Machine Operator (3rd Shift)

Aerotek; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek seeks an experienced Machine Operator in Houston to run heavy industrial machinery used in pressing, forming, and fabricating thick metal components for aerospace structures.

You will work on a 3rd shift, maintain quality, read blueprints, and measure parts for tolerances. The role involves crane-assisted material handling and collaboration with trainers during training and shift transitions. This is a contract-to-hire role in a busy manufacturing facility.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of machine operating experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience in the metal manufacturing or forging industry.
• Hands-on experience operating production machinery such as press machines, stretch machines, band saws, and other metal-forming equipment.
• Experience operating jib cranes or overhead cranes to move heavy materials and parts safely.
• Ability to read and use a tape measure accurately for precise measurements.
• CNC machine operating experience in a production setting.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints at a basic level.
• Strong machine operation skills across various equipment types in an industrial environment.
• Good job tenure demonstrating reliability and long-term commitment in previous roles.
• Solid math skills to support measuring, calculating dimensions, and verifying part specifications.
• Ability to work 3rd shift hours consistently and reliably, including extended hours as needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of metal-forming machines and production equipment as assigned.
• Set up machines according to specifications and adjust parameters to form parts to dimensions.
• Measure parts with tape measure and basic tools to verify specs.
• Read blueprints and production instructions to determine settings and sequence.
• Monitor machinery for issues and adjust or notify as needed.
• Move materials and finished parts safely using cranes where required.
• Support forging and fabrication operations including plasma cutting and saw cutting.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area and return tools to designated places.
• Assist in other production areas to support workflow and meet goals.
• Follow safety procedures and wear required PPE.

Skills

Machine operation

Metal fabrication

CNC experience

Blueprint reading

Overhead crane

Tape measurement

3rd shift

Team collaboration

Job description

Machine Operator

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Job Description

This role operates heavy industrial machinery to press, form, and fabricate thick metal components that become structural frames for aerospace and airplane products. The position focuses on safe and precise machine operation, accurate measurement, and consistent production quality on a 3rd shift schedule within a busy manufacturing environment.

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Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of metal-forming machines, including band saws, press machines, bump machines, stretch machines, and other production equipment as assigned.

• Set up machines according to specifications and adjust operating parameters to form metal parts to required dimensions and tolerances.

• Measure parts accurately using a tape measure and other basic measuring tools to verify conformance to specifications throughout the production process.

• Read and interpret basic blueprints and production instructions to determine machine settings, material requirements, and sequence of operations.

• Monitor machines during operation to identify irregular sounds, vibrations, or quality issues and make adjustments or notify appropriate personnel as needed.

• Handle and move metal materials and finished parts safely, including using jib cranes or overhead cranes where required.

• Support forging and fabrication operations, including stretch, forge, press, press brake, plasma cutting, and saw cutting activities.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area by following housekeeping standards and returning tools and materials to designated locations.

• Assist in other production areas as needed to support overall workflow and meet production goals.

• Follow all safety procedures, use required personal protective equipment, and comply with all facility rules and guidelines.

• Document production information as required, such as part counts, basic production data, and any issues encountered during the shift.

• Work collaboratively with team members and trainers during the initial training period on day shift and transition smoothly to 3rd shift operations.

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Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of machine operating experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Previous experience in the metal manufacturing or forging industry.

• Hands-on experience operating production machinery such as press machines, stretch machines, band saws, and other metal-forming equipment.

• Experience operating jib cranes or overhead cranes to move heavy materials and parts safely.

• Ability to read and use a tape measure accurately for precise measurements.

• CNC machine operating experience in a production setting.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints at a basic level.

• Strong machine operation skills across various equipment types in an industrial environment.

• Good job tenure demonstrating reliability and long-term commitment in previous roles.

• Solid math skills to support measuring, calculating dimensions, and verifying part specifications.

• Ability to work 3rd shift hours consistently and reliably, including extended hours as needed.

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Why Work Here?

The company offers a stable, long-term opportunity in a well-established manufacturing operation where employees tend to build long careers. The culture values reliability, strong work ethic, and mutual respect, and many team members choose to return after exploring other opportunities.

Work Environment

The role is based in a busy manufacturing facility that is not climate controlled, so it can be hot in the summer and conditions reflect a traditional heavy industrial shop. The primary schedule for this position is 3rd shift: Sunday 9:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., then Monday through Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., with Thursday worked as needed. All new hires train on day shift for at least 2 weeks, and in some cases 3090 days, before moving to their designated shift. Appropriate industrial attire is required, including steel-toe footwear, jeans, and a work shirt, along with all required personal protective equipment provided or specified by the facility.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in HOUSTON,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.

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.