Machine Operator

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

The 3rd Shift Machine Operator sets up and operates fabrication equipment to produce high-quality metal components according to work orders and blueprints. This role involves daily machine setup, precise forming and bending of metal, and thorough visual and physical inspection of parts to ensure they meet exact specifications. The position is hands-on, physically active, and offers significant opportunities for growth within the fabrication department and into other areas of the facility.

Responsibilities

• Review daily work orders and blueprints to understand the part specifications, quantities, and production requirements.
• Perform daily machine setup based on the work order and blueprint, ensuring all settings and tooling are correct before production begins.
• Load metal sheets into the brake press and operate the machine to form and bend metal components to required dimensions and tolerances.
• Operate additional fabrication equipment as needed, including fiber laser, die stamp, spot welder, assembly tools, finishing and sanding equipment, and punch press.
• Use micrometers, calipers, and tape measures to verify dimensions and ensure parts meet specification throughout the production run.
• Visually and physically inspect each piece of metal for quality, checking for dents, rips, cuts, incorrect bends, or any defects.
• Work from blueprints and technical drawings to produce accurate and consistent parts.
• Lift and handle metal materials weighing 40+ pounds regularly throughout the shift.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety procedures while operating machinery.
• Collaborate with team members working in nearby pods to ensure smooth workflow and support overall production goals.
• Identify and communicate any machine issues, quality concerns, or material problems to the appropriate personnel.
• Support continuous improvement by following best practices for machine operation, quality, and efficiency.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience operating production machinery in a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
• At least 1 year of experience using micrometers and calipers for precise measurement.
• At least 1 year of experience running a press, preferably a brake press.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and work orders.
• Proficiency using micrometers, calipers, and tape measures to verify dimensions.
• Experience with press brake operation and basic CNC-related processes.
• Ability to perform repetitive lifting of 40+ pounds safely and consistently.
• Strong attention to detail for visual and physical inspection of metal parts.
• Ability to stand for the majority of the shift while operating machinery.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort working with fabrication equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating a fiber laser in a fabrication environment.
• Background with die stamp, spot welding, and punch press equipment.
• Exposure to TIG welding processes.
• Experience in metal fabrication, including forming, finishing, and sanding.
• Familiarity with CNC equipment in a fabrication setting.
• Interest in learning and moving into areas such as welding, maintenance, machining, or tooling.
• Willingness to work overtime as needed, typically 5–10 hours per week.

Why Work Here?

You will join a large, modern, and well-maintained facility that is widely regarded as one of the nicest, cleanest, and most climate-controlled shops in the region. The company invests heavily in state-of-the-art equipment and facility upkeep, creating a safe, efficient, and comfortable place to work. Employees enjoy access to a free onsite healthcare clinic and lab for themselves and their families, as well as an onsite workout facility and excellent break areas. There is significant room for advancement across multiple departments, supported by tuition reimbursement and a clear wage progression structure. The organization focuses on producing high-end stainless steel products and offers a stable, growth-oriented environment where you can build a long-term career.

Work Environment

This is a full-time 3rd shift position, working 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. from Sunday night through Friday morning, with an expectation of approximately 5–10 hours of overtime. The role is based in a very large fabrication facility with over 300 employees in the fabrication department across three shifts. The shop is known for being one of the nicest, cleanest, and fully climate-controlled environments in the area. You will work in a pod alongside 2–3 other employees, each operating their own machine, fostering a collaborative yet focused production setting. The facility includes an onsite health clinic, an onsite workout facility, and a great break room. The company maintains its machinery and equipment to a high standard, and the environment is designed to support safe, efficient, and comfortable metal fabrication work.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $27.00/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 Madison,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 2026.

About Aerotek

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 meets 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 solving for 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.

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.