Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Machine Shop Worker – Machine Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on operating a plasma cutting machine within a fabrication shop environment. You will primarily upload code, set up materials, and run automated cutting processes on an A36 Cutting Table System and similar laser/plasma cutting equipment. The position offers first shift (7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) and second shift (4:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.) opportunities. You will help organize cut materials on racks or pallets for transfer to the shipping and receiving department, while maintaining safe, efficient, and accurate machine operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate the plasma cutting machine by uploading code, setting up jobs, and initiating automated cutting cycles.
• Work with the A36 Cutting Table System and related laser and plasma cutting equipment to process steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and other conductive metals as needed.
• Load sheet metal and other materials onto the cutting table and ensure proper alignment and secure placement before running jobs.
• Organize finished parts and materials on racks or pallets for efficient transfer to the shipping and receiving department.
• Monitor machine operation during cutting to ensure quality, accuracy, and adherence to specifications.
• Perform basic machine checks and adjustments to maintain smooth operation and minimize downtime.
• Follow shop procedures for handling materials such as A36, T-1A, 50-K, 80-K, and various thicknesses (e.g., 3/16, 1/2).
• Assist with editing and adjusting cutting programs when needed to improve quality or efficiency.
• Support quality control efforts by visually inspecting cut parts and reporting issues or defects.
• Remain flexible to operate other shop machinery or cutting systems as needed.
• Collaborate with fabrication and welding teams to ensure parts are prepared correctly for downstream processes.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and adhere to all safety guidelines within the fabrication shop.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating industrial machinery or automated equipment, especially cutting tables or plasma/laser cutting systems.
• Ability to upload, run, and monitor machine code or programs on cutting systems.
• Basic understanding of machining or fabrication processes, including working with sheet metal and plate materials.
• Capability to safely load and unload materials onto cutting tables and pallets.
• Attention to detail for monitoring quality and ensuring parts meet specifications.
• Willingness to work first shift (7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) or second shift (4:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.) as required.
• Ability to follow shop procedures and safety guidelines in a fabrication environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with plasma tables, plasma torches, or laser cutters is highly beneficial.
• Familiarity with AKS Cutting Systems tables or similar cutting platforms is an advantage.
• Exposure to blueprint reading and basic editing of cutting programs is helpful.
• Experience with lathe operations, sheet metal handling, or general machine operation is a plus.
• Understanding of quality control practices in a fabrication or machine shop environment.
• Flexibility to learn and operate other machines in the shop, including potential future CNC equipment.

Why Work Here?

You will join a shop that invests in training and professional growth, offering clear opportunities to expand your skills across all facets of fabrication. The role provides a direct path to learning fabrication techniques and eventually running CNC machinery, giving you long-term career development within a supportive environment. You can build a broad skill set in machining, cutting, and fabrication while working with modern equipment and being encouraged to take on new responsibilities over time.

Work Environment

The role is based in a fabrication shop where you will work primarily on an A36 Cutting Table System and other laser or plasma cutting machinery. The environment involves handling metals such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and various plate materials. You will spend much of your time at the cutting table uploading code, running automated cutting processes, and loading materials, rather than performing manual plasma cutting or welding. Because you will not be welding, you do not need a welding hood or gloves for this position, though appropriate shop attire and safety practices are expected. The shop operates on first shift (7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) and second shift (4:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.), and you may be asked to move between different machines as needed, working in a busy, production-focused environment with a strong emphasis on organization and safety.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of OLATHE, KS.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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 OLATHE,KS.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 2026.

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.

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.