Associate Machine Shop Lead Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The Shop Laborer supports production by cleaning, finishing, and handling metal parts used in food processing equipment. This role involves frequent use of hand and power tools, repetitive tasks, and consistent lifting, while maintaining a clean and safe work area in a modern, climate-controlled facility.

• Clean welds on parts using a small weld cleaning unit, including applying a mild acid solution, rinsing with water, and using a neutralizing solution to ensure proper weld finishing.
• Handle and move parts coming off machines, ensuring they are properly organized and staged for the next operation.
• Wash parts thoroughly to meet cleanliness standards for food processing equipment components.
• Utilize hand tools and power tools to perform general shop labor tasks such as cleaning, deburring, and part handling.
• Lift and move parts weighing up to 50 pounds frequently throughout the shift.
• Use handheld grinders to grind, polish, and finish parts to specified requirements.
• Operate small pencil grinders and other finishing tools to remove burrs and refine part surfaces.
• Stack parts on carts and pallets in an organized and safe manner to support efficient workflow.
• Sort items into inventory using a cart, ensuring parts are placed in correct locations and labeled accurately.
• Perform repetitive work on batches of up to 100 parts at a time while maintaining consistent quality and attention to detail.
• Learn to read and interpret very basic blueprints if necessary to understand part requirements and finishing standards.
• Follow all safety procedures when working with tools, equipment, and cleaning solutions.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and support general shop housekeeping as needed.
• Demonstrate consistent reliability by arriving on time, completing assigned tasks, and supporting production schedules.
• Perform general shop labor duties as assigned to support overall production operations.

• Experience using hand tools such as wrenches, files, and basic manual tools in a shop or labor environment.
• Experience using power tools, including grinders and similar equipment, in a safe and controlled manner.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to work with metal parts and shop equipment.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure welds, finishes, and parts meet quality expectations.
• Ability to use a tape measure accurately for basic measurements.
• Basic math skills, including counting and simple measurements, to handle part quantities and inventory.
• Capability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently during the shift.
• Comfort performing very repetitive tasks on large batches of parts while maintaining quality.
• Reliability and strong work ethic, including consistent attendance and dependability.
• Willingness to learn basic blueprint reading as needed for the role.

• Prior experience with deburring, grinding, or fabrication work in a shop environment.
• Experience with machining processes or exposure to machine shop operations.
• General labor experience in a production, manufacturing, or shop setting.
• Strong initiative and desire to grow with a company and take on more advanced responsibilities over time.
• Interest in developing skills that could lead to roles such as machine operator (CNC or saw), welder, or service technician.
• Openness to learning new skills and starting in an entry-level role to build a long-term career.
• Comfort working independently while still being part of a production team.

You will join a clean, well-organized, and modern production environment that invests in training and long-term development. Starting in an entry-level labor role, you will have clear opportunities to grow into positions such as machine operator, welder, or service technician. The organization offers solid benefits, a 401(k) plan, and a stable, long-term career path for individuals who show initiative, reliability, and a desire to learn.

This role is based in a very clean, climate-controlled, and well-lit production facility. You will work on the production floor alongside approximately 15 other employees while operating as the primary person in your specific department, with coworkers located close by for support. The position follows a first-shift schedule of 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional work after the shift until 5:30 p.m. and occasional Saturday hours from 7:00 a.m. to noon as needed. The work involves frequent use of hand tools, power tools, handheld grinders, and small pencil grinders, as well as handling cleaning solutions in a controlled manner. The environment emphasizes safety, organization, and consistent workflow, with clear expectations around reliability and productivity.

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

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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 Frankfort,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 2026.

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.

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 meet 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 in solving 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.