Operator

Machine Operator Job Description This role operates and maintains a cutting machine while supporting general fabrication and shop activities. You will read and interpret production documentation, run cutting operations, verify material accuracy, and ensure finished parts meet quality standards. The position also involves material handling, basic equipment maintenance, and coordination with both shop personnel and office-based stakeholders in a mixed weld shop and office environment. Responsibilities Operate and maintain a machine to cut steel according to job specifications. Perform routine machine maintenance on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis to ensure safe and reliable operation. Read and interpret blueprints, cut lists, and job specifications to understand required dimensions, materials, and tolerances. Verify correct material type, size, and job information before starting cutting operations. Inspect finished parts to ensure they meet accuracy, dimensional, and quality standards. Clean parts using grinders or scrapers to remove slag, burrs, and imperfections prior to downstream processes. Label, organize, and stack parts properly for shipping and for welding or assembly operations. Move steel plate and scrap using a forklift and other material handling equipment as needed. Communicate with shop supervisors regarding production issues, material needs, and equipment concerns to keep work flowing smoothly. Assist with general fabrication and shop duties, including inventory-related tasks, to support overall production. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area and complete required production documentation accurately. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including vendors and shop personnel, using the internal management system and phone communication. Spend time on the production floor building trucks and collaborating closely with fabricators to ensure jobs are completed correctly and on schedule. Essential Skills At least 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing setting coordinating with internal and external stakeholders. Hands-on experience as a machine operator or CNC operator, preferably in a production welding or fabrication environment. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, cut lists, and job specifications accurately. Strong basic math skills to support measuring, layout, and verification of part dimensions. Demonstrated computer skills or the ability to quickly learn computer-based systems for loading programs and using internal management tools. Experience in manufacturing operations, including working around weld shops and fabrication equipment. Effective communication and organization skills to coordinate with supervisors, vendors, and shop personnel. Ability to safely operate forklifts and other material handling equipment such as front end loaders and Bobcats. Ability to inspect parts for quality and adhere to established standards and procedures. Why Work Here? You will join a small, close-knit shop environment where collaboration and communication are highly valued. The team-oriented culture emphasizes showing up, contributing reliably, and supporting one another. In return, you receive hands-on training, opportunities to build your skills with modern fabrication equipment, and a stable schedule that typically stays around 40 hours per week. The organization values transparency, mutual respect, and a practical, down-to-earth approach to getting quality work done. Work Environment The work environment combines a weld shop and office setting, offering a balance of hands-on fabrication and administrative coordination. The schedule is 1st shift, typically 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with any overtime occurring after the regular shift and total hours generally staying around 40 per week. The facility expects a clean, safe, and organized work area, and the dress code includes long pants, a sleeved shirt, and steel-toed boots; candidates should have their own welding hood and steel-toed footwear with metatarsal covers. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cedar Rapids, IA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $21.40 - $24.70/hr. 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 Cedar Rapids,IA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 2026. About Aerotek We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry - from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow. 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.