Machine Operator

Aerotek; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 23,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Benefits: medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Job summary

Aerotek in Houston, TX is seeking a Machine Operator to set up and operate CNC laser and CNC press brake equipment for precise cutting and welding in a manufacturing environment. You will select programs, fixtures, and adjust focal points to ensure accurate, high-quality results while performing dimensional inspections and basic maintenance.

This role requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and extensive hands-on CNC experience, with emphasis on safety, attention to detail, and the

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 25 years of experience operating a CNC laser in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Proven ability to set up CNC laser machines, including selecting programs, fixtures, and establishing proper stop locations.
• Ability to perform basic program edits on CNC equipment to adjust for part requirements or process improvements.
• Experience operating a press brake, including set-up and safe operation.
• Ability to read and interpret documents written in English, including work instructions, safety guidelines, and technical information.
• Capability to perform heavy lifting as required in a manufacturing setting.
• Attention to detail and ability to perform dimensional inspections using appropriate measuring tools.
• Strong awareness of safety practices and ability to identify and report defective materials or unsafe conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC laser and CNC press brake machines according to production requirements.
• Select programs and fixtures to meet specifications and quality standards.
• Set laser focal point and stop locations for accurate cutting.
• Perform machine setups including loading materials and aligning workpieces.
• Conduct dimensional inspections to verify tolerances.
• Report defective materials or equipment issues.
• Perform general maintenance on equipment to minimize downtime.
• Operate drill presses to support production.
• Work across production areas to support output.
• Follow safety procedures and maintain a clean work area.

Skills

CNC Laser Operation

CNC Press Brake

Program Editing

Dimensional Inspection

Safety Awareness

Read English Instructions

Heavy Lifting

Machine Setups

Attention to Detail

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Drill Press

Job description

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

The Machine Operator sets up and operates CNC laser and CNC press brake equipment to perform precise cutting and welding operations in a manufacturing environment. This role involves selecting and adjusting programs and fixtures, conducting dimensional inspections, and performing basic maintenance to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC laser and CNC press brake machines to perform cutting and welding operations according to production requirements.

• Select appropriate cutting and welding programs and choose proper fixtures to meet specifications and quality standards.

• Establish correct stop locations and adjust the laser beam focal point to ensure accurate and consistent cutting and welding results.

• Perform machine set-ups for cutting and welding operations, including loading materials, aligning workpieces, and verifying program parameters.

• Conduct dimensional inspections of finished parts to confirm they meet required tolerances and quality criteria.

• Detect and report defective materials, equipment issues, or questionable conditions to the appropriate department leadership for resolution.

• Perform general maintenance on assigned equipment as required to maintain optimal operating condition and minimize downtime.

• Operate related equipment such as drill presses as needed to support production activities.

• Work in different production areas as needed to support overall manufacturing output and workflow.

• Follow all safety procedures and work instructions while maintaining a clean and organized work area.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• 25 years of experience operating a CNC laser in a manufacturing or production environment.

• Proven ability to set up CNC laser machines, including selecting programs, fixtures, and establishing proper stop locations.

• Ability to perform basic program edits on CNC equipment to adjust for part requirements or process improvements.

• Experience operating a press brake, including set-up and safe operation.

• Ability to read and interpret documents written in English, including work instructions, safety guidelines, and technical information.

• Capability to perform heavy lifting as required in a manufacturing setting.

• Attention to detail and ability to perform dimensional inspections using appropriate measuring tools.

• Strong awareness of safety practices and ability to identify and report defective materials or unsafe conditions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating additional shop equipment such as drill presses.

• Basic mechanical aptitude and familiarity with general maintenance tasks on production machinery.

• Ability to work in multiple production areas and adapt to changing priorities.

• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to elevate issues when product quality or equipment performance is at risk.

• Effective communication skills to understand instructions and report production or quality concerns.

Why Work Here?

You will join a manufacturing team where hands-on technical skills are valued and where you can work with advanced CNC laser and press brake technology. The environment offers opportunities to broaden your experience across different production areas, develop your machining and fabrication skills, and contribute directly to the quality and efficiency of the operation. The culture emphasizes safety, reliability, and continuous improvement, creating a setting where skilled operators can grow and take pride in their work.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing facility with concrete flooring and a nonclimate-controlled environment. You will work around CNC laser and press brake equipment, as well as other production machinery such as drill presses. The position involves standing for extended periods, moving materials, and performing heavy lifting as part of daily tasks. You will follow established safety procedures and use appropriate personal protective equipment while working in an industrial shop setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX 77051.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $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 & 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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX 77051.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

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.