Metal Manufacturing Machine Operator

Job Title: Tumbler Machine Operator

Job Description

This role operates tumbling machines in the washer department to clean, deburr, and finish metal parts according to precise specifications. You will prepare and maintain chemical solutions, load and unload parts, and verify dimensions using calipers and micrometers to ensure consistent quality. The position offers structured progression within a union environment and involves working on second shift after an initial training period on first shift.

Responsibilities

• Operate tumbling machines in the washer department to degrease, clean, de-slug, and finish parts according to specifications and production requirements.

• Prepare, measure, and add the correct amounts of chemicals, solutions, and parts to each machine to ensure proper cleaning and finishing processes.

• Monitor tumbling cycles and make necessary adjustments to achieve the required surface finish, cleanliness, and dimensional accuracy.

• Use calipers, micrometers, and other handheld measuring tools to check part dimensions and verify that they meet specified tolerances, including tolerances such as +/- 0.005.

• Perform timely tumbling, degreasing, cleaning, and de-slugging of parts to meet production schedules and quality standards.

• Clean, fill, and maintain solutions, equipment, and tanks, including performing minor lubrication and basic maintenance tasks to keep machines in proper working condition.

• Follow established tumbling procedures and work instructions while actively identifying and suggesting improvement opportunities to enhance processes and efficiency.

• Maintain accurate inventory of supplies, chemicals, and materials used in the tumbling area and promptly inform the supervisor when replenishment is needed.

• Efficiently process multiple jobs and prioritize work based on due dates and dispatch reports to meet customer and production deadlines.

• Interpret drawings and routers to understand part requirements, process steps, and inspection points before and after tumbling operations.

• Apply shop math to verify dimensions, calculate measurements, and confirm that parts remain within specified tolerances after processing.

• Assist with basic troubleshooting of equipment and processes to resolve issues that affect part quality or machine performance.

• Handle and move parts and materials safely, including lifting items up to 50 pounds, to support continuous production flow.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area by following workplace safety practices and housekeeping standards.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support overall production operations and team objectives.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating machines in a manufacturing environment, particularly in roles involving chemical tumbling, deburring, grinding, or production machine operation.

• Proficiency using calipers and micrometers to measure parts accurately and verify that dimensions meet specified requirements.

• Ability to interpret drawings and follow routers to understand part requirements, process steps, and inspection criteria.

• Ability to use shop math to check dimensions, confirm tolerances, and ensure parts meet required specifications, including tolerances such as +/- 0.005.

• Understanding of basic blueprint reading to support accurate setup, inspection, and verification of parts.

• Ability to use handheld measuring tools reliably and consistently in a production environment.

• Capability to lift and handle items up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly during the shift.

• Experience with machine operating in a production or industrial setting, including basic troubleshooting of routine issues.

• Must meet ITAR-related requirements as specified by the employer.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with chemical tumbling processes, including preparing and maintaining solutions for cleaning and finishing parts.

• Experience in deburring and grinding operations to support part finishing and quality requirements.

• Familiarity with production environments that require adherence to dispatch reports, due dates, and prioritized job scheduling.

• Ability to follow detailed procedures while identifying opportunities for process improvements and efficiency gains.

• Comfort working with industrial equipment such as presses and other production machinery as needed.

• Strong attention to detail and quality, with the ability to consistently produce parts within tight tolerances.

• Solid problem-solving mindset to support basic troubleshooting of machines and processes.

Why Work Here?

Employees join a stable, long-standing union organization and often build long-term careers, as reflected by the high average tenure on the production floor. The company provides structured wage progression, 401(k) with company matching, and a generous paid time off program that grows with tenure. Team members benefit from regular business growth, updated equipment and facilities, and a supportive culture that celebrates milestones with holiday gifts, parties, and recognition. Comprehensive benefits, including health and life insurance and an employee assistance program, underscore the companys commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance in a family-oriented environment.

Work Environment

The role is based in a unionized manufacturing facility within the washer department, working primarily on second shift after completing training on first shift. You will operate tumbling machines, work with chemical solutions, and handle metal parts in an industrial production setting. The environment involves standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working around machinery, tanks, and related equipment. You will use tools such as calipers, micrometers, and other handheld measuring devices as part of daily quality checks. The facility regularly invests in new machines and production spaces, creating a modern, well-equipped workplace that supports ongoing growth and continuous improvement.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Minneapolis,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 13, 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.