Shop Helper

Aerotek; Delano (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) plan

Life insurance

PTO

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Shop Helper in Delano, MN to support daily manufacturing operations in a metal fabrication and finishing shop. You will prepare parts for powder coating, assist with basic fabrication tasks, and maintain a safe, clean work area while collaborating with welders and fabricators to keep production flowing.

The role emphasizes hands-on work, learning opportunities in welding, fabrication, and machine operation, and a physically demanding environment in a fully onsite facility.

Qualifications

• Experience with metal parts in a production or fabrication environment is required.
• Powder coating experience with metal parts for at least 6 months is preferred.
• Ability to lift/move heavy materials and perform general labor tasks.
• Ability to read or follow basic blueprints or part diagrams.
• Experience with hand tools used in fabrication and finishing environments is valuable.

Responsibilities

• Clean and degrease metal workpieces to prepare for coating.
• Prepare metal parts for high-quality surface finish.
• Hang and rack parts for powder coating or painting.
• Follow instructions to ensure uniform coating application.
• Load/unload raw materials and finished products to support production flow.
• Support welding and fabrication teams with deburring, grinding, and material cutting.

Skills

Metal fabrication experience

Powder coating experience

General labor tasks

Reading blueprints

Hand tools usage

Welding exposure

Physical stamina

Tools

Manual grinders

Job description

Job Title: Shop Helper Job Description

The Shop Helper supports daily operations in a metal fabrication and finishing shop by preparing parts for powder coating, assisting with basic fabrication tasks, and maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient work area. This role involves hands‑on work with metal parts, including washing, hanging, grinding, and general production support, with opportunities to grow into welding, fabrication, and machine operation.

Responsibilities

• Clean and degrease metal workpieces to remove impurities such as rust, slag, and grease using hand-washing, sanding, and pressure washing methods.

• Prepare metal parts to achieve a high-quality surface finish suitable for consumer-focused products.

• Hang and rack metal parts securely on racks or moving paint lines in preparation for powder coating or liquid painting.

• Follow orientation and placement instructions to ensure uniform coating application and efficient processing.

• Load and unload raw materials, in-process components, and finished products as needed to support production flow.

• Perform basic fabrication support tasks such as deburring, grinding, and cutting material for welders and fabricators.

• Use hand tools and grinders safely and effectively to prepare parts and assist with production tasks.

• Interpret simple blueprints or part instructions to understand how parts should be prepared or oriented.

• Assist with general shop labor, including moving materials, staging parts, and supporting production activities.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area by sweeping, removing debris, and following housekeeping practices.

• Collaborate with welders, fabricators, and machine operators to ensure parts are ready for the next stage of production.

• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines when working with tools, equipment, and cleaning materials.

Essential Skills

• Previous experience working with metal parts in a production or fabrication environment.

• Previous powder coating experience with metal parts for at least 6 months.

• Ability to perform general labor tasks, including lifting and moving heavy materials.

• Experience with basic hand tools used in fabrication and finishing environments.

• Ability to use grinders for deburring, cleaning, and surface preparation.

• Familiarity with basic fabrication processes such as grinding, cutting, and part preparation.

• Comfort working around welding operations, hanging parts, and washing parts.

• Ability to read or follow basic blueprints or part diagrams.

• Willingness to perform physically demanding work and handle dirty or greasy materials.

• Attention to detail to ensure parts are properly cleaned, oriented, and prepared for coating.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous powder coating experience is preferred but not strictly required.

• Exposure to welding environments and fabrication shops is beneficial.

• Interest in learning welding, fabrication, and machine operation.

• Ability to adapt to different tasks throughout the day based on production needs.

• Strong work ethic and reliability in a hands‑on production role.

Why Work Here?

You will work in a small, close-knit shop environment where your contributions are visible and valued, and where there is significant room to grow your skills. The setting offers clear opportunities to progress into welding, fabrication, and machine operation, providing a practical path for career development. You can expect a supportive atmosphere that encourages learning, hands‑on experience, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

The role is based in a small, clean, and well‑lit shop environment. One building is dedicated to fabrication, welding, and machining, while a separate building houses the powder coating booth. You will work around welding, fabrication, grinding, and coating operations, handling metal parts and production materials throughout the day. The work involves heavy lifting, standing for extended periods, and working with hand tools, grinders, and washing equipment. The environment is hands‑on and can be dirty due to metal finishing and cleaning processes, so you should be comfortable working in a production shop setting where practical work attire is appropriate for physical and occasionally messy tasks.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Delano, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 – $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 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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Delano,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 6, 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.