Machine Operator

Aerotek; Dunlap (TN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

PTO / Vacation

Job summary

Aerotek in Dunlap, TN is hiring a Machine Operator to set up, operate, and monitor fabrication equipment, including laser cutters, press brakes, and punch presses.

You will read blueprints, use calipers, and verify dimensions to produce parts to spec, while maintaining safety and quality in a fast-paced shop. This contract-to-hire role offers steady schedules and benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience operating machinery in a production or general labor setting.
• Ability to set up and operate fabrication equipment such as laser cutters, press brakes, and punch presses.
• Proficiency in assembly tasks and material handling.
• Ability to read blueprints and basic CAD-derived drawings.
• Ability to use measuring tools to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Understanding of basic welding processes in production environments.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in workmanship.
• Reliable with excellent attendance.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate production machinery, including laser cutters, press brakes, punch presses, and other fabrication equipment.
• Load raw materials into machines and monitor the production process for efficiency.
• Interpret blueprints and follow work instructions to meet specifications.
• Use tape measures and calipers to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Inspect finished products for quality welds and fabrication.
• Adjust machine settings and perform basic troubleshooting to maintain performance.
• Operate laser cutting/engraving machines using CAD drawings and ensure precise cutting.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning on assigned machines.
• Follow safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized workspace.
• Collaborate with team members and meet production goals and deadlines.

Skills

Machine operation

Fabrication equipment

Blueprint reading

Measuring tools

Welding knowledge

Attention to detail

Attendance reliability

Independent work

Tools

Laser cutters

Press brakes

Punch presses

Calipers

Tape measures

Job description

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

As a Machine Operator, you will set up, operate, and monitor equipment that transforms raw material into finished parts used across a variety of industries. You will work with fabrication machinery, including laser cutting equipment, press brakes, punch presses, and welding-related tools, ensuring parts are produced accurately, safely, and to quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate production machinery, including laser cutters, press brakes, punch presses, and other fabrication equipment.
• Load raw materials into machines and monitor the production process to ensure efficient and continuous operation.
• Interpret and follow blueprints, drawings, and work instructions to produce parts to specification.
• Use measuring tools such as tape measures and calipers to verify dimensions and ensure parts meet quality standards.
• Perform general production, assembly, and material handling tasks as needed to support workflow.
• Inspect finished products for clean welds, proper fabrication, and overall quality, taking pride in workmanship.
• Adjust machine settings and perform basic troubleshooting to maintain optimal performance and output.
• Operate laser cutting or engraving machines, including interpreting blueprints or CAD drawings, selecting appropriate materials, and ensuring precise cutting.
• Conduct routine maintenance and cleaning on assigned machines to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work area in fabrication, welding, and assembly spaces.
• Collaborate with team members while also working independently to meet production goals and deadlines.
• Demonstrate flexibility by performing tasks outside core machine operation responsibilities when needed to support production.
• Maintain excellent attendance and communicate schedule changes or absences through the designated call-out process.

Essential Skills

• Experience in machine operation within a production or general labor environment.
• Ability to set up and operate fabrication equipment such as laser cutters, press brakes, punch presses, and related machinery.
• Proficiency in general production and assembly tasks, including loading material and handling finished products.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and basic CAD-derived drawings.
• Skill in using measuring tools such as tape measures and calipers to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Understanding of basic welding processes and production welding environments.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on producing clean, high-quality welds and fabricated parts.
• Ability to work individually with minimal supervision while meeting production targets.
• Reliability and strong attendance, including adherence to established call-out and notification procedures.
• Growth mindset and openness to learning new machines, processes, and responsibilities.
• Flexibility and willingness to perform tasks outside of primary job responsibilities when required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Relevant technical or welding certification is preferred.
• Experience in a fabrication shop environment with paint, press brake, welding, and assembly processes.
• Comfort working with mild steel ranging from 20 gauge up to 1 inch thickness.
• Safety awareness and ability to follow established safety protocols in a production setting.
• Demonstrated pride in workmanship and commitment to producing high-quality finished products.

Why Work Here?

You will join a growing fabrication operation that is expanding its customer base and creating opportunities for advancement, including development into supervisory roles. The organization invests in its people, provides support as they grow, and actively gives back to the workforce. You will benefit from a stable schedule, paid breaks and lunch, and a culture that values reliability, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

This role is based in a mid-size fabrication shop of approximately 30 people, with two buildings on site and processes that include paint, press brake, welding, laser cutting, and assembly. The operation works primarily with mild steel from 20 gauge to 1 inch and includes production welding and dedicated welding bays. Standard shifts run Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for first shift and 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for second shift, with overtime after shift and on Saturdays as needed. Weekend shifts of three 12-hour days paid for 40 hours are planned for the near future. Employees receive two paid 10-minute breaks and one paid 20-minute lunch each day. The environment is industrial and fast-paced, with an attendance policy that uses a point system and requires calling in through designated channels for absences or lateness. Welding jackets and gloves are provided for welding-related work; employees are expected to supply their own welding hood and steel-toe footwear.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Dunlap, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $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 Dunlap,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 30, 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.