Hardware Operator II

Vantedge Medical; Stockton (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Vander-Bend in Stockton, CA is seeking a Hardware Operator II to perform the most complex setup and installation of hardware for precision sheet metal parts. This full-time, onsite role requires reading blueprints, selecting tooling, and ensuring correct installation heights using dial calipers.

You will read and interpret engineering documents, manage tooling for complex jobs, and maintain a clean, orderly hardware area while supporting the Hardware Lead.

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write and understand English documents.
• 2 years hardware experience installing hardware in precision sheet metal parts.
• Read and correctly interpret blueprints.
• Identify metal types (plated and non-plated).
• Knowledge of thread pitches (standard and metric) and PEM hardware.

Responsibilities

• Install press-fit and other hardware into parts using presses and tooling.
• Follow priorities set by Hardware Lead and set up tooling for each job.
• Set up auto-feed tooling for complex or unusual setups.
• Install PEM hardware, rivets, and similar hardware as required.
• Inserts dowel pins and checks installation height with calipers.
• Read blueprints and ensure correct part handling and stacking.
• Maintain a clean and orderly hardware department area.

Skills

English literacy

Hardware installation

Blueprint reading

Verbal communication

Material type recognition

Tools

Dial calipers

Four-function calculator

Job description

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Hardware Operator II

Full-time | Permanent | Onsite

Hourly | $23.00 - $25.00

Day Shift

About Us

Vander-Bend is a U.S.-based manufacturer dedicated to building the precision infrastructure that powers tomorrow’s AI. Our expertise in server racking and power delivery solutions provides the backbone for next-generation data centers, enabling hyperscalers and integrators to innovate and scale globally. With a focus on trusted, domestic manufacturing, we deliver quality, speed, and innovation at scale—redefining AI infrastructure for the future.

We are a newly created division of Vantedge Medical, the premier metals-based med-tech solutions partner from concept to full-scale manufacturing. With a steadfast commitment to advancing technology, we take immense pride in the work we do – and have a lot of fun doing it.

About This Opportunity

This position is responsible for the most complex set-up and installation of all types of hardware. The Hardware Operator II can set up and operate all hardware machines and the most complex HW jobs including those beyond the skill of a HW operator I. This position may perform machine setups for others.

Responsibilities

• Installs Press-fit and other types of hardware into parts using hardware presses and other purpose- built tools and machinery.
• Accepts and follows priorities assigned by the Hardware Lead.
• Selects tooling and sets-up to each job. When production volume indicates the need for auto-feed, sets up any auto-feed tooling, including the most complex or unusual setups. May do setups for less skilled operators.
• Installs all types of PEM and similar press-in hardware, press-in Southco, flare-in Southco, nutserts, and similar hardware.
• Installs aircraft rivets and Helicoils.
• Inserts dowel pins and determines proper installation height with dial calipers.
• Determines correct installation and failed installation visually, and using sample hardware and/or thread gauges.
• Reads and interprets blueprints, including the most complex and difficult to understand parts.
• Ensures the proper handling and stacking of parts to produce quality product.
• Helps to keep hardware department area clean and orderly.

Requirements

• Ability to read and write and understand written documents in English.
• 2 year hardware experience installing hardware in precision sheet metal parts.
• Read and correctly interpret blueprints.
• Ability to visually differentiate between metal types both plated and non-plated.
• Knowledge of hardware types including thread pitches both standard and metric, most PEM hardware types, plus familiarity with Nutserts, Helicoils, Southco HW, and rivets.
• Use of dial calipers to measure material thickness, hardware types, and hardware installation heights.
• Use of a four-function calculator.
• Basic arithmetic.
• Good verbal communication skills.