Machine Operator Production Operator Jobs in DeKalb, IL

Job Title: Production Operator $25hr

Job Description

This role involves operating rubber stamping presses to manufacture precision rubber and metal components for aerospace applications, including military helicopter rotors and related equipment. You will load and unload parts from machines, perform thorough visual inspections, and use measuring tools to verify quality. The position requires consistent attention to detail, strong safety awareness, and the ability to work on your feet throughout the shift while handling moderately heavy materials.

Responsibilities

• Operate rubber stamping presses to produce rubber and metal aerospace parts according to established procedures and specifications.
• Load parts into the press, monitor the machine during operation, and safely remove finished parts from the press.
• Perform detailed visual inspections on finished parts to identify defects, inconsistencies, or nonconformities.
• Use measuring tools such as scales, micrometers, calipers, and other devices to verify part dimensions and quality.
• Follow written and verbal work instructions in English to ensure accurate setup, operation, and inspection of parts.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area within a general manufacturing environment with extrusion machines and automated equipment.
• Lift and move materials and parts weighing up to 50–75 pounds as needed throughout the shift.
• Communicate clearly with team members and supervisors regarding production status, quality issues, and equipment concerns.
• Adhere to all safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, including compliance with Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing protocols.
• Contribute to problem-solving activities by identifying issues in the production or inspection process and suggesting improvements.

Essential Skills

• Previous machine operating experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to operate production machinery safely and efficiently.
• Ability to perform accurate visual inspections of parts and finished products.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English to follow instructions and document work.
• Good spoken and written English communication skills for effective teamwork and reporting.
• Ability to use scales, micrometers, and other measuring devices to check part dimensions.
• Capability to lift up to 50–75 pounds and remain on your feet for the duration of the shift.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify and address production or quality issues.
• Willingness to comply with random drug and alcohol testing as required by Department of Transportation regulations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating a punch press in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience using calipers and additional precision measuring tools.
• Familiarity with press operating, inspecting, and other machine operation tasks in a production setting.
• Comfort working around extrusion machines and automated equipment.
• Union experience or interest in working in a unionized environment.

Why Work Here?

You will join a unionized workplace that offers the stability and support of a structured environment with access to union benefits. The work directly supports government-related aerospace projects, giving you the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, high-impact products. You will work in a clean manufacturing setting with established processes, consistent shifts, and the backing of a collective bargaining unit focused on fair treatment and workplace protections.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean general manufacturing environment that includes extrusion machines and automated equipment. This is a long-term second shift position, with an initial training period on a 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. schedule for the first 120 days while on contract. After this period and upon hire, the schedule transitions to a 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. second shift. You will spend most of the day on your feet, handling rubber and metal parts and occasionally lifting up to 50–75 pounds. The environment emphasizes safety, precision, and adherence to Department of Transportation requirements, including random drug and alcohol testing. Typical attire aligns with a standard manufacturing setting, where practical, safety-focused clothing and appropriate protective equipment are used.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.44 - $25.44/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 Elgin,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 18, 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.