Machine Shop Operator

Job Title: Machine Shop Worker

Job Description

This position works in a large, high-volume machine shop performing metal cutting, drilling, grinding, deburring, and quality inspection to precise control plan and blueprint specifications. You will stage and move materials, set up and operate CNC machines, perform in-process quality checks at every step, and support a variety of operations across the shop rather than staying on a single machine. This is a mid-level role suited for someone who enjoys hands-on work, problem-solving, and contributing to a team-focused production environment.

Responsibilities

• Load raw materials, unload finished parts, and stage materials for production.
• Cut, drill, grind, deburr, and finish metal parts to specification.
• Perform in-process and final quality inspections using precision measuring tools (micrometers & calipers).
• Move materials throughout the facility using forklifts and pallet jacks.
• Troubleshoot routine production issues and support multiple work areas as needed.
• Maintain production, quality, safety, and housekeeping standards.
• Complete equipment inspections and report any safety concerns.
• Follow all safety policies, PPE requirements, and training procedures.
• Assist with general machine shop and production support duties as needed.

Essential Skills

• Manufacturing experience required
• Experience operating production machinery in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to use measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, dial gauges, and rulers.
• Ability to perform quality inspections and read metric and standard measurements.
• Forklift experience preferred, including sit-down and stand-up forklifts.
• Basic math skills for measurements, tolerances, and quality checks.
• Ability to follow work instructions, procedures, and quality standards.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility to work across multiple machines and production areas.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Experience performing quality inspections in a manufacturing environment.
• Deburring experience using hand and air-powered tools.
• Familiarity with drill presses, grinders, boring mills, reamers, and other machine shop equipment.
• Knowledge of gauge calibration and quality measurement processes.
• Proficiency in using and reading micrometers and other precision measuring tools.
• Ability to discuss and apply quality control methods, inspection tools, and measurement standards.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed.

Available Shift & Pay

• 1st shift: 7:30am - 3:30pm (Monday - Friday) // $24.47
• 2nd shift: 3:30pm - 11:30pm (Monday - Friday) // $25.33
• 3rd shift: 11:30pm - 7:30am (Sunday - Thursday) // $25.33
• Alternate Work Schedule (N1): M, T, W (7pm - 7am) // $25.33
• Alternate Work Schedule (N2): Th, F, Sa (7pm - 7am) // $25.33
• Alternate Work Schedule (D1): M, T, W M, T, W (7pm - 7am) // $24.47
• Alternate Work Schedule (D2): Th, F, Sa (7pm - 7am) // $24.47

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a highly engaged, community-focused culture, partnering with local institutions and actively supporting regional initiatives. Employees enjoy frequent engagement events such as seasonal festivals, family-friendly activities, and on-site drives that include both team members and their loved ones. There is a clear pathway from temporary to full-time employment, with the opportunity to apply for full-time roles after 90 days based on attendance and performance. Full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous paid time off, multiple paid holidays, a strong 401(k) match, and health, dental, vision, and life insurance starting on the first day of employment. The environment emphasizes long-term stability, especially on certain shifts, and values safety, cleanliness, and continuous improvement, creating a supportive place to build a lasting career.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large, modern manufacturing facility with a substantial machine shop and assembly area, with the building split approximately half assembly and half machine shop. The shop operates across five shifts, including weekends, and employs hundreds of team members in a coordinated, high-volume production environment. The facility is temperature-controlled throughout, providing a comfortable work setting year-round. The dress code is relaxed, allowing sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, work pants, and jeans; leggings and sweatpants are not permitted. The plant maintains a very clean and orderly workspace with minimal debris, metal scraps, packaging, or oil spills, reflecting a strong commitment to safety. Personal protective equipment includes steel or composite toe shoes, earplugs, and safety glasses; hearing protection and glasses are provided on-site. Cell phone use is restricted to designated break areas and is not allowed while walking, and headphones or other listening devices are not permitted on the floor. Employees complete daily housekeeping tasks and equipment inspections, including truck and hoist checks, to keep equipment and work areas safe and organized. Multiple shift options are available, including traditional weekday shifts (1st: 7:30am–3:30pm, 2nd: 3:30pm–11:30pm, 3rd: 11:30pm–7:30am) and 12-hour rotating shifts on set days. Overtime is part of the schedule, with production currently planning work on alternating Saturdays for much of the year, subject to change based on business needs.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lafayette, IN.

The pay range for this position is $24.47 - $24.47/hr.

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.

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 Lafayette,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 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.