Production Machine Operator

Job Title: Production Machine Operator

Job Description

Operate specialized machines that produce custom alloys, non-standard diameters, and specialty mechanical properties with efficiency and precision. The role involves managing Wire Drawing Machines to stretch metal into thinner wire, utilizing Cutting & Straightening Lines for tailored metal bar lengths, and handling coils with the Coil Handler for safe and swift movement.

Responsibilities

• Operate production machinery according to established procedures.
• Start and adjust machines to regulate speed, temperature, and other settings.
• Monitor production output to ensure quality and consistency.
• Record production data using computerized or manual systems.
• Perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting on machines.
• Follow safety protocols and maintain a clean work environment.

Essential Skills

• Previous manufacturing experience or machine operation role.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.
• Experience with general production, general labor, and metal fabrication.
• Proficiency with hand and power tools, measuring tools, and machine operation.
• Ability to lift heavy materials and perform steel fabrication.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Assembly experience.
• Forklift operation skills.
• Construction and loading experience.
• Demonstrated accountability, teamwork, integrity, respect, and excellence.

Why Work Here?

Enjoy a positive team culture with support across all shifts. Opportunities for growth are abundant, with many supervisors and team leaders having started as operators. The company prioritizes internal promotions, offering lateral career moves and on-the-job teaching. Employees receive annual performance reviews and continuous feedback to foster personal and professional development. Autonomy is valued, with a focus on accountability and respect.

Work Environment

Work a 2nd shift or 3rd shift. The facility spans 300,000 sq. ft., equipped with advanced machinery for bar and wire processing. The clean and organized layout includes designated zones for drawing, annealing, cutting, and finishing, and features high-tech equipment like 'The Gillette' back die shaver and 'The Diablo' batch furnace. Emphasis is placed on lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

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

The pay range for this position is $17.50 - $22.50/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Freeport,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 6, 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.