Production Operator

Production Operator

Portland, OR

Job Description

The Production Operator safely operates and monitors steel cutting and leveling machinery to process coils of steel into finished products that meet precise specifications. This role handles material movement, performs quality inspections, and prepares products for shipment while supporting a clean, efficient, and safety-focused manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor steel cutting and leveling machinery to cut, flatten, and straighten coils of steel according to work orders and specifications.
• Load steel coils onto machinery using appropriate material handling equipment such as hoists, cranes, and forklifts.
• Offload finished material from machinery and stage it in designated areas for further processing or shipment.
• Use hoists, cranes, and forklifts to safely move raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products throughout the facility.
• Inspect finished products visually and dimensionally to ensure they meet quality standards and customer specifications.
• Use measuring tools such as tape measures, calipers, and micrometers to verify dimensions and tolerances of processed steel.
• Confirm that finished products meet all specifications and requirements outlined in work orders and production documentation.
• Count and track inventory of materials and finished goods to support accurate production records and shipping documentation.
• Prepare finished products for shipping by bundling, packaging, labeling, and organizing materials as required.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including sweeping the shop floor and removing debris to support safety and efficiency.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines while working with and around heavy machinery and material handling equipment.
• Work regular scheduled hours from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and be available to work overtime as needed, including 10-hour shifts and occasional Saturdays.
• Collaborate with team members, communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers, and support a positive, team-oriented work culture.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts and follow lean manufacturing principles to enhance productivity and quality.

Essential Skills

• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to operate or learn to operate steel cutting and leveling machinery safely and efficiently.
• Experience working with production or industrial machinery, or in a technical position within a production environment.
• Ability to use measuring tools such as tape measures, calipers, and micrometers to verify dimensions.
• Capability to operate or learn to operate overhead cranes, hoists, and forklifts for material handling.
• Strong attention to detail for performing visual and dimensional inspections of finished products.
• Ability to follow work orders, specifications, and safety procedures accurately.
• Willingness to work regular 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. shifts, Monday through Friday, and to work overtime, including 10-hour shifts and occasional Saturdays.
• Positive attitude and strong desire to learn new skills and processes.
• Commitment to working safely in a heavy industrial environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience as a machine operator, production operator, production technician, or shop helper.
• Experience with industrial machinery, mechanical repair, or general labor in a manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with overhead crane operation and forklift operation.
• Exposure to lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices.
• Comfort working in a blue-collar steel or metals manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and contribute to a supportive, feedback-driven culture.

Why Work Here?

The company offers a supportive, people-focused culture where leadership genuinely cares about employees and works with them when they face challenges outside of work. Team members benefit from a collaborative, team-oriented environment where coworkers support each others success and share knowledge through positive and constructive feedback. The organization maintains a strong safety-first mindset and emphasizes continuous improvement. Employees have opportunities for growth through learning on the job, performance-based annual reviews, and pay increases. Once hired directly, employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, retirement savings with 401(k), profit sharing, paid time off, and other benefits that support long-term stability and work-life balance.

Work Environment

This role is based in a blue-collar steel manufacturing environment working with and around heavy machinery and material handling equipment. The facility is clean and organized for a metals manufacturing operation and follows lean manufacturing principles to promote efficiency and safety. The work culture emphasizes teamwork, safety, and mutual support, with employees actively engaged in helping one another improve. The schedule is a regular day shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the expectation of overtime as needed, including 10-hour shifts and occasional Saturdays. Employees work in an industrial setting that requires adherence to safety procedures, proper use of equipment such as hoists, cranes, and forklifts, and readiness to perform physically active tasks on the shop floor.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Portland, OR.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $23.00/hr.

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.

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 Contract to Hire position based out of Portland, OR.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Portland,OR.

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.