Machine Operator

at Aerotek in Phoenix, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Job Title: Machine Operator Job Description

The Machine Operator oversees the 400/600 production decks, monitoring, maintaining, and operating high-volume industrial machinery that cuts, drills, and assembles mass timber products and wood pallets. This role ensures lumber is fed correctly into the machines, prevents and clears jams, and maintains a smooth and safe flow of finished wooden pallets along conveyor lines for staging and shipping.

Responsibilities

+ Monitor and operate high-volume industrial machinery on the 400/600 production decks to cut, drill, and assemble mass timber products and wood pallets.

+ Set up, adjust, and maintain machines to ensure lumber material feeds correctly and consistently through the production process.

+ Observe production lines to identify, prevent, and clear jams, ensuring continuous and efficient operation.

+ Use hand tools and power tools safely and effectively to support machine operation, adjustments, and minor maintenance.

+ Read and interpret blueprints, work orders, and production specifications to ensure products meet required standards.

+ Measure materials and finished products using tape measures and other measuring tools to verify accuracy and quality.

+ Inspect products and materials for defects, damage, or inconsistencies and take appropriate corrective actions.

+ Perform basic troubleshooting of mechanical and operational issues, escalating more complex problems when needed.

+ Operate forklifts or other material handling equipment to move lumber, pallets, and finished products as required.

+ Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including regular removal of wood shavings and debris.

+ Follow all safety procedures and guidelines while working in a manufacturing environment, including safe use of equipment and tools.

+ Communicate clearly with team members and supervisors about production status, issues, and improvement opportunities.

+ Work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment while maintaining high attention to detail and quality standards.

+ Support general labor and general production tasks as needed to meet daily output and shipping schedules.

Essential Skills

+ Experience operating production and manufacturing machinery in an industrial environment.

+ Proficiency in machine operation, including starting, stopping, monitoring, and adjusting equipment.

+ Ability to use hand tools and power tools safely and effectively in a production setting.

+ Ability to read and interpret blueprints and production documentation.

+ Skill in using a tape measure and other measuring tools to verify dimensions and tolerances.

+ Basic mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform inspection and troubleshooting of equipment issues.

+ Strong attention to detail to ensure product quality and safe machine operation.

+ Effective communication skills to coordinate with team members and supervisors.

+ Ability to perform general labor and general production tasks as part of a manufacturing team.

+ Comfort working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and safety.

+ Problem-solving skills to identify issues in the production process and implement practical solutions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience working in a manufacturing or production environment, particularly with wood products or pallets.

+ Familiarity with operating forklifts or other material handling equipment.

+ Ability to perform basic mechanical troubleshooting and minor maintenance on production equipment.

+ Comfort working with wood materials, including managing dust and wood shavings.

+ Reliability and strong work ethic, with the ability to maintain consistent attendance and productivity.

+ Willingness to follow safety procedures and contribute to a safe and efficient workplace.

Why Work Here?

You join a stable, profitable, and safety-focused company that values long-term employment and employee ownership. You can expect full-time hours, the opportunity to transition to a permanent role, and access to benefits and insurance once permanent. The organization promotes a culture of teamwork, responsibility, and continuous improvement, offering a workplace where your contribution directly supports shared success.

Work Environment

You will work on the production floor in a manufacturing environment that is well organized and generally clean, with some dust from wood shavings. The facility can be warmer in the summer and colder in the winter, reflecting typical conditions in a wood products operation. You will regularly work around industrial machinery, conveyor lines, and material handling equipment, using hand tools, power tools, and measuring tools throughout your shift. The role involves standing, moving, and performing hands-on tasks in a fast-paced setting while following established safety procedures and guidelines.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $17.60 – $19.10/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 Phoenix,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 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.