Machine Operator

Aerotek; Ohio; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Machine Operator to set up, operate and monitor lathe cells in a heavy industrial forging environment. You will handle manual and automated processes and ensure quality inspections.

The role requires basic maintenance, documentation, and the ability to work across multiple shifts with safety and reliability.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• At least 1 year of experience operating industrial forklifts.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds consistently throughout the shift.
• Experience with machine operating and machine setup in an industrial setting.
• Ability to operate lathes and related production machinery safely and efficiently.
• Basic troubleshooting skills for machine and process issues.
• Ability to perform inspections using gauges, calipers, micrometers, and other measurement tools.
• Competence in blueprint reading and interpreting part prints and work instructions.
• Experience with inspection of parts and use of inspection gauges.
• Comfort working in a heavy industrial, forging environment.
• Ability to work on any shift as required by a unionized environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify visual defects and non-conforming product.
• Reliability in completing required documentation such as time tickets, scrap sheets, and downtime logs.

Responsibilities

• Set up lathes according to current part and process sheets and prepare machines for scheduled jobs.
• Operate lathes in manually loaded mode when required and run the lathe cell in an automated manner, including operation of the integrated robot.
• Change and replace tools as needed to maintain proper machine operation and part quality.
• Clear robot jams and resolve equipment faults safely, following established procedures.
• Perform periodic quality checks according to inspection sheets and part print requirements, and promptly inform supervisors of any out-of-spec readings.

Job description

Job Description

Job DescriptionJob Title: Machine OperatorJob Description

The Machine Operator sets up, operates, and monitors lathe cells and related equipment in a heavy industrial forging environment. This role focuses on safe and efficient machine operation, quality inspection of parts, basic equipment maintenance, and accurate documentation of production activities. The Machine Operator works with both manual and automated processes, including integrated robots, and supports continuous production across multiple shifts.

Responsibilities

• Set up lathes according to current part and process sheets and prepare machines for scheduled jobs.
• Operate lathes in manually loaded mode when required and run the lathe cell in an automated manner, including operation of the integrated robot.
• Change and replace tools as needed to maintain proper machine operation and part quality.
• Clear robot jams and resolve equipment faults safely, following established procedures.
• Perform periodic quality checks according to inspection sheets and part print requirements, and promptly inform supervisors of any out-of-spec readings.
• Verify calibration dates on all gauges and indicators before use to ensure accurate measurements.
• Load and unload conveyors as required to support continuous production flow.
• Inspect parts for visual defects, mark required symbols or designations, and perform spline checks using gauges.
• Identify non-conforming or scrap pieces, place them on designated pallets, tag or mark them with the appropriate discrepancy, and enter information on itemized scrap lists.
• Report product discrepancies and quality concerns to supervisors in a timely manner.
• Assemble parts according to work instructions, including setting up and operating polishers, washers, and presses to complete assembly tasks.
• Perform routine equipment care such as topping off water and coolant, changing filters, and lubricating units as required.
• Track part counts accurately throughout the shift and ensure production records are complete.
• Work on either or both groups of lathes within the same day as production needs require.
• Transport parts within the department on pallets, in baskets, or other containers using cranes, pallet jacks, or other approved means (excluding lift trucks), and stack or load products per requirements.
• Complete all required tags and labels in accordance with instructions to maintain proper identification of materials and products.
• Monitor for visual defects at any operation within the cell and report issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Maintain part number and heat code integrity to ensure proper traceability and product identification.
• Follow and support scrap product procedures and non-conforming product procedures to maintain quality standards.
• Fill out and return all paperwork required for duties performed on each shift, including time tickets, scrap sheets, and downtime logs.
• Maintain coverage through lunches, breaks, and shift changes to support continuous operations.
• Operate related equipment such as grinders, saws, presses, and other fabrication machinery as needed.
• Use inspection tools including gauges, calipers, micrometers, and other measurement devices to verify part dimensions.
• Read and interpret blueprints and work instructions to ensure parts are produced to specification.
• Assist with troubleshooting basic machine and process issues to minimize downtime.
• Perform general labor tasks in support of production and forging operations as needed.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• At least 1 year of experience operating industrial forklifts.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds consistently throughout the shift.
• Experience with machine operating and machine setup in an industrial setting.
• Ability to operate lathes and related production machinery safely and efficiently.
• Basic troubleshooting skills for machine and process issues.
• Ability to perform inspections using gauges, calipers, micrometers, and other measurement tools.
• Competence in blueprint reading and interpreting part prints and work instructions.
• Experience with inspection of parts and use of inspection gauges.
• Comfort working in a heavy industrial, forging environment.
• Ability to work on any shift as required by a unionized environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify visual defects and non-conforming product.
• Reliability in completing required documentation such as time tickets, scrap sheets, and downtime logs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience