Machine Operate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

This role involves setting up, operating, or learning to set up and run press brakes and laser equipment within a fabrication department. You will work primarily with Cincinnati and Amada press brakes, as well as laser systems and other metal forming machines such as LVD Strippit turrets, to produce high-quality sheet metal components according to specifications and blueprints.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate press brake machines, including Cincinnati and Amada equipment, to form sheet metal parts to precise specifications.
• Set up and operate laser cutting equipment and other metal forming machines such as LVD Strippit turrets within the fabrication department.
• Assist with machine setups or learn to perform full setups, including light setup tasks and tool changes, to ensure efficient production.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and work instructions to determine dimensions, tolerances, and required machine operations.
• Use calipers, micrometers, tape measures, and other measuring tools to inspect parts and verify conformance to specifications.
• Apply strong knowledge of bends and bend allowances to achieve accurate and consistent formed parts.
• Monitor machine operations, make necessary adjustments, and troubleshoot minor issues to maintain quality and productivity.
• Perform basic assembly tasks related to fabricated components as needed.
• Follow all safety procedures and best practices while operating equipment in a sheet metal fabrication environment.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts, training sessions, and apprenticeship learning to enhance skills and support process improvements.

Essential Skills

• 2–5+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably in fabrication, press brake, punch, shear, turret, or general machine operation.
• Experience performing light machine setups or tool changes in a production environment.
• Proficiency in operating press brake machines and laser cutting equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and production drawings.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on machine operating skills.
• Proficient use of calipers, micrometers, tape measures, and other measuring tools for inspection.
• Strong knowledge of bends and bend allowances for sheet metal forming.
• Ability to work accurately and efficiently in a fabrication setting while maintaining high quality standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating LVD Strippit turrets or similar turret punch presses.
• Prior experience in sheet metal fabrication or related trades.
• Willingness to participate in a structured apprenticeship program to advance toward journeyman sheet metal worker status.
• Interest in learning programming and setup of fabrication equipment through in-house training.
• Comfort working with continuous improvement programs and adopting new processes and technologies.

Why Work Here?

This organization offers a supportive, growth-oriented culture with a strong focus on safety, training, and long-term career development. Team members have access to an annual bonus program, a 50% match on weekly Health Savings Account contributions, health insurance, and $50,000 in life insurance coverage. A 401(k) retirement savings plan with a 3% Safe Harbor contribution helps support financial security. Employees benefit from in-house training with a state-approved apprenticeship program, education reimbursement with an earn-while-you-learn model, and a continuous improvement program that encourages ongoing development. The company provides personal protective equipment at no cost, including new safety work boots, and offers optional dental coverage, short-term disability, accrued vacation, and annual recognition awards. An open-door policy and veteran-friendly practices underscore a culture of respect, accessibility, and appreciation.

Work Environment

The role is based in a highly safe sheet metal fabrication shop that prioritizes the well-being of its workforce and is recognized as one of the safest manufacturers in the industry. Leadership actively gets to know employees, fostering a team-oriented environment where people feel valued for who they are and what they contribute. The facility is climate-controlled and equipped with high-end, modern fabrication machinery, with ongoing investments in new equipment. A structured four-year apprenticeship program is available on site, where an instructor provides weekly training on programming and setup of equipment on the production floor, supporting employees who wish to become journeyman sheet metal workers. The work schedule is a first-shift assignment, running from 5:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, providing a consistent routine and three-day weekends. Personal protective equipment, including safety work boots, is provided at no cost, reinforcing a professional and safety-conscious work environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fridley, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $29.00/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 Fridley,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 2026.

About Aerotek

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 meets 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 solving for 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.

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.