Machine Operator - Direct Hire

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

The Machine Operator plays a key role in a manufacturing environment producing precision razor blades and related safety cutting products. In this role, you operate and set up grinding and welding equipment, support production across the Blades Department, and ensure all finished products meet strict quality and safety standards. You work flexibly on either first or second shift as department needs change and contribute to a clean, efficient, and safety-focused workplace.

(must be open to both, depending on business needs.)

1st Shift 6am -2 :30pm

Shift 2pm -10:30pm

$21 - $23/hr

2nd shift - +1/hr

Responsibilities

• Operate grinding machines to accurately grind metal spools into razor blades according to production specifications.
• Set up machinery for daily operations, including configuring grinding and welding equipment for specific production runs.
• Conduct safety inspections on machinery before and during use to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Monitor equipment during operation to identify irregularities, performance issues, or potential safety concerns.
• Perform adjustments and minor repairs on grinding and welding equipment as needed to maintain optimal performance.
• Perform welding tasks during the setup process between spools to ensure proper alignment and secure connections.
• Cross-train in all tasks within the Blades Department to provide flexible support across multiple production activities.
• Inspect finished products to verify they meet quality standards, dimensional tolerances, and visual requirements.
• Maintain and troubleshoot grinding and welding equipment to minimize downtime and support continuous production.
• Follow all safety protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment, and maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Collaborate with team members to optimize production processes, improve throughput, and reduce waste and rework.
• Complete additional tasks and special assignments as directed by the supervisor to support department goals.
• Stage and pick materials for production both physically and electronically using a barcode scanner and material tracking systems.
• Manage reporting paperwork and data entry tasks accurately, including production records and inventory transactions.
• Read and interpret technical drawings and specifications to set up machines and verify product compliance.
• Use measuring tools, such as tape measures, to perform inspections and confirm product dimensions.
• Support general production activities as needed, including pressing, CNC-related operations, and machine operation in other areas.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in deburring or grinding within a manufacturing or production environment.
• 3–5 years of machine operation experience, with 5+ years of machine operating experience strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience working with metal materials, including grinding, pressing, or CNC-related processes.
• Proficiency in welding, particularly during setup processes between metal spools.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and product specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and a consistent commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and mechanical aptitude for diagnosing and resolving equipment issues.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
• High school diploma or equivalent educational
• Ability to speak, read, and write English to follow instructions, complete documentation, and communicate with team members.
• Good oral and written communication skills for coordinating with colleagues and reporting issues.
• Good math skills, including unit-of-measure conversions and basic calculations used in production and inspection.
• Ability to input, retrieve, and analyze data in production and inventory systems.
• Solid experience in managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Full understanding of material storage procedures and practices to ensure proper handling and organization.
• Competence with inspection processes, including visual and dimensional checks using appropriate tools.
• Comfort working in general production and machine operation roles, including grinder, press brake, and related equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Basic CNC operation experience is a significant plus and supports versatility across different machines.
• Experience working with metal spools and razor blade manufacturing processes is a strong advantage.
• Technical training or certification in machine operation, welding, CNC, or related fields is preferred.
• Experience using barcode scanners for material staging, picking, and inventory tracking.
• Familiarity with production reporting, paperwork, and electronic data entry in a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to use tape measures and other basic measuring tools for production and inspection tasks.
• Experience in general production, material handling, and machine operation across multiple equipment types.
• Experience with press brake operations or similar metal-forming equipment is beneficial.
• Comfort cross-training in different tasks within a department and adapting to changing production needs.

Why Work Here?

You join a manufacturing team that focuses on workplace safety, product quality, and continuous improvement. The environment values cross-training and skill development, giving you opportunities to broaden your technical capabilities across grinding, welding, and machine operation. Flexible shift assignments support operational needs while providing variety in your schedule. You contribute directly to products that enhance safety and productivity, and you work with colleagues who collaborate to optimize processes and maintain a clean, well-organized facility.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing setting focused on producing precision razor blades and safety cutting products. You work on the production floor operating grinding machines, welding equipment, press brakes, and other machinery, using tools such as tape measures and barcode scanners. The environment emphasizes strict safety protocols, proper material storage procedures, and a clean, orderly workspace. You may be assigned to either first shift (6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) or second shift (2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.), depending on department needs, and you collaborate closely with production and blades department team members in a hands-on, machine-centered work area

This is a Permanent position based out of Santa Ana, CA.

The pay range for this position is $40000.00 - $42000.00/yr.

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.

standard benefits include 401k, medical, dental and vision coverage

This is a fully onsite position in Santa Ana,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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.