Hardware Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Hardware Operator

X1 1 st shift: 5am to 3pm Mon

-Thurs | Pay :

$23-27/hour

X1 2 nd shift: 3:15pm to 1:45am

Mon- Thurs | Pay :

$23-$27/hour + $3 shift differential

X3 Weekend shift: Fri, Sat, Sun 5 AM to 5:30 PM | Pay: $23-$27/hour + $6 shift differential (only working 36 hours)

Job Description

This role operates hardware insertion equipment in a precision sheet metal fabrication environment, ensuring that all hardware is installed accurately, safely, and according to specifications. The Hardware Operator reads blueprints, verifies hardware placement, and works with state-of-the-art machinery to produce high-quality custom components.

Responsibilities

• Use production prints to verify that specified hardware is installed in the correct location on each workpiece.
• Position, align, and bolt specified dies over the anvil and ram of the machine, ensuring proper setup for each job.
• Set up and position fixtures securely in the machine bed to support accurate and repeatable operations.
• Deliver the first piece of each run to inspection for verification of dimensions and hardware location before continuing production.
• Align holes of workpieces with the anvil of the machine to ensure precise hardware insertion.
• Position PEMs or other hardware with holes in workpieces over an anvil or against fixtures, maintaining alignment and orientation.
• Depress the pedal to lower the ram and insert PEMs or hardware into workpieces, following safety and quality procedures.
• Fill the hopper with PEMs or hardware when operating semiautomatic machines to maintain continuous operation.
• Operate sheet metal fabrication equipment such as drill presses, countersinking tools, and tumblers as needed for the job.
• Follow blueprints and shop drawings to determine hardware type, location, and installation requirements.
• Perform basic shop math and use measurement tools, including tape measures, to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Lift and move materials and components up to 50+ lbs as part of daily operations.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety procedures and guidelines.
• Collaborate with inspection and fabrication team members to resolve issues and ensure high-quality output.

Essential Skills

• 2+ years of fabrication and machine operation experience.
• 1+ year of blueprint reading experience.
• Hands-on experience working with sheet metal in a fabrication environment.
• Experience operating fabrication equipment such as drill presses, countersinking tools, and tumblers.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and production prints accurately.
• Ability to perform shop math to support measurements and hardware placement.
• Ability to read a tape measure and understand dimensional tolerances.
• Capability to lift 50+ lbs on a regular basis.
• Experience with hardware insertion processes, including hardware operator duties, riveting, spot welding, and tooling setup.
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Strong focus on safety and ability to follow established safety procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior fabrication operating experience in a precision or custom job shop environment.
• Familiarity with PEM hardware and other mechanical fasteners used in sheet metal fabrication.
• Comfort working with various types of projects and products in a custom fabrication setting.
• Ability to adapt quickly to different setups, parts, and hardware requirements.
• Strong communication skills for working with inspection and production teams.
• Organizational skills to maintain tools, fixtures, and workstations in good order.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy a supportive, small-company atmosphere within a well-established, second-generation family business. The organization offers company-paid medical benefits, 401(k) matching, and eligibility for two weeks of paid vacation after 90 days. Team members work in a beautiful precision sheet metal job shop with a strong emphasis on safety, including monthly company-catered lunches as part of safety rewards. The culture values long-term relationships, high-quality craftsmanship, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

Work Environment

The role is based in an extremely nice, climate-controlled fabrication job shop focused on precision sheet metal work. The facility handles custom projects, so work varies by project type, product, and complexity, requiring flexibility and adaptability. Most machines are only a few years old, providing the opportunity to work daily with state-of-the-art equipment and modern tooling. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and organization, with a strong focus on high-quality, custom fabrication work and a professional shop atmosphere.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of White Bear Lake, MN.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $26.00/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 White Bear Lake,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 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.