Fabricator

Job Title: Machine Operator Job Description

The Machine Operator sets up and operates a variety of metal fabrication equipment, including brake presses, lasers, drilling machines, punch presses, and shears, to build structures from blueprints with a high level of precision. This role involves reading and interpreting blueprints, using precision measuring tools, handling material loading and unloading, and operating overhead cranes in a clean, quiet, small-shop environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate brake presses, lasers, drilling machines, punch presses, and shears to produce metal components and structures.

• Read and interpret blueprints to build structures from the ground up according to specifications.

• Use precision measuring tools such as micrometers and calipers to verify dimensions and ensure parts meet quality standards.

• Unload and load machinery with raw materials and finished parts in a safe and efficient manner.

• Operate overhead cranes to move materials and components around the shop floor.

• Perform inspections on parts and assemblies to confirm accuracy and quality before moving them to the next stage.

• Work in pairs on the shop floor to complete fabrication tasks and support team productivity.

• Lift and move materials weighing 50 pounds or more as part of daily operations.

• Follow all safety procedures and use appropriate safety equipment while operating machinery.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area and contribute to a quiet, professional shop environment.

• Adhere to attendance policies, including understanding the point and warning system for call-ins.

Essential Skills

• 3–5 years of machine operating experience, including building structures from the ground up from a print.

• Hands-on experience running brake presses, lasers, and shears.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints accurately.

• Proficiency using precision measuring tools such as micrometers and calipers.

• Experience with fabrication processes and inspection of fabricated parts.

• Capability to operate overhead cranes safely.

• Ability to lift 50+ pounds on a regular basis.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing precise, high-quality work.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a small-shop, team-oriented environment.

• Comfort working in pairs and collaborating closely with coworkers.

• Reliability and strong attendance, with willingness to follow established attendance policies.

• Interest in learning new equipment and processes as newer machines are introduced.

• Commitment to safe work practices and proper use of safety gear.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a flexible benefits and insurance approach, allowing them to sign up only for what they need. A 401(k) plan is available with a tiered company match of up to 3%, and paid time off grows with tenure, starting at one week after one year and increasing up to four weeks after ten years, with PTO prorated based on start date. Team members receive eight paid holidays, including floating holidays that can be used to enjoy roughly one day off per month, along with tuition reimbursement to support ongoing education. Each year, employees receive a safety allowance to purchase items such as steel-toe footwear and safety glasses, and most safety gear is provided. The company invests heavily in modern equipment, adding multiple new machines in recent years, and offers clear growth opportunities, including the chance to move into other departments to learn new skills.

Work Environment

The work environment is a clean, not overly dirty, and relatively quiet fabrication shop with a small, close-knit feel. There are only about 13 people on the floor, including management, and employees typically work in pairs. The facility operates a single shift: first shift runs Monday through Thursday from 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Overtime is available on Fridays for approximately 5 to 8 hours and is currently voluntary, though it may become mandatory if coverage is needed. An attendance policy is in place that uses a three-strikes system, where one call-in counts as a warning and subsequent incidents accrue points. Safety equipment is standard, and employees are expected to wear appropriate protective gear while working.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Watertown, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $52000.00 - $62400.00/yr.

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.

Benefits/Insurance - sign up for what you need rather than having to sign up for everything 401k, 3% match (if you're contributing 100%) 2% (if you're contributing 50%) PTO: 1 week after 1 year, 2 weeks after 2 years, 3 weeks after 5 years, 4 weeks after 10 years (PTO is prorated based on when you start) 8 paid holidays, use the floating holidays so you get one day off a month from a holiday Tuition Reimbursment Each year you get $100 to spend on anything safety related (steel toes, glasses, etc.) Provide everything besides weld helmet and steel toes

Growth opportunities - able to move to other departments if you're interested in learning something new

Putting a lot of money into newer machines, within the last two years there's been 3 new machines added

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Watertown,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 6, 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.