Entry Level Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Entry-level Machine Operator/Calibration Tech, 2nd Shift
Location: West Des Moines, IA (50265)
Job ID: #72885
Pay Range: $18-22
Open to Us Citizens

1yr of Manufacturing, production background is (Preferred), it could be: Mechanical Assembly, Machine Operations, Machine Calibration

The Company - one of the largest aerospace and defense manufacturers in the world. In 2026, the company's rank in the Forbes Global 2000 was in the top 100.

Job Description

• Mechanical Manufacturing Technician I is an entry level position with no certification required.
• The purpose for an operator at this level is to learn and train on the basic understandings of all calibration specific operations.
• Mechanical Manufacturing Technician I is expected to have the basic level ability to prepare and assemble components to develop final or sub-assemblies with direct supervision by a certified calibrator (Mechanical Manufacturing Technician level II or above).
• The operator will set up and operate production equipment to ensure flow, spray angle, and quality of spray meets product specifications and tolerance levels.
• The operator is expected to follow established standard work under general supervision in efforts to obtain certification within 120 days.
• The operator will typically refer problems or deviations to more experienced operators including Lead Technicians, supervisors or engineers.

Essential Responsibilities: (Paid Training to Learn to do the following)

• In this role you will:
  • Learn how to set up and operate test stand to check nozzles, spray bars, and valves for spray quality, angle and flow according to specifications
  • Learn how to set up and operate laser marker and printer according to procedures and specifications.
  • Learn how to record spray parameters by serial number. Learns how to certify product conformance through test and records performance results by serial number.
  • May learn how to disassemble, repair, and assemble product according to specifications.
  • Accurately complete production documentation and performs necessary labor transitions.
  • Support and follow all rules/guidelines/standards set by EHS, Quality, and CI functions as set by your leader and position.
  • Work under immediate supervision. Normally receives detailed instructions on all work.
  • Develop basic job skills and learns company policies and procedures to complete routine tasks.
  • Tasks are routine/ repetitive in nature, requiring limited judgment. Has little or no role in decision-making.
  • Actively participate in the Continuous Improvement process as well as safety related activities.
  • May be required to work over 40 hours per week as scheduled to meet business needs.
  • All other duties as assigned including working extended shifts/overtime as required by the business.
  • Willingness to work nonstandard hours
  • Some Holiday hours may be required based on business need
  • Working extended shifts/overtime as required by the business

Desired (not required) Qualifications Skills & Experience:

• Manufacturing, production background is (Preferred), it could be: Mechanical Assembly, Machine Operations, Machine Calibration
• Manual dexterity to perform tasks associated with assembly and calibration
• Ability to learn how to read and understand prints.
• Basic computer proficiency (e-mail, print documents, internet) and ability to learn how to operate a computer to access prints and/or specified work instructions.
• Basic shop math including knowledge of Geometric Tolerances.
• Basic proficiency with identifying, analyzing, and resolving problems.
• Ability to learn basics of the position within first 3 months of employment.
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of employees and management

Other Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED
• Pass a Background & drug test
• Due to federal regulation or contracting requirements, this position is only available to U.S. Citizens
• Nothing matters more to the company than our strong ethical and safety commitments. As such, all U.S. positions require a background check, which may include a drug screen.
• This position is considered safety sensitive in accordance with FAA Guidelines. Candidate will be subject to drug and alcohol testing per FAA's regulation 14 CFR part 120, as well as 49 CFR part 40

* * * US Citizenship Requirements

Benefits provided: 401K, medical, dental, and vision, sick time as applicable to state law.
Butler America Aerospace, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer. Butler evaluates applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The Butler America Aerospace, LLC. EEO Policy Statement and "Know Your Rights" Poster is available here: Applicant and Employee Notices.
Butler America Aerospace, LLC. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at

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