Machine Operator

Job Title: General laborer

Job Description

The 1st Shift Operator provides hands-on support to the Form Operator team by assisting with machine operations, material handling, and general production tasks in a sheet metal manufacturing environment. This role works closely with experienced operators to help set up and run heavy machinery used to bend, shape, and cut sheet metal, while ensuring parts meet quality specifications and supporting overall shop operations.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Form Operator team with daily machine operations used to bend, shape, and cut sheet metal.
• Work alongside experienced team members to support routine production tasks and meet daily output goals.
• Support material handling at the press brake, including moving, positioning, and staging sheet metal parts.
• Perform team lifts and lift assists as needed, lifting up to 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Measure parts using tape measures, calipers, and micrometers to verify dimensions and angles meet required specifications.
• Verify part angles and dimensions against production requirements to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Assist with general shop operations, including basic assembly, inspection, and production support activities.
• Perform quality inspection of parts and materials to identify defects or nonconformities.
• Use basic blueprint reading skills to understand part requirements and production standards.
• Operate manufacturing equipment and general production machinery as directed, following all safety procedures.
• Support forklift and material movement activities as needed, if trained and authorized.
• Follow all safety guidelines, including proper use of personal protective equipment, and help maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Collaborate with supervisors and team members to learn proper operating techniques and continuously improve skills.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience using tape measures and calipers to measure parts accurately.
• At least 1 year of machine operating experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to perform general labor and general production tasks in a manufacturing setting.
• Basic machine operation skills, including operating manufacturing equipment under supervision.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with assistance during team lifts.
• Experience using measuring tools such as tape measures, calipers, and micrometers.
• Basic quality inspection skills to check parts and materials against specifications.
• Foundational blueprint reading ability to interpret part requirements and production standards.
• Exposure to manufacturing environments, with metal manufacturing experience considered ideal.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Press brake experience is preferred but not required.
• Experience working with sheet metal in a production or fabrication environment is beneficial.
• Forklift experience and ability to support material movement are advantageous when properly trained and authorized.
• Willingness to work overtime, including occasional Saturdays, as business needs require.
• Interest in long-term growth opportunities within a manufacturing setting, with potential for advancement.
• Ability to complete a 90-day contract assignment with the potential for temp-to-hire based on performance and business needs, acknowledging that permanent placement is not guaranteed.

Why Work Here?

You will join a highly collaborative team where everyone works together and genuinely enjoys the work, creating a unique and supportive culture. Employees benefit from hands-on supervisors who invest time in training and developing team members the right way. There is regular access to overtime opportunities and competitive compensation structures. The organization continues to grow, offering strong potential for advancement and long-term career development for those who perform well and are eager to learn.

This is a Permanent position based out of Cottage Grove, WI.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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 Cottage Grove,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 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.