Machine Operator Union $24.56 Starting

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

This role operates in a metal processing facility that takes large coils of stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and steel and cuts them into smaller coils or large sheets. You will initially support the production line as a packer at the end of the machine, packaging finished product and learning the full machine operation, with a clear path to progress into a titled Machine Operator role. You will work with overhead cranes, forklifts, and cutting machinery in a unionized environment, following safety standards and production procedures to ensure high-quality output.

Responsibilities

• Operate and support metal processing equipment that cuts large coils of metal into smaller coils or large sheets according to production specifications.
• Begin on the production line as a packer, placing finished metal products onto crates so they can be safely moved and loaded with a forklift.
• Assist with machine operation while learning setup, controls, and adjustments under the guidance of experienced operators.
• Use an overhead crane to move and load large metal coils into machines and to transfer finished products as needed.
• Operate a forklift to move materials, finished products, and crates throughout the facility in a safe and efficient manner.
• Perform basic inspection and quality checks on metal products using tools such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, tape measures, and other hand tools to verify dimensions and quality.
• Follow production work orders, manual instructions, and, where applicable, blueprints to ensure accurate cutting and packaging of metal products.
• Assist with basic troubleshooting of equipment issues and communicate problems to the appropriate personnel to minimize downtime.
• Support general labor tasks on the production floor, including organizing materials, maintaining a clean work area, and assisting coworkers as needed.
• Participate in crating activities in the carpentry area, helping build and prepare crates for shipping metal coils and sheets.
• Adhere to all safety procedures, including safe use of overhead cranes, forklifts, and other machinery, and follow guidelines that prohibit lifting more than 50 pounds without assistance.
• Work required overtime when needed, including Saturdays, in accordance with union guidelines and advance notice requirements.

Essential Skills

• Previous experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Willingness and ability to work required overtime, including Saturdays when needed.
• Comfort working in a metal manufacturing environment with large metal coils and heavy industrial equipment.
• Basic English communication skills; bilingual candidates are welcome.
• Ability to safely perform physical tasks on the production floor, including standing for extended periods and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Readiness to learn operation of forklifts, overhead cranes, and metal processing machinery.
• Attention to detail when measuring, inspecting, and packaging metal products.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with machine setup in a manufacturing or metal processing environment.
• Previous experience working with metal coils in production or warehousing.
• Familiarity with unionized work environments and union work rules.
• Experience with machine operation, including press brake, shear, slitter, or similar metalworking equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, gauges, and manual instructions.
• Experience using measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, tape measures, and other hand tools.
• Experience in general labor, inspection, or troubleshooting on a production line.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable, unionized operation that invests in training and cross-training on forklifts, overhead cranes, and complex metal processing machinery. The role offers a clear growth path: you start in a packer position while learning machine operation and can apply for the titled Machine Operator role after 90 days, which comes with a higher pay rate. In addition to competitive hourly pay, you receive a gain share bonus every two weeks based on your machine’s productivity, a quarterly attendance bonus for consistent presence, and a quarterly safety bonus for maintaining safe work practices. The culture emphasizes teamwork, safety, and skill development, providing opportunities to build a long-term career in metal manufacturing while being rewarded for performance, reliability, and safe work habits.

Work Environment

The facility is a metal manufacturing plant with approximately 30 production employees working around large metal coils and heavy industrial machinery. Overhead cranes are installed throughout the building to lift and move coils into machines and to load finished products onto trucks, which can drive directly into the facility for loading. You will work around metal cutting equipment that converts large coils into smaller coils or sheet metal, as well as in a crating and carpentry area where wooden crates are built for shipping. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with overtime starting as early as 5:00 a.m. before the shift when required. Saturday overtime may be scheduled from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the option to choose between those times when overtime is needed and with at least 24 hours’ notice in line with union rules. The environment is industrial and physically active, with a strong focus on safety, including strict limits on lifting more than 50 pounds without assistance and consistent use of appropriate work attire and protective gear suitable for a metal manufacturing setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Northbrook, IL.

The pay range for this position is $24.56 - $24.56/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 Northbrook,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 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.

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.