General Laborer

Job Title: Entry-Level Production Associate – Sheet Metal Fabrication

Job Description

The Entry-Level Production Associate supports the sheet metal fabrication process by assisting with machine setup, material handling, and basic quality checks. You will work closely with experienced team members, learn fabrication techniques, and contribute to meeting production goals in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the setup and operation of sheet metal fabrication machinery, including shears, press brakes, and laser cutters.
• Load and unload materials onto machines, ensuring proper alignment, positioning, and safe handling.
• Perform basic quality checks to confirm that products meet established specifications and standards.
• Follow all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area.
• Collaborate with team members to meet daily production goals and deadlines.
• Learn and apply various sheet metal fabrication techniques and processes under the guidance of experienced staff.
• Use hand tools, power tools, grinders, and tape measures as needed in the production process.
• Support general production activities such as packaging, packing, stacking, sweeping, cleaning, and material handling.
• Operate or assist with forklift operations and loading tasks as needed, if trained and authorized.
• Report any equipment malfunctions, quality issues, or safety concerns promptly to supervisors.

Essential Skills

• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively in a team environment.
• Basic math skills and the ability to read and interpret measurements, including the use of a tape measure.
• Physical ability to lift and move materials up to 50 lbs as required.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new tasks, tools, and technologies.
• Comfort working with hand tools, power tools, and basic fabrication equipment.
• Reliability and consistency in attendance and work habits.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in a manufacturing, metal shop, or production environment is a plus but not required.
• Basic knowledge of sheet metal fabrication processes and equipment is an advantage.
• Familiarity with general labor tasks such as loading, stacking, packaging, and material handling.
• Experience using grinders, hand tools, and power tools in a shop environment.
• Exposure to forklift operation or certification is beneficial but not mandatory.
• Interest in growing into roles such as Fabricator Assistant, Fabricator, or Welder over time.

Why Work Here?

You will join a growing manufacturing operation that offers clear opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career. As you gain experience, you can progress into higher-level fabrication and welding roles with increasing responsibility and pay. The team-oriented culture supports learning on the job, and you will work alongside experienced professionals who are committed to helping you grow in the trade.

Work Environment

This role is based in a metal shop environment in Oakland. You will work around sheet metal fabrication equipment such as shears, press brakes, laser cutters, grinders, and other power and hand tools. The setting is fast-paced, production-focused, and may be noisy, with frequent standing, lifting, and movement throughout the shift. You will handle raw materials and finished parts, maintain a clean and organized work area, and follow all safety procedures and protective equipment requirements typical of a metal fabrication shop.

This is a Contract position based out of Oakland, CA.

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.00/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 Oakland,CA.

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.