Heat Treat Operator

Aerotek; Freeport (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life insurance

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Heat Treat Operator for its Freeport, IL location. You will operate heat-treat equipment, monitor cycles, and perform metallurgical tests to ensure components meet strict quality standards.

The role requires standing in a hot environment, reading procedures, and performing data entry for traceability. Strong mechanical aptitude and prior manufacturing experience are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing settings with physical work.
• Ability to read and follow technical processes precisely.
• Comfort working in high-heat environments near furnaces.
• Basic computer data entry for production records.
• Familiarity with hardness testing, case depth and microstructure analysis.

Responsibilities

• Verify part numbers and processing requirements before, during, and after heat treatment.
• Load and unload parts safely onto heat-treat equipment.
• Follow established heat-treat procedures and seek approval for changes.
• Set up and monitor heat-treat cycles for accurate parameters.
• Complete production paperwork and enter data for traceability.
• Perform metallurgical testing to verify specifications.
• Operate material handling equipment safely.
• Monitor conditions and report deviations affecting quality or safety.
• Collaborate with team to maintain production flow.
• Adhere to safety procedures around furnaces and equipment.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Manufacturing experience

Hot environment tolerance

Data entry

Metallurgical testing knowledge

Tools

Heat-treat furnaces

Metallurgical testing equipment

Forklifts

Job description

Job Title: Heat Treat Operator

Job Description

The Heat Treat Operator runs heat-treat equipment to strengthen metal components used in hydraulic systems. This role ensures parts are processed at the correct temperatures and cycle times and performs metallurgical testing to verify that all components meet strict quality and metallurgical requirements. The position combines machine operation, process monitoring, material handling, and quality inspection in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Verify correct part numbers and processing requirements before, during, and after heat treatment to ensure accurate production.

• Load (rack) and unload (unrack) parts onto and from heat-treat equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

• Follow documented heat-treat procedures precisely and obtain approval for any changes to established processes.

• Set up and monitor heat-treat cycles to ensure parts are processed at the correct temperature, duration, and cycle parameters.

• Complete all required production paperwork and perform accurate computer data entry for traceability and documentation.

• Perform metallurgical testing, including hardness testing, case depth verification, and microstructure analysis, to confirm parts meet specifications.

• Use forklifts, hoists, and other material handling equipment to move materials safely throughout the facility.

• Monitor equipment and process conditions and report any deviations or issues that could affect product quality or safety.

• Work collaboratively with team members to maintain consistent production flow and meet daily output targets.

• Adhere to all safety procedures and guidelines while working around heat-treat furnaces and material handling equipment.

Essential Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to work with manufacturing and production equipment.

• Experience in a manufacturing, production, foundry, landscaping, or construction environment, with comfort performing physical work.

• Ability to work effectively in a hot environment, including elevated temperatures around furnaces, especially during summer months.

• Basic computer skills for data entry, production tracking, and documentation.

• Ability to perform and interpret hardness testing, case depth verification, and microstructure analysis after heat treatment.

• Safe operation of forklifts, hoists, and other material handling equipment.

• Attention to detail and ability to follow documented procedures exactly.

• Ability to read and understand hydraulic and electrical schematics.

• Knowledge of quality tools such as PPAP, PFMEA, Gauge R&R, 8D, and capability studies.

• Familiarity with TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) and SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Dies) methodologies.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in mechanical or manufacturing fields, such as machine operation, foundry work, or industrial production.

• Experience in process monitoring and quality inspection within a manufacturing setting.

• Comfort working with heat-treat furnaces, metallurgical testing equipment, and material handling systems.

• Interest in continuous improvement and use of structured problem-solving and quality methodologies.

• Willingness to participate in vocational training and cross-training opportunities to expand skills.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive health and wellness package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and access to an Employee Assistance Program. The organization supports work-life balance with paid time off that can be used flexibly, vacation days, and a comfortable, climate-controlled environment in many areas of the facility. Financial and career support includes a 401(k) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, vocational training, and opportunities for skill development and cross-training, along with annual raises and bonuses. Additional perks such as free fruit twice a week, anniversary gifts, and paid lunch breaks in some roles contribute to a positive and supportive workplace culture.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing environment focused on heat treatment of metal components. You will spend most of your time around heat-treat furnaces, material handling equipment, and quality testing equipment, combining machine operation, process monitoring, and inspection work. The work is performed primarily on second shift (3:00 p.m.11:00 p.m.) or third shift (11:00 p.m.7:00 a.m.). The environment is hot, especially around furnaces and during summer months, and requires comfort working in elevated temperatures. Team members follow strict procedures and safety guidelines to ensure that metal parts are hardened correctly before moving to the next stage of production.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $25.00/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 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 & 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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in FREEPORT,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 22, 2026.

About Aerotek

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.