accordance with instructions to maintain proper identification of materials and products.
• Monitor for visual defects at any operation within the cell and report issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Maintain part number and heat code integrity to ensure proper traceability and product identification.
• Follow and support scrap product procedures and non-conforming product procedures to maintain quality standards.
• Fill out and return all paperwork required for duties performed on each shift, including time tickets, scrap sheets, and downtime logs.
• Maintain coverage through lunches, breaks, and shift changes to support continuous operations.
• Operate related equipment such as grinders, saws, presses, and other fabrication machinery as needed.
• Use inspection tools including gauges, calipers, micrometers, and other measurement devices to verify part dimensions.
• Read and interpret blueprints and work instructions to ensure parts are produced to specification.
• Assist with troubleshooting basic machine and process issues to minimize downtime.
• Perform general labor tasks in support of production and forging operations as needed.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• At least 1 year of experience operating industrial forklifts.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds consistently throughout the shift.
• Experience with machine operating and machine setup in an industrial setting.
• Ability to operate lathes and related production machinery safely and efficiently.
• Basic troubleshooting skills for machine and process issues.
• Ability to perform inspections using gauges, calipers, micrometers, and other measurement tools.
• Competence in blueprint reading and interpreting part prints and work instructions.
• Experience with inspection of parts and use of inspection gauges.
• Comfort working in a heavy industrial, forging environment.
• Ability to work on any shift as required by a unionized environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify visual defects and non-conforming product.
• Reliability in completing required documentation such as time tickets, scrap sheets, and downtime logs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with forklift operation and tow motors in a steel or metal manufacturing environment.
• Background in steel manufacturing, foundry, die cast, slitter, or general heavy industrial labor.
• Experience with grinders, saw operation, cutting, and general fabrication equipment.
• Familiarity with press brake operation and machine setup for fabrication processes.
• Experience working in a union environment.
• Ability to operate cranes, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment (excluding lift trucks) safely.
• Comfort working with automated cells that include integrated robots.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain part number and heat code integrity.
• Ability to follow scrap and non-conforming product procedures accurately.
• Willingness to learn and work on multiple groups of lathes and related equipment in the same day.

Why Work Here?

You will join an established, unionized manufacturing operation with a long history in the automotive industry and a strong reputation for quality. The environment offers significant room for growth and advancement, with clear pathways to build your skills and progress in your career. After the probationary period, employees receive a competitive 401(k) match, and health care and benefits start from day one, supporting both your long-term financial security and your immediate well-being. The culture emphasizes safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement, providing a stable workplace where your contributions are valued.

Work Environment

This role is based in a unionized, heavy industrial forging facility. The work environment is not temperature controlled, and conditions can be hot, noisy, and physically demanding. Candidates must be comfortable working in a heavy industrial setting and able to adapt to the pace and physical requirements of forging operations. Employees must be open to all shifts due to union scheduling: 1st shift runs from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 2nd shift from 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and 3rd shift from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Overtime applies to hours worked beyond 8 hours in a day. Off-shift assignments include additional hourly premiums. The role involves regular use of industrial machinery, lathes, robots, grinders, saws, polishers, washers, presses, cranes, pallet jacks, and a variety of inspection tools. The work requires consistent lifting, standing, and movement throughout the shift, with a focus on safety procedures and proper use of personal protective equipment appropriate for a forging environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cleveland, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.52 - $27.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Cleveland,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 2026.

About Aerotek

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.

\nCompany 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.

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.