Fabricator Operator

Fabricator Operator - Dekalb, IL

1ST SHIFT - $20.81/hr

5AM-3PM MONDAY-THURSDAY

Job Description

The Fabricator Operator processes work orders in the fabrication department and works closely with crew members to support efficient, high-quality production. This role is responsible for setting up, operating, loading, and unloading fabrication equipment while accurately completing system transactions and performing inspections throughout the production process. It offers an excellent entry point into manufacturing with the opportunity to learn machine operation and advance within a growing, stable organization.

Responsibilities

• Process work orders in the fabrication department in an accurate and timely manner.
• Set up fabrication equipment and prepare machines and work areas for production runs.
• Operate fabrication machinery, including loading and unloading parts and materials.
• Support production line activities and general labor tasks as needed to maintain workflow.
• Use hand and power tools safely and effectively during fabrication and assembly tasks.
• Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections using various measuring instruments to ensure product quality.
• Read and interpret blueprints, including geometric dimensioning, to produce parts to specification.
• Accurately perform inspections using quality tools such as micrometers, calipers, and tape measures.
• Complete all required data entry and process transactions in company systems accurately.
• Handle, move, and lift materials and products up to 50 pounds in a safe manner.
• Operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment if qualified and as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in a high-traffic manufacturing environment.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines related to machinery, tools, and plant operations.
• Collaborate with team members and communicate effectively to meet production goals and schedules.
• Participate in cross-training on different equipment and processes within the facility.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support overall production and operational needs.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 0–3 months of direct experience required; 1–2 years of manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to communicate, read, and write in English.
• Intermediate shop math skills, including basic measurements and calculations.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, including geometric dimensioning.
• Ability to accurately perform inspections using micrometers, calipers, tape measures, and other quality tools.
• Basic computer skills with the ability to perform data entry in company systems.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to work safely around heavy machinery, production lines, and high-traffic areas.
• Experience working in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Comfort using hand and power tools in a fabrication or industrial setting.
• Ability to work overtime as required by production demands.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in the steel or metals industry is highly beneficial.
• Exposure to or interest in learning machine operation such as punch presses, brake presses, or CNC equipment.
• Experience with general labor duties in a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
• Familiarity with production line workflows, loading and unloading materials, and basic machine operation.
• Forklift operating experience or willingness to be trained and certified, if required.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
• Ability to adapt to cross-training on different equipment and processes.
• Interest in career growth into lead, supervisory, or production management roles over time.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable, recession-resistant manufacturer that has continued to grow and hire even during challenging economic periods. Leadership promotes an employee-first mentality, with a strong focus on fully staffing teams and investing in newer production machinery, including new epoxy lines and advanced punch and brake presses. The role offers excellent training opportunities in machine operation and cross-training across multiple pieces of equipment, giving you a clear path to develop your skills and advance into lead or management positions. Upon conversion to permanent status, you gain access to a competitive union benefits package with low union dues, as well as pay increases that recognize your contribution and growth.

Work Environment

You will work in a large manufacturing plant environment with normal exposure to noise, dust, and hazards associated with high-traffic areas and heavy machinery. The role involves standing, moving, and lifting up to 50 pounds as part of daily production activities, including loading and unloading materials and operating fabrication equipment. Typical work hours are Monday through Thursday, with specific shift times varying by department and subject to change with prior notice. Overtime is required based on production needs. You will work around production lines, fabrication machines, hand and power tools, and may use forklifts and other material-handling equipment. The environment emphasizes safety, proper use of protective equipment, and adherence to plant procedures appropriate for an industrial manufacturing setting.

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

The pay range for this position is $20.81 - $20.81/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 Dekalb,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 2026.

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.