Machine Operator

Aerotek; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Vacation or PTO

Paid holidays

Job summary

Aerotek in Rockford, IL is seeking a General Production Worker to support a Machine Operator and advance into full machine operation within a precision manufacturing environment.

You will handle parts, edit CNC programs, inspect quality, read blueprints, and monitor machinery on first shift (7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) under a contract-to-hire arrangement with pay ranges of $20.00–$23.00 per hour. Eligible benefits apply.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing or job shop environments.
• Familiarity with fine grinding or precision machining.
• Ability to collaborate in a small, team-oriented setting.
• Willingness to grow skills across manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Handle and prepare parts to support the Machine Operator in daily production activities.
• Transition into operating Stahli fine grinding machines once fully trained and comfortable.
• Edit and adjust CNC programs to optimize machine speeds and feeds for efficient and accurate production.
• Load parts into fixtures and ensure correct setup before running production cycles.
• Perform quality inspections on parts to verify dimensions and conformance to specifications.
• Read and interpret blueprints to understand part requirements and machining details.
• Use measuring tools, including calipers, to check dimensions and maintain quality standards.
• Monitor machine performance, identify issues, and make basic adjustments to maintain smooth operation.
• Follow general labor and machine operation procedures to support overall production flow.

Skills

General labor experience

Fine grinding familiarity

Teamwork oriented

Willingness to grow skills

Good communication

Job description

Job Title: General Production Worker

This role begins with handling parts to support a Machine Operator and progresses into full machine operation responsibilities as you gain confidence and proficiency. You will work with fine grinding machines, adjust programs to optimize speeds and feeds, perform quality inspections, and load parts into fixtures. The position requires prior CNC experience and offers the opportunity to deepen your skills in precision machining within a close-knit manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Handle and prepare parts to support the Machine Operator in daily production activities.
• Transition into operating Stahli fine grinding machines once fully trained and comfortable.
• Edit and adjust CNC programs to optimize machine speeds and feeds for efficient and accurate production.
• Load parts into fixtures and ensure correct setup before running production cycles.
• Perform quality inspections on parts to verify dimensions and conformance to specifications.
• Read and interpret blueprints to understand part requirements and machining details.
• Use measuring tools, including calipers, to check dimensions and maintain quality standards.
• Monitor machine performance, identify issues, and make basic adjustments to maintain smooth operation.
• Follow general labor and machine operation procedures to support overall production flow.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in general labor within a manufacturing or job shop environment.
• Familiarity with fine grinding or similar precision machining processes.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a small, team-oriented setting.
• Willingness to grow skills in broader manufacturing operations and related tasks.
• Good communication skills and a positive, professional attitude.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable, well-established manufacturing company with long-term customer relationships and a strong reputation in its field. The organization offers a collaborative, team-oriented culture where you can expand your skills in manufacturing operations and related disciplines. You will benefit from a 401(k) plan with matching, medical coverage support, one week of vacation to start, six paid holidays, and yearly raises based on both personal and company performance. The environment supports long-term growth, work-life balance, and a sense of belonging within a close-knit team.

Work Environment

The role follows a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The business is family owned and values strong relationships, personality, and a sense of humor, creating a friendly and collaborative workplace.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/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 job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available 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)

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 3, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Rockford, IL.

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.