Machine Operator

Job Title: Machine Operator – Metal Cutting and Fabrication (1st / 2nd Shift)

Job Description

This role focuses on operating metal cutting and fabrication machinery to produce structural steel components to precise specifications. You will set up and run saws and CNC-controlled equipment, interpret blueprints and cutting lists, perform accurate measurements, and complete routine maintenance while maintaining a clean and safe work area. The position is on 1st shift and involves working on a Python machine to pull up programs, set up, and run automated cutting operations.

Responsibilities

• Cut metal bars, rods, rounds, structural shapes, beams, plates, and angles to specified length and miter using overhead circular milling saws, band saws, friction saws, and related cutting equipment.
• Operate and program the Python machine and other CNC-controlled shear-to-length and punching machines, including pulling up programs, setting up jobs, and running production cuts.
• Use cutting lists and project documentation to perform all necessary measurements and prepare material accurately before cutting and fabrication.
• Start machines, engage power feed or use hand wheels to feed workpieces into cutters, monitor operations, and stop machines to verify dimensions and quality of work.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and technical documents to determine cutting requirements, fabrication details, and machine setup parameters.
• Make required machine setups, including selecting and installing proper punches and dies for CNC punching operations.
• Perform routine machine maintenance to keep equipment in safe and efficient operating condition.
• Maintain assigned tools, equipment, and work areas in a clean, neat, and orderly condition, including keeping areas free of scrap and ensuring materials are stored for easy selection and use.
• Use hand tools and measuring tools, including tape measures, to verify dimensions and ensure parts meet specified tolerances.
• Follow all safety rules and use appropriate protective equipment such as face shields and gloves as required.
• Work both independently and as part of a production team to meet daily output and quality goals.
• Occasionally use ladders and lifts and perform climbing as needed to access equipment or materials.
• Perform physical tasks including walking and standing for most of the shift, occasional kneeling and stooping, and lifting materials up to approximately 50 pounds.
• Work hours outside of the scheduled shift when necessary as workload dictates, which may include some weekends and optional Saturday overtime.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience as a machine operator in a metal fabrication or production environment.
• Hands-on experience operating saws, including band saws and other metal cutting saws, with saw operation experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to operate and assist with setup of CNC-controlled equipment, including shear-to-length and punching machines and Python machine programs.
• Strong measuring skills, including the ability to properly use and read a tape measure.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical documents, and cutting lists.
• Basic knowledge of shop fabrication equipment and structural steel fabrication processes.
• Basic mathematical skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, applied to measurements and cutting calculations.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accurate cuts, proper setups, and high-quality finished parts.
• Effective problem-solving skills to address machine, measurement, and production issues.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Willingness and ability to follow all safety standards and use protective clothing such as face shields and gloves.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent qualification.
• Familiarity with structural steel fabrication and general production processes.
• Experience with blueprint reading and general machine operating in a fabrication or manufacturing setting.
• Comfort using hand tools and basic shop tools in daily work.
• Experience working with Python brand fabrication machinery or similar automated cutting systems is a plus.
• Ability to work optional overtime, including occasional Saturdays and hours beyond the standard shift when required by workload.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers a clear path for growth and advancement within a busy fabrication environment. Team members have a history of building long-term careers and moving into leadership roles through strong performance, skill development, and a positive attitude. When employees transition to permanent status, they gain access to benefits and performance-based pay increases, rewarding dedication and continuous improvement. The culture values hard work, reliability, and teamwork, creating an environment where motivated individuals can grow their skills and progress professionally.

Work Environment

This is a full-time 1st shift position with hours typically Monday through Thursday from 6:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and optional Saturday shifts from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for additional overtime when desired. The work takes place in an open-air shop covered by sheet metal, which can be loud and dirty at times due to active fabrication and production work. The environment involves regular use of metal cutting and CNC fabrication equipment, hand tools, ladders, and lifts. The role requires walking and standing for most of the shift, occasional kneeling and stooping, and lifting materials under 50 pounds. Proper work boots are expected as part of the attire, and employees use appropriate protective gear such as face shields and gloves in accordance with safety standards. Work hours outside the standard schedule, including some weekends, may be required depending on production demands.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Oakland Park, FL.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/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 Oakland Park,FL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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.