Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Machine Operator Job Description

As a Machine Operator, you will set up, operate, and monitor equipment that transforms raw material into finished parts used across a variety of industries. You will work with fabrication machinery, including laser cutting equipment, press brakes, punch presses, and welding-related tools, ensuring parts are produced accurately, safely, and to quality standards.

• Set up and operate production machinery, including laser cutters, press brakes, punch presses, and other fabrication equipment.
• Load raw materials into machines and monitor the production process to ensure efficient and continuous operation.
• Interpret and follow blueprints, drawings, and work instructions to produce parts to specification.
• Use measuring tools such as tape measures and calipers to verify dimensions and ensure parts meet quality standards.
• Perform general production, assembly, and material handling tasks as needed to support workflow.
• Inspect finished products for clean welds, proper fabrication, and overall quality, taking pride in workmanship.
• Adjust machine settings and perform basic troubleshooting to maintain optimal performance and output.
• Operate laser cutting or engraving machines, including interpreting blueprints or CAD drawings, selecting appropriate materials, and ensuring precise cutting.
• Conduct routine maintenance and cleaning on assigned machines to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work area in fabrication, welding, and assembly spaces.
• Collaborate with team members while also working independently to meet production goals and deadlines.
• Demonstrate flexibility by performing tasks outside core machine operation responsibilities when needed to support production.
• Maintain excellent attendance and communicate schedule changes or absences through the designated call-out process.

• Experience in machine operation within a production or general labor environment.
• Ability to set up and operate fabrication equipment such as laser cutters, press brakes, punch presses, and related machinery.
• Proficiency in general production and assembly tasks, including loading material and handling finished products.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and basic CAD-derived drawings.
• Skill in using measuring tools such as tape measures and calipers to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Understanding of basic welding processes and production welding environments.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on producing clean, high-quality welds and fabricated parts.
• Ability to work individually with minimal supervision while meeting production targets.
• Reliability and strong attendance, including adherence to established call-out and notification procedures.
• Growth mindset and openness to learning new machines, processes, and responsibilities.
• Flexibility and willingness to perform tasks outside of primary job responsibilities when required.

• Relevant technical or welding certification is preferred.
• Experience in a fabrication shop environment with paint, press brake, welding, and assembly processes.
• Comfort working with mild steel ranging from 20 gauge up to 1 inch thickness.
• Safety awareness and ability to follow established safety protocols in a production setting.
• Demonstrated pride in workmanship and commitment to producing high-quality finished products.

You will join a growing fabrication operation that is expanding its customer base and creating opportunities for advancement, including development into supervisory roles. The organization invests in its people, provides support as they grow, and actively gives back to the workforce. You will benefit from a stable schedule, paid breaks and lunch, and a culture that values reliability, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.

This role is based in a mid-size fabrication shop of approximately 30 people, with two buildings on site and processes that include paint, press brake, welding, laser cutting, and assembly. The operation works primarily with mild steel from 20 gauge to 1 inch and includes production welding and dedicated welding bays. Standard shifts run Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for first shift and 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for second shift, with overtime after shift and on Saturdays as needed. Weekend shifts of three 12-hour days paid for 40 hours are planned for the near future. Employees receive two paid 10-minute breaks and one paid 20-minute lunch each day. The environment is industrial and fast-paced, with an attendance policy that uses a point system and requires calling in through designated channels for absences or lateness. Welding jackets and gloves are provided for welding-related work; employees are expected to supply their own welding hood and steel-toe footwear.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Dunlap, TN.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $22.00/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 Dunlap,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 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.