Machine Operator

Aerotek; Chicago Heights (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/PTO

Job summary

Aerotek in Chicago Heights, IL is seeking a Machine Operator to operate heavy machinery for cutting and processing steel, perform precise measurements, and ensure products meet exact specifications. You will read blueprints, use micrometers and calipers, and maintain production speed while following safety and quality procedures.

The role involves basic labor tasks and on-site teamwork in a large industrial setting.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy industrial machinery in steel processing.
• Ability to read tape measures with precision to 1/16 inch.
• Proficiency with micrometers and calipers for quality verification.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints for correct dimensions.
• Experience with general labor and production tasks in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Operate band saws and heavy machines to cut steel per production needs.
• Measure materials precisely with tape measures before cutting.
• Prepare, move, clean, and cut steel throughout production.
• Perform quality checks to ensure specifications and customer requirements.
• Read blueprints to verify cuts and measurements align with design.
• Use micrometers and calipers to confirm dimensions and tolerances.
• Maintain production speed while following safety and quality procedures.
• Handle labor tasks including grinding and packaging; operate forklifts when needed.
• Assist with CNC machines as required to support production.
• Follow established processes without changes or setup work.
• Stand for the entire shift in a heavy industrial environment.
• Adhere to safety rules and wear PPE; participate in random drug testing.

Skills

Heavy industrial machine operation

Steel handling experience

Tape measure accuracy (1/16 inch)

Micrometers and calipers

Read blueprints

General labor/production work

Hand tools proficiency

Maintain production speed and safety

Stand for full shift

Random drug testing compliance

Tools

CNC machining experience

Forklift operation

Grinding and packaging processes

Job description

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

This role operates heavy industrial machinery to cut, process, and handle steel materials in a manufacturing environment. You accurately measure steel, perform cutting operations using a band saw and other equipment, and ensure all products meet precise specifications through careful quality checks. You contribute directly to maintaining production speed and product quality while working safely in a busy steel processing facility.

Responsibilities

• Operate band saws and other heavy industrial machines to cut steel according to production requirements.

• Use a tape measure with precision up to 1/16th of an inch to accurately measure materials before cutting.

• Prepare, move, clean, and cut steel materials throughout the production process.

• Perform quality checks to confirm products are cut to specification and meet customer requirements.

• Read and interpret blueprints to verify that cuts and measurements align with design and quality standards.

• Use micrometers and calipers to confirm accurate dimensions and tolerances on finished products.

• Maintain production speed and output while following all safety and quality procedures.

• Handle general labor tasks such as material handling, grinding, packaging, and basic hand tool use.

• Assist with operating CNC machines and forklifts as needed to support production and material movement.

• Follow established processes and instructions for machine operation without performing set-ups or changeovers.

• Stand and work on your feet for the entire shift in a heavy industrial environment.

• Adhere to all safety rules, including proper use of personal protective equipment and compliance with facility policies.

• Participate in random drug testing as required by company policy.

Essential Skills

• Heavy industrial machine operating experience, preferably in a steel processing or similar environment.

• Previous experience working in a heavy industrial environment handling steel or comparable materials.

• Ability to read and use a tape measure accurately, including measurements down to 1/16th of an inch.

• Proficiency with micrometers and calipers for precise measurement and quality verification.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints to confirm correct dimensions and specifications.

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

• Comfort working with hand tools and basic industrial equipment.

• Capability to maintain consistent production speed while following quality and safety standards.

• Ability to stand for the entire shift and work in varying temperature conditions.

• Willingness to comply with random drug testing in accordance with company policy.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• CNC machine operating experience is a plus.

• Experience operating forklifts in a manufacturing or warehouse environment.

• Familiarity with grinding and packaging processes in steel or industrial production.

• Exposure to machine set-up and changeover processes, even if not a primary responsibility.

• Ability to work overtime, including Saturdays, when production demands require.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.

• Reliability in attendance and performance, supporting production goals and team success.

Why Work Here?

Employees have clear opportunities to grow within the organization and take on more responsibility over time. The company offers overtime opportunities, allowing team members to increase their earnings when production needs rise. There is a strong focus on giving back to the community, reflecting a culture that values social responsibility. After employees are hired on full-time, they become eligible for attendance and production bonuses, which are paid quarterly and provide meaningful additional income.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large industrial manufacturing facility with high ceilings and open space, designed to handle significant volumes of steel. Safety is a top priority, with strict adherence to safety procedures and policies. The temperature can be hot in the summer and cold in the winter; heat lamps help maintain a more comfortable, room-temperature feel during colder months. Team members work on second or third shift: one second shift runs from 3:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with overtime available on Saturdays, and one third shift runs from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday with overtime available on Saturdays. The environment involves operating heavy machinery, handling steel beams, and performing tasks such as cutting, transporting, bending, and grinding steel to meet customized orders. Employees must wear steel-toe boots, a hard hat, and safety glasses at all times while in the facility.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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 Chicago Heights,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 7, 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.