Fabricator Operator

Aerotek; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek in Dekalb, IL is seeking a Fabricator Operator for 1st shift to support the fabrication department. The role involves setting up and operating fabrication machinery, reading blueprints, inspecting parts, and recording production data in company systems.

This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for individuals seeking hands-on machine operating skills in a dynamic manufacturing environment and room to grow into lead or supervisory roles.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• 0-3 months of related experience with on-the-job training provided.
• Ability to communicate, read, and write in English.
• Intermediate shop math for measurements and calculations.
• Ability to read blueprints, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
• Ability to perform accurate inspections with micrometers, calipers, tape measures, and other tools.
• Basic data entry for recording production and inspection information.
• Lift up to 50 pounds and perform medium-duty physical work.
• Comfort working on a production line and with hand/power tools.
• Ability to operate or learn fabrication machinery and processes.

Responsibilities

• Process work orders in the fabrication department accurately and timely.
• Set up, operate, load, and unload fabrication machinery and related equipment.
• Work with crew members to support efficient production and workflow.
• Record production transactions in company systems with accuracy.
• Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections using measuring instruments.
• Read and interpret blueprints to ensure proper fabrication.
• Use micrometers, calipers, tape measures, and other tools to verify specifications.
• Operate hand and power tools safely in a production environment.
• Support production line activities and general labor tasks as needed.
• Load and offload materials; forklift operation when required.
• Follow safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Lift and move materials up to 50 pounds as part of daily tasks.
• Complete data entry and participate in cross-training on equipment.

Skills

High School Diploma

0-3 months exp

English literacy

Shop math

Blueprint reading

Inspection tools

Data entry

Lift up to 50 lbs

Overtime capable

Production line work

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Micrometers

Calipers

Tape measures

Forklift experience

Job description

Fabricator Operator | 1st Shift - $20.81 | Dekalb, IL

1ST SHIFT - $20.81/hr

5AM-3PM MONDAY-THURSDAY

Job Description

The Fabricator Operator processes work orders in the fabrication department and works closely with crew members to support efficient, high-quality production. This role is responsible for setting up, operating, loading, and unloading fabrication equipment while accurately recording transactions in company systems and performing inspections to ensure products meet specifications. It is an excellent entry-level opportunity for individuals interested in developing machine operating skills in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Process work orders in the fabrication department in an accurate and timely manner.

• Set up, operate, load, and unload fabrication machinery and related equipment.

• Work effectively with crew members to support efficient production and workflow.

• Process all transactions in company systems with accuracy and attention to detail.

• Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections using appropriate measuring instruments.

• Read and interpret blueprints, including geometric dimensioning, to ensure proper fabrication.

• Use quality tools such as micrometers, calipers, tape measures, and other hand tools to verify product specifications.

• Operate hand and power tools safely and effectively in a production environment.

• Support production line activities, including general labor tasks as needed.

• Load and offload materials and parts, including operating forklifts when required.

• Follow established safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work area.

• Lift and move materials up to 50 pounds as part of daily production activities.

• Perform basic data entry to record production information and inspection results.

• Participate in cross-training on different equipment and processes within the facility.

• Complete other duties as assigned to support overall manufacturing operations.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• 03 months of experience in a related role, with on-the-job training provided.

• Ability to communicate, read, and write in English.

• Intermediate shop math skills for measurements and calculations.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.

• Ability to perform accurate inspections using micrometers, calipers, tape measures, and other quality tools.

• Basic data entry skills for recording production and inspection information.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform medium-duty physical work.

• Comfort working in a production line environment with hand and power tools.

• Ability to operate or learn to operate fabrication machinery and related equipment.

• Ability to work overtime as required by production needs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 12 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in a steel or metal fabrication environment.

• Experience in the steel industry is a plus.

• Familiarity with machine operation such as punch press, brake press, or CNC equipment.

• Experience with general labor and production tasks in a manufacturing setting.

• Ability to load and offload materials safely, including use of forklifts.

• Comfort working with inspection tools and following quality control procedures.

• Willingness to cross-train on different equipment and processes.

• Interest in developing skills that can lead to advancement into lead or management roles.

Why Work Here?

You join a company with an employee-first leadership approach and a strong focus on modernizing its production capabilities. The organization is investing in new machinery, including epoxy lines and advanced punch and brake presses, offering hands-on exposure to up-to-date manufacturing technology. Team members benefit from competitive union benefits with relatively low dues, along with pay increases upon permanent hire. The company has demonstrated stability and resilience, continuing to grow even during economic downturns. Employees have clear opportunities for advancement, with the chance to move into lead, supervisory, or production management roles while receiving cross-training on a wide range of equipment throughout the facility.

Work Environment

This role is based in a large manufacturing plant with normal exposure to noise, dust, and the typical hazards associated with a high-traffic, heavy machinery environment. You will work around fabrication equipment, epoxy lines, punch presses, brake presses, and other production machinery, using hand and power tools, inspection instruments, and material-handling equipment such as forklifts. Typical work hours are Monday through Thursday, with specific shift times varying by department and subject to change with prior notice. Overtime is required to meet production demands. The environment is fast-paced and safety-focused, with expectations for proper attire suitable for a manufacturing setting and adherence to all safety guidelines and procedures.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.81 - $20.81/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 jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Dekalb,IL.

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.