Entry Level Machine Operator Jobs in Rockford, IL

Job Title: Machine OperatorJob Description

The Value Add Area Operator supports post-production operations by performing secondary processes on stamped or fabricated metal parts. This role focuses on final finishing, assembly, inspection, and packaging to ensure parts meet customer quality and delivery requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform secondary/value-add operations such as deburring, tapping, drilling, grinding, washing, and light assembly.
• Operate basic shop equipment including drill presses, tapping machines, arbor presses, and hand tools.
• Conduct visual and basic dimensional inspections to ensure part quality.
• Sort, label, and package finished parts for shipment.
• Follow work instructions, blueprints, and quality standards.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation (5S).
• Identify and report quality issues or defects to supervision.
• Support production goals by meeting efficiency and quality expectations.
• Follow all safety procedures and plant policies.

Essential Skills

• Experience in machining or manufacturing.
• Proficiency in machine operation and production.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Basic math and mechanical skills.
• Experience with general labor, loading, measuring tools, and blueprint reading.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to utilize hand and power tools.
• Attention to quality.
• Mechanical aptitude is a plus.

Why Work Here?

Working in the Value Add area provides exposure to multiple operations such as deburring, inspection, assembly, and material handling, allowing growth beyond entry-level work. Employees who show reliability and attention to detail are often trained in additional tasks or considered for other departments.

Work Environment

This position is on the 2nd shift, from 2pm to 10:30pm, with a standard 40-hour work week. While overtime may be required, it is not consistent. The work takes place in a family-owned, 130,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility located in Union, Illinois. The facility is equipped with over 90 pieces of manufacturing equipment, including Matsuura and Makino Vertical & Horizontal Machining Centers, Saw Cutting, and Wash Systems. The company operates three shifts, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and serves diverse markets including Hydraulics, Agriculture, Medical, Construction, and more. It is registered and certified as an approved Department of Defense Contractor and is ITAR compliant.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in UNION,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 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.