Machine Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on operating and supporting metal processing equipment that converts large coils of stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and steel into smaller coils or large sheet products. You will start in a packaging-focused position on the production line, where you will package finished metal products and learn the fundamentals of machine operation. Over time, you will cross-train on forklifts, overhead cranes, and production machinery, with a clear pathway to a full machine operator position. This is a union environment, and after 90 days you become a union member and can apply for a titled machine operator role.

Responsibilities

• Operate and support metal processing machinery that cuts large coils of metal into smaller coils or large sheets.
• Begin on the production line in a packaging role, placing finished metal products onto crates so they can be safely loaded and transported by forklift.
• Use an overhead crane to help load large metal coils into machines and move materials safely throughout the facility once trained.
• Operate a forklift to move metal coils, finished products, and crates around the production area after completing training.
• Follow detailed production instructions and machine settings to ensure coils and sheets meet required specifications.
• Use basic measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, tape measures, and other hand tools to inspect and verify product dimensions.
• Perform routine inspections of products and equipment to identify defects, quality issues, or irregularities and report them promptly.
• Assist with basic machine setup, adjustments, and troubleshooting under guidance to maintain consistent production quality.
• Support general labor tasks on the production floor, including organizing materials, cleaning work areas, and assisting team members as needed.
• Participate in the crating area, working in a carpentry-style environment to help build and prepare crates for finished metal products.
• Handle materials safely by adhering to the policy of no lifting over 50 lbs, using team lifts or mechanical assistance for heavier items.
• Work scheduled weekday and Saturday shifts as required, including early start times, in accordance with union scheduling and notice requirements.
• Follow all safety procedures, including proper use of equipment and personal protective gear, to maintain a safe work environment.
• Collaborate closely with other production employees to meet production goals, support gain share performance, and maintain consistent output.
• Read and interpret basic blueprints, manuals, or work instructions to understand job requirements and machine operations once trained.

Essential Skills

• Previous experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to work required overtime, including Saturday shifts when needed with appropriate notice.
• Comfort working in a metal manufacturing environment that handles large metal coils.
• Basic English communication skills; ability to understand and follow safety instructions and production directions.
• Ability to safely perform physical work in a production setting, including standing for long periods and handling materials up to 50 lbs with proper assistance for heavier items.
• Readiness to learn machine operation, forklift operation, and overhead crane usage through on-the-job training.
• Comfort using basic measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, tape measures, and hand tools after training.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and quality standards in a heavy industrial environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience setting up production machines or metal processing equipment.
• Experience working with large metal coils in a manufacturing or metals processing facility.
• Prior experience working in a unionized production environment.
• Exposure to operating or assisting with equipment such as press brakes, shears, or slitters.
• Familiarity with reading blueprints, manuals, and basic technical instructions.
• Experience with general labor tasks in an industrial setting, including inspection and troubleshooting.
• Comfort working with or around forklifts, overhead cranes, and other material handling equipment.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers a structured path for growth in a stable, unionized metal manufacturing environment. You start in a packaging-focused role, gain hands-on training, and can progress into a titled machine operator position with higher pay. The compensation structure includes regular pay increases, a gain share bonus every two weeks tied to machine productivity, and quarterly bonuses for attendance and safety, rewarding reliability and performance. The team-based environment emphasizes cross-training, so you can build valuable skills in machine operation, forklifts, and overhead cranes while contributing directly to production output. Employees benefit from clear expectations, consistent schedules, and a culture that recognizes safety, quality, and continuous learning.

Work Environment

The facility employs approximately 30 production team members and operates as a union shop, with union membership after 90 days. The environment is a heavy industrial metal manufacturing setting where large coils of stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and steel are processed into smaller coils or large sheets. Overhead cranes run throughout the plant to load coils into machines and move finished products, and trucks drive directly into the facility to be loaded. The workday schedule typically runs Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with some team members starting earlier around 5:00 a.m., and Saturday shifts from either 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. as required with union-governed notice. You will work around machinery such as slitters, shears, and press brakes, and use equipment including forklifts, overhead cranes, and various hand tools. The environment includes a crating area that functions like a carpentry shop, where wooden crates are built and prepared for metal products. Safety is a priority, with a clear policy that no individual lifts more than 50 lbs without assistance. Attire is typical for industrial manufacturing, with appropriate work clothing and personal protective equipment required to ensure safety around heavy machinery, metal products, and moving vehicles.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.56 - $24.56/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 Northbrook,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 23, 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.