at Aerotek in WHEELING, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Job Title: Machine Operator Job Description
The Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and inspecting fin tube milling centers to produce high-quality metal components in accordance with customer specifications. This role prepares and reviews material scans at the start of production, performs in-process quality checks, operates an overhead crane as needed, and identifies defects in tubes during production. The Machine Operator works closely with the team lead for work assignments, reports to a shift supervisor, and consistently follows all safety and environmental guidelines while maintaining a clean and organized work area.
Responsibilities
+ Set up and operate fin tube machines to perform progressive milling operations while holding precise tolerances and meeting finishing requirements per customer drawings.
+ Understand tube types, material dimensions, and tube structures to identify condenser and boiler conformance or nonconformance during production.
+ Inspect in-process material according to work instructions and promptly report any material that does not meet criteria so it can be properly identified and disposed of using correct deposition methods.
+ Prepare and review material scans at the start of production to ensure accurate setup and alignment with work orders.
+ Conduct regular quality checks during production to verify product accuracy, identify defects in tubes, and troubleshoot tooling or other production elements to maintain product quality.
+ Operate the overhead crane as needed to move materials and products safely within the facility.
+ Record measured quality data, scrap counts, and material usage using WFS or similar systems to ensure accurate tracking of inventory and product movements.
+ Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, ensuring all PPE, equipment safeguarding, and protective devices are functioning and used in accordance with EHS safety standards.
+ Load and unload machines throughout the shift, handling materials and components safely and efficiently.
+ Lift materials weighing approximately 40-50 pounds on a consistent basis while remaining on your feet for the majority of the workday.
+ Use basic math skills, including measurement math with decimals and fractions, to support accurate machine setup, inspection, and documentation.
+ Report all incidents that may impact the work area, material being produced, or other team members to the supervisor in a timely manner.
+ Suggest job-related improvements and cost-saving ideas to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety.
+ Perform related duties as assigned to meet the requirements of the position and organizational expectations.
+ Perform machine set-ups and quality troubleshooting as instructed to minimize impact on production flow and ensure continuous operations.
+ Ensure the work area remains clean, organized, and safe for all personnel at all times.
+ Demonstrate strong contribution within the organization through reliable performance, teamwork, and adherence to procedures.
+ Participate in training provided on facility-specific duties, processes, and equipment to build proficiency in all aspects of the role.
Essential Skills
+ Experience in machine operating and production in a manufacturing environment (6-12 months manufacturing experience preferred).
+ Ability to set up and operate fin tube machines and perform progressive milling operations with precise tolerances.
+ Strong inspection skills, including the ability to perform in-process quality checks and identify defects in tubes and other components.
+ Basic math skills, including understanding of measurement math related to decimals and fractions and the ability to perform other basic math functions.
+ Good written and verbal communication skills to document quality data, report issues, and communicate with team members and supervisors.
+ Ability to consistently lift 40-50 pounds and remain on your feet for the entirety of the workday.
+ Ability to load and unload machines safely and efficiently throughout the shift.
+ Understanding of manufacturing machine functions and interfaces, such as HMI input and output, calibration methods, and basic programming.
+ Ability to use printing and labeling auxiliaries and perform direct computer input for production and order start and finish operations.
+ Capability to perform set-ups and quality troubleshooting as instructed to minimize impact on production flow.
+ Ability to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area and adhere to all EHS safety standards.
+ Ability to report incidents, quality issues, and operational concerns promptly to supervisors.
+ Comfort working fully in Spanish is acceptable for communication within the role.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
+ High school diploma or GED is preferred.
+ CNC machining experience is a plus.
+ Experience with CNC operation and general machine operating or production is highly desirable.
+ Forklift experience is preferred.
+ Ability to use WFS or similar systems to record quality data, scrap counts, and material usage.
+ Strong attention to detail and focus on quality and troubleshooting of tools and production elements.
+ Willingness to suggest job-related improvements and cost-saving ideas.
+ Ability to be recognized as a strong contributor within the organization through reliability and teamwork.
+ Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
Why Work Here?
Employees benefit from a comprehensive package that supports health, financial security, and work-life balance. Medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and other benefits are available, along with retirement savings through a 401(k) contribution plus match. Paid vacation and holidays help maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. With thousands of employees worldwide and dozens of locations across North America, there are extensive opportunities for growth and advancement. Wellness programs encourage participation in a personalized approach to health, offering potential healthcare premium discounts and HSA employer contributions based on program status. The organization is committed to sustainability, continually advancing eco-friendly solutions and pushing boundaries to create a better future for upcoming generations.
Work Environment
The role is based in a very clean metals manufacturing environment with approximately 33 pieces of equipment supporting multi-operational processes. Work is performed on the production floor, requiring being on your feet for most of the day and consistently lifting 40-50 pounds while loading and unloading machines. The facility emphasizes safety, with required PPE, equipment safeguarding, and protective devices used in accordance with EHS standards. Multiple shift options are available, including 2nd Shift (Monday-Friday, 3 pm-11 pm) and 3rd Shift (Monday-Friday, 11 pm-7 am), as well as hybrid schedules: 2nd Shift Hybrid A (Monday-Wednesday: 3 pm-11 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 7 pm-7 am), 2nd Shift Hybrid B (Thursday-Friday: 3 pm-11 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 7 pm-7 am), 3rd Shift Hybrid A (Monday-Wednesday: 11 pm-7 am; Saturday & Sunday: 7 pm-7 am), and 3rd Shift Hybrid B (Thursday-Friday: 11 pm-7 am; Saturday & Sunday: 7 pm-7 am). Shift differentials are offered for 2nd and 3rd shifts, and the environment provides significant growth opportunities within a modern, well-maintained manufacturing facility.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wheeling, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $21.00 – $23.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to chang
