General Laborer

General Machine Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on operating a variety of motorized and hand tools and machines to produce high-precision metal components used in surgical instruments and implants. You ensure that machining processes meet strict quality and cosmetic standards by performing deburring, buffing, cleaning, polishing, and minor paint applications, while accurately documenting production data. This is a hands-on position on 1st shift, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in a clean, organized manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of motorized and hand tools and machines to support high-precision machining processes.
• Monitor and control the quality of machining processes by using process control tools and following established procedures.
• Maintain production processes within defined quality standards and efficiency targets for the product line.
• Visually inspect parts for minor defects, such as blemishes, scratches, and other cosmetic imperfections, and perform corrective actions as needed.
• Deburr metal parts to meet established optimal quality standards.
• Buff metal parts to achieve required customer cosmetic standards.
• Polish metal parts using lapping machines and other methods to restore brilliance and meet cosmetic specifications.
• Clean metal parts using established washing procedures and equipment.
• Apply paint to small areas of metal parts using motorized equipment, according to specifications.
• Perform accurate data collection and entry in Epicor and other applications as required.
• Read and interpret manufacturing instructions and technical documentation, including blueprints, to perform tasks correctly.
• Use metric scales, micrometers, calipers, optical comparators, and various gauges to measure and verify part dimensions.
• Keep the work area clean, organized, and compliant with safety and housekeeping standards.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities, using tools such as brainstorming, cause-and-effect analysis, and tool tryout sheets.
• Follow all safety guidelines while working near moving mechanical parts, electrically activated devices, and occasional airborne particles.
• Perform other related duties and tasks as assigned to support production and quality goals.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating machines, including presses and related production equipment, in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in quality inspection, quality control, and quality assurance practices for metal parts.
• Ability to perform accurate visual inspections to identify cosmetic and minor defects on parts.
• Skill in using measurement tools such as micrometers, calipers, gauges, metric scales, and optical comparators.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, including blueprints and manufacturing instructions.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, to support measurements and process controls.
• Proven manual dexterity to handle small parts, tools, and precision equipment safely and efficiently.
• Ability to stand on your feet for 10 to 12 hours per day while using hands to handle or feel objects, tools, and controls, and to reach with hands and arms.
• Capability to lift and move up to 25 pounds, potentially on a frequent basis.
• Strong vision capabilities, including close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus, with comfort using microscopes, magnifiers, and optical devices.
• Ability to work safely around moving mechanical parts, electrically activated devices, and occasional airborne particles.
• Comfort using computer systems and applications, including Epicor, for data collection and communication.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with high-precision metal components or in a similar manufacturing setting.
• Background in machining or CNC-related environments supporting surgical or medical device components.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies and tools such as brainstorming, cause-and-effect analysis, and tool tryout sheets.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining cosmetic and dimensional quality standards.
• Effective communication skills to interact with team members and share quality or process information clearly.
• Demonstrated reliability and strong work ethic in a production or manufacturing role.

Why Work Here?

You will join a production environment that values precision, cleanliness, and organization, supporting products that have a meaningful impact in medical applications. The company promotes continuous improvement, encouraging employees to contribute ideas and participate in structured problem-solving activities. You can expect a stable daytime schedule, opportunities to develop technical skills with advanced tools and inspection equipment, and a culture that emphasizes safety, quality, and teamwork.

Work Environment

The role is based in a high-precision manufacturing facility that is consistently praised for being exceptionally clean and well-organized. You will work on 1st shift, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in production areas equipped with motorized and hand tools, lapping machines, washing equipment, and inspection devices such as microscopes, magnifiers, and optical comparators. The environment includes moving mechanical parts, electrically activated devices, and occasional airborne particles, with safety procedures in place to mitigate risks. Work is primarily performed on your feet for extended periods, handling metal parts and tools, and using measurement instruments like micrometers, calipers, and gauges. Attire is typical for a manufacturing setting, with appropriate work clothing and any required personal protective equipment provided or specified according to safety standards.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kentwood, MI.

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $17.00/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 Kentwood,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 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.