Machine Operator (21 To 22 An Hour)

Job Title: Machine Operator – Laser Cutting $21 to $22 an hour

Job Description

This role operates CNC laser-cutting machines to produce precise metal components in a clean, climate-controlled facility. You will set up materials, interpret design files, adjust machine parameters, and perform inspections to ensure every part meets exact specifications and quality standards. The position also includes routine maintenance, safety checks, and documentation to support efficient and reliable production.

Responsibilities

• Align and secure materials accurately on the laser cutting table to prepare for production.
• Load and interpret CAD files or other design inputs into the machine’s control interface.
• Adjust machine settings such as power, speed, and focus based on material type and thickness.
• Operate the laser machine to cut or engrave according to design requirements, ensuring accuracy and precision.
• Regularly inspect cut or engraved components to verify they meet specified dimensions and quality standards.
• Make necessary machine adjustments to maintain consistent product quality throughout production runs.
• Conduct daily checks to ensure the laser cutter remains in optimal working condition.
• Clean the machine, including laser lenses and nozzles, to prevent build-up, obstructions, and performance issues.
• Schedule and perform routine maintenance tasks, such as lens replacement and alignment checks.
• Ensure the laser safety barrier or enclosure remains intact, functional, and compliant with safety procedures.
• Monitor the fume extraction system to maintain proper ventilation and filtration during operation.
• Track material usage carefully to minimize waste and optimize efficiency.
• Handle materials with care to prevent damage, warping, or contamination.
• Maintain logs of completed jobs, including any deviations, issues, or rework required.
• Document maintenance activities and any significant machine downtime events.
• Troubleshoot minor machine issues or operational errors and escalate when necessary.
• Adjust operating parameters based on material properties to achieve desired cutting or engraving results.
• Use overhead cranes, forklifts, and other material handling equipment safely to move materials and components.
• Utilize hand tools, power tools, and air tools as needed to support metal fabrication and finishing tasks.

Essential Skills

• Over two years of experience operating CO2 or Fiber CNC laser-cutting machines, with Cincinnati or Mitsubishi machines preferred.
• Strong understanding of CNC processes and laser operation.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings accurately.
• Proficiency in operating overhead cranes for safe material handling.
• Ability to use measuring tools such as tape measures and calipers with precision.
• Experience using basic hand tools, power tools, and air tools in a production or fabrication environment.
• Forklift experience and safe forklift operation skills.
• Exposure to metal fabrication concepts and processes, including grinding and working with metal components.
• Ability to regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and move up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high quality and safety standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with laser cutters and laser machines in a manufacturing or fabrication setting.
• Background in grinding and finishing metal components.
• Familiarity with interpreting CAD files and integrating them into machine control interfaces.
• Comfort working with small production teams and collaborating closely with colleagues on shift.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for minor machine and process issues.
• Organizational skills for maintaining accurate production and maintenance records.

Why Work Here?

You will join a small, supportive team working in a clean, climate-controlled, brand-new facility that values precision, safety, and continuous improvement. The weekend shift schedule offers a three-day workweek with 36 hours on-site while being paid for 40 hours when all scheduled hours are worked, providing a balanced blend of stability and flexibility. You will have the opportunity to develop and refine your technical skills on modern CNC laser equipment in an environment that emphasizes quality, reliability, and professional growth.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean, climate-controlled, brand-new manufacturing facility focused on metal fabrication and CNC laser cutting. You will work on a small team during a weekend shift from Friday to Sunday, 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for a total of 36 hours worked per week, with pay based on a 40-hour workweek when all scheduled hours are completed. The environment includes the use of CO2 and Fiber CNC laser-cutting machines (such as Cincinnati or Mitsubishi), overhead cranes, forklifts, hand tools, power tools, air tools, and precision measuring instruments like tape measures and calipers. The facility emphasizes safe operation of laser equipment, proper ventilation and fume extraction, and organized material handling to support consistent, high-quality production.

This is a Contract position based out of Vandalia, OH.

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/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 Vandalia,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 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.