Heavy Machine Operator Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Machine Operator $18-22

1st: 8am-4pm

2nd: 4pm-12am

3rd: 12am-8am

Job Description

This role combines machine operation and material handling in a high-volume metals manufacturing and fabrication environment. You will operate a variety of presses, torches, and cutting equipment, use overhead cranes and forklifts to move materials, and support production by loading and unloading machines, monitoring processes, and maintaining a clean and safe work area. The position offers cross-training across multiple departments, clear promotion paths, and significant opportunities for overtime.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of production machines, including drill presses, shear presses, punch presses, straightening presses, torches, saws, and related equipment.
• Load and unload machines with raw materials and finished parts, ensuring correct placement and safe handling at all times.
• Monitor machines during operation to ensure products move properly through each stage of the process and meet quality expectations.
• Use overhead cranes to safely lift, move, and position heavy materials and products throughout the facility.
• Operate forklifts and CombiLift equipment to transport materials, components, and finished goods as needed.
• Use hand and power tools to support production tasks, adjustments, and basic maintenance activities.
• Clean quench tanks and maintain a clean, organized work area to support safety and production efficiency.
• Perform general housekeeping and special cleanup duties as assigned to maintain a safe and orderly production environment.
• Follow written and verbal directions from supervisors and production leads to meet daily production goals.
• Work as part of a production team, participating in daily production meetings and communicating effectively with coworkers and leadership.
• Cross-train in multiple areas based on production needs, learning new machines and processes over time.
• Support general production activities such as general labor, general assembly, and use of production equipment and production lines.
• Handle metal stamping and other metal fabrication tasks as required by the production schedule.
• Lift boxes and materials weighing up to 50 pounds repeatedly and safely during the shift.
• Adhere to all safety policies and procedures, including safe operation of machines, cranes, forklifts, and tools.

Essential Skills

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly throughout the shift.
• Ability to stand for 8 hours or more while performing production and machine operation tasks.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions accurately and consistently.
• Experience with general production or machine operating work.
• Comfort working around heavy machinery, furnaces, and heat-treating equipment.
• Basic experience with hand and power tools in a production or similar environment.
• Capability to work safely with overhead cranes and moving equipment after training.
• Willingness to work assigned shift (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) and overtime as needed.
• Reliability and strong attendance to support production schedules.

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

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $20.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Crystal Lake,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 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.