Machine Operator

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

This role operates heavy industrial machinery to cut, prepare, and process steel materials according to precise specifications. You will use measuring tools, interpret blueprints, and run band saws and related equipment to maintain production speed and quality in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate band saws and other heavy industrial machines to cut steel to specified lengths and dimensions.
• Use a tape measure, micrometers, and calipers to accurately measure materials, including to 1/16th of an inch.
• Read and interpret blueprints to ensure all cuts and quality checks meet required specifications.
• Perform regular quality checks to confirm products are cut to spec and meet customer requirements.
• Prepare, move, clean, and cut steel materials as part of the production process.
• Maintain consistent production speed while following all safety and quality standards.
• Handle general labor tasks such as grinding, packaging, and material handling as needed.
• Use hand tools and basic equipment to support machine operation and material preparation.
• Assist with operating CNC machines if needed, following established procedures.
• Operate forklifts or other material handling equipment, when trained and authorized, to load and unload steel beams.
• Work collaboratively with the production team to meet daily output and quality targets.
• Follow all safety protocols, including use of required personal protective equipment and adherence to a safety-focused culture.
• Remain on your feet throughout the shift to perform machine operation and production duties.
• Participate in random drug testing as required by company policy.

Essential Skills

• Heavy industrial machine operating experience, preferably in a steel processing or similar environment.
• Previous experience working in a heavy industrial environment handling steel or comparable materials.
• Ability to operate band saws and other industrial cutting equipment safely and efficiently.
• Proficiency using a tape measure with accuracy up to 1/16th of an inch.
• Experience using micrometers and calipers for precise measurements.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints to verify measurements and quality requirements.
• Capability to maintain production speed while upholding safety and quality standards.
• Comfort performing general labor and production tasks in a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to stand for the entire shift and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Basic experience with hand tools commonly used in industrial and production environments.
• Willingness to comply with random drug testing in accordance with company policy.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• CNC machine operating experience is a plus.
• Experience operating forklifts or other material handling equipment is beneficial.
• Experience in grinding, packaging, and material preparation in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with set up and change over processes for machines, even though this role does not focus on those tasks.
• Strong attention to detail and comfort working with precise measurements.
• Ability to work overtime, including Saturdays, when required.

Why Work Here?

Employees have clear opportunities to grow within the organization and take on greater responsibility over time. The company offers overtime opportunities for those who want to increase their earnings and rewards strong attendance and performance with production and attendance bonuses after conversion to full-time employment. These bonuses are paid on a quarterly basis, adding meaningful extra income. The organization values community involvement and giving back, fostering a culture that supports both employees and the broader community.

Work Environment

This position is based in a large industrial manufacturing facility with high ceilings and open space, focused on steel processing activities such as cutting, transporting, bending, and grinding steel beams and materials. The environment is safety-focused, with strong emphasis on safe operating procedures and protective equipment. Temperatures can be hot in the summer and cold in the winter; however, heat lamps help maintain a more comfortable, room-like temperature during colder months. The role follows a second shift schedule from 3:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with overtime on Saturdays as needed. Team members work around heavy machinery, CNC equipment, band saws, and material handling equipment, including loading and unloading large steel beams in an industrial warehouse setting. Steel-toe boots, a hard hat, and safety glasses are required at all times while on the production floor.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago Heights, IL.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $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 Chicago Heights,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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.

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.