Helper Machine Operator Jobs in Rockford, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and tending sheet metal fabrication machines to produce industrial-grade steel products. In this role, you work with CNC-controlled equipment, including press brakes, punch presses, and folding machines, to cut, bend, notch, and form metal according to detailed production specifications and blueprints.

• Read work orders, blueprints, and production schedules to determine materials, cutting and folding locations, dimensions, and tolerances.
• Set up and operate various fabrication machines, including folding machines, press brakes, punch presses, drill presses, and other CNC-controlled equipment.
• Start machines, select the correct program for each part, monitor machine operations, and record operational data accurately.
• Position guides, stops, holding blocks, and other fixtures to secure and direct workpieces using hand tools and measuring devices.
• Position, align, and secure workpieces against fixtures or stops on machine beds or dies to ensure precise forming and cutting.
• Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, rulers, and tape measures.
• Conduct quality checks by examining completed parts for defects such as chipped edges and marred surfaces, sorting defective pieces by type of flaw and recording results properly.
• Perform daily machine safety checks to ensure all safety guards are secure and functioning, and do not operate any machine that is unsafe.
• Carry out daily routine maintenance, including cleaning and lubricating machines to maintain optimal performance.
• Grind out burrs and sharp edges using portable grinders and other required tools to ensure safe, finished products.
• Collaborate with internal departments to help maintain on-time production schedules and efficient workflow.
• Use hand tools, measuring tools, and basic mechanical techniques during machine setup, operation, and adjustment.
• Assist with general labor and assembly tasks in the fabrication machine shop as needed.
• Operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment when required to move materials and finished products.

• Proven experience operating and setting up fabrication machines such as folding machines, press brakes, and punch presses.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, work orders, and production schedules accurately.
• Strong proficiency using measuring tools, including tape measures, micrometers, calipers, gauges, templates, and rulers.
• Hands-on experience with CNC machines and machine operation in a fabrication or machine shop environment.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot basic machine and production issues.
• Ability to perform quality checks and identify defects such as chipped edges and marred surfaces.
• Experience performing routine machine maintenance, including cleaning and lubricating equipment.
• Comfort operating forklifts and working in general labor and assembly roles when needed.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and perform daily machine safety checks before operation.
• Capability to work effectively in a production environment and maintain on-time schedules through collaboration with internal teams.

• Experience working in a fabrication machine shop or similar manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with drill presses and other shop equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, defect-free parts.
• Good communication skills for coordinating with other departments and team members.
• Ability to grind burrs and sharp edges safely using portable grinders and related tools.
• General mechanical skills and comfort using a variety of hand tools.
• Willingness to perform general labor and assist with assembly tasks as needed.

Join a stable manufacturing environment where your technical skills with CNC machines and metal fabrication equipment are valued and developed. You work a consistent second-shift schedule that supports predictable work-life balance, while collaborating with a supportive team focused on quality, safety, and on-time production. The environment offers opportunities to broaden your mechanical and fabrication experience across multiple machines and processes.

This role is on second shift, working Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The position is based in a typical manufacturing facility that is not extremely dirty or extremely clean, with conditions that can become hot in the summer. You work in an environment that may have high noise levels, dust, chemicals, oil, and grease, and that may be hot, cold, or humid. You operate and work around CNC machines, press brakes, punch presses, folding machines, drill presses, forklifts, and other fabrication equipment, while adhering to all safety procedures appropriate for an industrial shop setting.

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

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $20.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in SOUTH BELOIT,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 25, 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.