Machine Operator

Job Title: Machine Operator

1st 8am-4pm

2nd 4pm-12am

3rd 12am-8am

Job Description

This role involves operating and supporting a variety of metalworking and production equipment, including presses, torches, cranes, forklifts, and saws, to safely and efficiently process metal parts. You will be cross-trained in multiple areas, handle materials throughout the production process, and help maintain a clean, organized, and safety-focused work environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of production equipment, including drill presses, shear presses, punch presses, straightening presses, torches, and saws.
• Load and unload machines with raw materials and finished parts in a safe and efficient manner.
• Monitor machines during operation to ensure parts move correctly through each process and meet quality expectations.
• Use overhead cranes, forklifts, and CombiLift equipment to lift, move, and position materials and products.
• Handle materials throughout the production area, including staging, organizing, and transporting parts as needed.
• Use hand and power tools to support production, maintenance, and basic adjustments as directed.
• Clean quench tanks and perform routine cleaning and housekeeping tasks to maintain a safe and orderly work area.
• Perform special cleanup duties as assigned to support safety, quality, and productivity goals.
• Follow written and verbal directions to complete tasks accurately and on time.
• Work safely around furnaces, heat treating equipment, heavy CNC machinery, forklifts, and cranes, following all safety procedures.
• Participate in cross-training to learn additional machines and processes based on production needs.
• Support general production activities such as general labor, assembly, and basic warehouse tasks when required.

Essential Skills

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to stand for 8 hours or more per shift.
• Ability to follow directions and standard operating procedures reliably and consistently.
• Experience in general production or manufacturing environments.
• Ability to operate basic production equipment and machinery safely after training.
• Comfort working around metal stamping, production lines, and heavy industrial equipment.
• Ability to use hand and power tools safely and effectively.
• Willingness to perform general labor, material handling, and housekeeping tasks as needed.

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

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $20.00/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 Crystal Lake,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 27, 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.