Machine Operator

Machine Operator Job Description This role operates heavy industrial machinery in a forging environment to process, straighten, and inspect steel parts used in automotive applications. The Machine Operator ensures accurate piece counts, proper tagging, and safe material handling while maintaining part number and heat code integrity throughout production. The position requires consistent attention to detail, adherence to safety procedures, and the ability to support multiple production lines as needed. Responsibilities Review stack count lists to confirm proper piece counts and determine the type of packaging required before starting work. Transfer material safely using cranes or pallet jacks and organize storage areas by part number and heat codes. Load parts into the straightener and other processing equipment according to work instructions and blueprints. Set up the straightener based on blueprint specifications and ensure the machine is configured correctly for each part. Observe parts during processing and immediately alert a supervisor to any visual defects or abnormalities. Monitor calibration dates on gauges and ensure all measuring equipment remains within required calibration periods. Verify that all material is properly tagged before moving and confirm that correct containers are available at production and secondary operations. Provide coverage to production lines as a priority, including spelling for breaks and lunches when needed. Maintain part number and heat code integrity at all times to ensure full traceability of material. Measure parts using appropriate gauges and instruments and straighten them to meet part‑specific tolerances. Report any mechanical or safety issues to the foreman as soon as they are identified. Visually inspect all baskets received and unloaded for broken welds, missing pegs, broken or bent rails, and broken side gates, and determine appropriate disposition. Ensure all material is properly tagged and weighed in accordance with established procedures and work instructions. Remove scrap axles and place them in designated containers, following all applicable work instructions and procedures, and ensure red tags are placed on products with all required information completed. Remove all foreign materials and tagging materials from customer dunnage before reuse. Reset machine counters at the end of each shift to prepare equipment for the next operator. Follow all safety rules, plant policies, and regulations at all times while on the production floor. Operate forklifts, tow motors, and other material handling equipment safely as needed to support production. Use grinders, saws, and other fabrication tools to support cutting and finishing operations as required. Read and interpret blueprints to ensure correct setup, processing, and inspection of parts. Use inspection gauges, calipers, micrometers, and other measuring tools to verify dimensional accuracy and product quality. Perform basic troubleshooting and machine setup tasks, including operation of press brakes and other related equipment when required. Perform other duties as assigned to support overall production, quality, and safety goals. Essential Skills At least 1 year of experience working in a manufacturing environment. At least 1 year of experience operating industrial forklifts. Ability to lift 50 pounds consistently throughout the shift. Experience with machine operation in a heavy industrial or steel manufacturing setting. Ability to operate forklifts, tow motors, and related material handling equipment safely. Ability to read and interpret blueprints for part setup and inspection. Proficiency using gauges, calipers, micrometers, and other inspection tools to measure parts accurately. Experience with inspection of parts using inspection gauges and visual checks. Ability to perform machine setup and basic troubleshooting on production equipment. Comfort working in a forging or heavy industrial environment that is not temperature controlled. Willingness and ability to work any shift as required by a union environment, including overtime after 8 hours. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience in steel manufacturing, foundry, or forging operations. Background in general labor within heavy industrial settings. Experience with grinders, saw operation, and cutting processes. Exposure to slitter, die cast, or press brake operations. Fabrication experience, including setting up and operating various machines. Experience with sit‑down forklift operation. Familiarity with inspection processes and use of a variety of inspection gauges. Ability to reset machine counters and follow detailed work instructions. Strong attention to detail in maintaining accurate tags, weights, and documentation for materials. Why Work Here? The organization offers a long‑established, stable presence in the automotive supply industry with over a century of continuous operation. Team members work in a union environment that supports structured progression, providing significant room for growth and advancement over time. Employees receive health care and benefits starting on day one, along with a 401(k) plan that includes a company match of up to 4% after the probationary period. The culture emphasizes safety, reliability, and long‑term career development, giving employees the opportunity to build a lasting career in a high‑demand industrial field. Work Environment This role operates in a unionized forging facility that is heavy industrial and not temperature controlled, which means conditions can be hot, noisy, and physically demanding. Candidates must be open to working any shift, as shift assignments are determined by union rules and may change over time. Standard shifts include 1st shift from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 2nd shift from 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and 3rd shift from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Employees receive additional hourly pay for off‑shift work, with a premium for 2nd and 3rd shifts. Overtime applies to hours worked beyond 8 hours in a day. The environment involves operating and working around heavy machinery, cranes, pallet jacks, forklifts, grinders, saws, and other fabrication and inspection equipment. Proper personal protective equipment is required at all times, and adherence to plant safety rules and procedures is essential. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cleveland, OH. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $23.75 - $25.75/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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Cleveland, OH. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 2026. 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. Equal Opportunity Employer 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Aerotek