Machine Operator (Welding Machine)

Aerotek; United States; On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Aerotek in Saint Louis, MO is seeking a Machine Operator (Welder Operator) to perform MIG welds and run a robotic welding system on ground screw components used in solar farms and construction sites.

You will set up and monitor welding equipment, load materials, inspect welds, and follow work orders to meet quality standards while maintaining a clean, safe work area.

Qualifications

• Proficient MIG welding with ability to start and finish quality welds.
• Experience operating welding machinery, including robotic systems.
• Able to perform basic fabrication tasks related to welding and metalwork.
• Identify weld defects and make adjustments or repairs as needed.
• Comfort with general labor tasks in a manufacturing setting.
• Basic understanding of robotic welding operations and controls.
• Load and position materials for welding accurately.

Responsibilities

• Perform small hand MIG welds to initiate welding on ground screws and components.
• Set up, operate, and monitor a robotic welding machine safely and efficiently.
• Load parts into welding equipment and ensure proper positioning.
• Inspect welds during and after process to identify defects.
• Correct and repair welds to meet quality requirements.
• Conduct ongoing quality checks to ensure ground screws meet specs.
• Follow fabrication instructions and work orders to complete tasks on time.
• Perform general welding/fabrication tasks to support production.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and handle tools safely.
• Adhere to safety guidelines when working with welding equipment.

Skills

MIG welding

Robotic welding

Fabrication basics

Weld defect identification

General labor

Robotic welding controls

Material loading/positioning

Tools

Welding machinery

Robotic welding systems

Job description

Job Title: Machine Operator (Welder Operator - Welding Machine)

Job Description

This role focuses on manufacturing ground screws used in solar farms and construction sites. Ground screws are large metal fasteners that secure structures to the ground. As a welder operator, you perform small hand welds and then operate a robotic welding machine to complete the process. You ensure welds are properly started, identify and correct any discrepancies, and conduct quality checks throughout production to maintain high standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform small hand MIG welds to initiate the welding process on ground screws and related components.
• Set up, operate, and monitor a robotic welding machine to complete welding operations safely and efficiently.
• Load parts and materials into the welding equipment and ensure proper positioning for accurate welds.
• Inspect welds during and after the process to identify defects, inconsistencies, or quality issues.
• Correct and repair welds when discrepancies or defects are detected to meet quality requirements.
• Conduct continuous quality checks throughout the production process to ensure all ground screws meet specifications.
• Follow fabrication instructions and work orders to complete assigned tasks accurately and on time.
• Perform general labor tasks related to welding and fabrication as needed to support production workflow.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and handle tools and equipment in a safe, responsible manner.
• Adhere to all safety guidelines and procedures while working with welding equipment and machinery.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in MIG welding, including the ability to start, maintain, and complete quality welds.
• Experience operating welding machinery, particularly robotic welding machines.
• Ability to perform basic fabrication tasks associated with welding and metal work.
• Skill in identifying weld defects and making necessary adjustments or repairs.
• Comfort with general labor tasks in a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
• Basic understanding of robotic welding operations and controls.
• Ability to load and position materials and components correctly for welding.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience as a machine operator in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Experience working with robotic welding systems or automated welding equipment.Familiarity with production quality checks and inspection processes.
• Ability to read and follow basic work instructions, job travelers, or fabrication guidelines.

Why Work Here?

You join a production team that contributes directly to renewable energy and construction projects, creating components that support long-term, large-scale installations. The environment emphasizes consistent quality, safety, and reliability, giving you the opportunity to develop and refine your welding and machine operation skills. You gain hands‑on experience with both manual and robotic welding, enhancing your technical capabilities and opening pathways for growth in manufacturing and fabrication.

Work Environment

1st and 2nd Shift. This role is based in a manufacturing setting where ground screws are produced for use in solar farms and construction sites. You work around welding equipment, including MIG welding tools and robotic welding machines, and perform tasks that involve loading materials, fabricating components, and conducting quality checks. The environment follows established safety practices appropriate for welding and machine operation, with expectations for proper attire suitable for an industrial shop, including protective gear when working with welding equipment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.00/hr.

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 Saint Louis,MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 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.