Entry Level Operator Jobs in Lincoln, IL (NOW HIRING)

Hiring loader operator

Job Description

Join a metal fabrication shop that produces high-quality metal roofing, siding, and trim for large buildings. As a Loader Operator, you support production by moving raw materials, operating equipment, and preparing finished sheet metal products for shipment. You work closely with the trim and purlin departments to ensure accurate, safe, and efficient handling of sheet metal throughout the manufacturing process.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload sheet metal and other raw materials for the production of metal roofing, siding, and trim.
• Operate machinery in the trim department to form metal trim components for buildings.
• Feed and load sheet metal into machines, ensuring proper alignment and safe operation.
• Use a tape measure to verify dimensions and ensure products meet required specifications.
• Perform visual quality checks on sheet metal products to identify defects or inaccuracies.
• Assist in the purlin area with physically demanding tasks such as lifting products and preparing building frames.
• Handle sheet metal weighing approximately 50–60 pounds on a regular basis while maintaining safe lifting techniques.
• Use a banding gun to palletize orders and secure bundled sheet metal for shipment.
• Attach straps to products and wrap, bend, and position materials to prepare them for transport.
• Bundle sheet metal for loading onto trucks and ensure orders are complete and properly labeled.
• Support general production tasks including assembly, packaging, and general labor as needed.
• Work safely in a manufacturing environment by following safety procedures and using appropriate tools and equipment.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area to support efficient workflow and safe operations.
• Collaborate with team members and communicate any issues related to quality, equipment, or safety.

Essential Skills

• Experience working in a manufacturing or metal fabrication environment.
• Ability to read and use a tape measure accurately for measuring sheet metal and trim components.
• Basic math skills to verify measurements and quantities.
• Demonstrated ability to operate or learn to operate metal fabrication and sheet metal machinery.
• Comfort working with sheet metal, including cutting, bending, and handling materials.
• Ability to use hand tools and basic equipment such as banding guns and straps.
• Physically able to stand and work on your feet for an entire shift.
• Ability to regularly lift and handle sheet metal weighing 50–60 pounds.
• Strong focus on safety and adherence to safety procedures in a manufacturing environment.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address issues with measurements, quality, or equipment.
• Willingness to work 1st shift (6:00 AM–2:30 PM) or 2nd shift (3:00 PM–11:30 PM) Monday–Friday, with occasional work on Saturdays.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in general production, assembly, or general labor within a manufacturing setting.
• Experience in sheet metal fabrication, construction, or related trades.
• Familiarity with machine operation or machine operating in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience loading and unloading trucks, including bundling and packaging materials.
• Exposure to industrial overhead crane operations or supervisory experience in metal fabrication is beneficial.
• Willingness to learn and train on new equipment and processes, including entry-level candidates.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented production environment.

Why Work Here?

Work for a family-owned organization that values long-term growth, hands-on training, and internal development. You benefit from a clear path to increased earnings over time, with the opportunity to reach competitive pay within two years. The company offers shift options to support different schedules and provides training for entry-level candidates who are eager to build a career in metal fabrication and manufacturing. You join a stable operation where safety, teamwork, and craftsmanship are central to the culture.

Work Environment

This role is based in a metal fabrication shop focused on producing sheet metal roofing, siding, and trim for large buildings. The facility is not temperature controlled, so you work in conditions that reflect the outdoor climate throughout the year. You spend most of your shift on your feet, handling sheet metal, operating machines, and working around production equipment. The environment is fast-paced and hands-on, with regular lifting, bending, and movement. Standard shifts run Monday through Friday, with 1st shift from 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM and 2nd shift from 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM, and occasional work on Saturdays as production requires. The company provides training for entry-level employees and uses typical manufacturing tools and equipment such as sheet metal machines, hand tools, banding guns, and material handling devices

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

The pay range for this position is $18.65 - $19.65/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 Clinton,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 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.