Machine Operator

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

The Machine Operator sets up and operates fabrication machinery to produce high-quality metal components according to blueprints and work orders. This role includes daily machine setup, precise forming and bending of metal, and careful inspection of finished parts to ensure they meet exact specifications. You will work with a variety of equipment in a modern fabrication department and contribute to the production of high-end stainless steel kitchen appliances while following strict safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Review work orders and blueprints at the start of each shift to understand part specifications, quantities, and setup requirements.
• Perform daily machine setup, including configuring the brake press and other equipment to meet job specifications.
• Stand for extended periods while loading metal sheets into the brake press and forming and bending metal components to completion.
• Operate a variety of fabrication equipment such as brake press, fiber laser, die stamp, spot welder, punch press, and other related machinery as needed.
• Perform assembly, finishing, sanding, and related fabrication tasks to complete parts to required standards.
• Visually and physically inspect each piece of metal to ensure it meets specifications and is free from dents, rips, cuts, or improper bends.
• Use precision measuring tools including micrometers, calipers, and tape measures to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Read and interpret blueprints accurately to guide machine setup, operation, and quality checks.
• Lift and move metal materials weighing 40 pounds or more throughout the shift in a safe and controlled manner.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety procedures and guidelines.
• Collaborate with 23 team members working in a machine pod, communicating effectively to ensure smooth operations.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, safety, and quality.
• Adhere to production schedules and meet daily output goals while maintaining high quality standards.
• Follow all company policies and procedures, including those related to equipment use, quality control, and reporting issues or defects.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience operating a press, specifically in a fabrication or manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience operating production machinery and using micrometers and calipers.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints accurately for metal fabrication work.
• Proficiency in operating brake press equipment to form and bend metal components.
• Hands-on experience using micrometers, calipers, and tape measures for precise measurement and inspection.
• Capability to lift 40 pounds or more repeatedly during the shift.
• Comfort with standing for extended periods while performing machine operation and material handling tasks.
• Strong attention to detail for visual and physical inspection of metal parts to ensure they meet specifications.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and understanding of fabrication processes.
• Ability to work safely around heavy machinery and fabrication equipment.
• Willingness and ability to work 3rd shift (10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) and perform overtime as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating fiber lasers in a fabrication or CNC environment.
• Background working with press brake equipment beyond the minimum requirement.
• Exposure to TIG welding processes in a production setting.
• Experience running punch press machinery.
• Familiarity with spot welding and basic assembly operations.
• General fabrication experience, including finishing and sanding of metal components.
• Experience working in a CNC or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Interest in developing skills in welding, maintenance, machining, or tooling for future advancement.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based pod structure with other machine operators.

Why Work Here?

You will join a large, modern, and well-maintained facility that invests heavily in its equipment, environment, and people. Employees benefit from a substantial sign-on bonus, regular scheduled raises, and clear pay progression supported by union contracts. The organization offers tuition reimbursement to support your professional development and provides many opportunities for advancement into areas such as welding, maintenance, machining, and tooling. You will work in one of the cleanest, climate-controlled fabrication shops in the region, with access to a free onsite healthcare clinic and lab for employees and their families, as well as a workout facility and comfortable break areas. With strong support for career growth and a focus on employee well-being, this is a place where you can build a long-term, rewarding career.

This is a Permanent position based out of Madison, WI.

The pay range for this position is $56160.00 - $62400.00/yr.

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.

Sign on bonus of: $3500. Half paid at start date the the other half at 6 months Very large, clean, climate controlled facility - one of the nicest in WI!Workout facility, state of the art facility, and free onsite UW healthcare clinic AND lab for employees and their familyThey put a lot of time and money into keeping the facility and machinery well keptThey make high end stainless steel kitchen appliances Tons of room for advancement and into different departments: welding, maintenance, machining, toolingTuition reimbursement Raises at 60, 120, 180 days: nothing more than a $1, per union contracts.Fab B: $25.61 and then $26.78 after 180 days o2nd shift premium: $1.50o3rd shift premium: $2.00Fab A: $27.42 to 28.59 after180 days

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026.

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.