Basic Machine Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Machine Operator

2nd - 2pm-10:30pm Mon - Fri

3rd - 10pm-6:30am Sun-Thurs

Job Description

This role operates manual and automated saws to cut metal bar, tube, plate, and structural material according to work orders in a heavy metals manufacturing environment. You perform in‑process and final inspections, handle and bundle material with a forklift, and help maintain safe, efficient production. You set up and adjust saws, monitor cutting operations for accuracy and quality, complete routine equipment maintenance, and accurately record production and inspection data while following strict safety procedures and collaborating with the production and quality teams.

Responsibilities

• Operate manual and automated saws to cut metal bar, tube, plate, and structural material according to work orders and production requirements.
• Set up saws by selecting appropriate blades, adjusting feeds and speeds, and configuring equipment based on material type and cut specifications.
• Monitor cutting operations to ensure dimensional accuracy, proper surface finish, and compliance with quality standards.
• Perform in‑process and final inspections using go/no‑go gauges, tape measures, calipers, and other measuring tools to verify product quality.
• Bundle cut material and securely place it on pallets using a forklift, following proper material‑handling and stacking practices.
• Build pallets when required to support safe and efficient storage and transport of materials.
• Perform routine maintenance on saws and related equipment, including blade changes, lubrication, and cleaning to maintain optimal performance.
• Record production data, inspection results, and material usage accurately in logs or digital systems to support traceability and continuous improvement.
• Follow all safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe material‑handling practices.
• Collaborate with supervisors, quality inspectors, and material handlers to maintain workflow, resolve production issues, and meet output targets.
• Work effectively on 2nd shift (2:00 PM – 10:00 PM) with regular overtime expectations of approximately 5–10 hours per week.
• Operate a forklift safely in a heavy industrial metals environment and support general production and material movement as needed.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating forklifts in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Machine operating experience in a production or metals manufacturing setting.
• Comfort working in a heavy metals environment, including exposure to heat and industrial noise.
• Ability to operate saws or basic machining equipment for cutting operations.
• Proficiency using tape measures, calipers, go/no‑go gauges, and other measuring tools for inspection.
• Basic blueprint or work order reading skills to understand cut requirements and tolerances.
• Ability to follow detailed safety procedures, including lockout/tagout and PPE usage.
• Capability to perform routine equipment maintenance such as blade changes, lubrication, and cleaning.
• Material‑handling experience, including bundling and palletizing metal products.
• General production experience in a heavy industrial or metalworking environment.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $24.25/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 Woodstock,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 15, 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.

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.